March is Women’s History Month, but at the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, support for women is all year long.
The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing sits on Michigan Avenue.
“Our goal is to have every woman reach their unique potential,” Melinna Brann said.
It’s where Executive Director, Melina Brann, is hooked on women’s wellness.
“Women also need mental health counseling to get through some of the things they were experiencing,” Brann said.
The center supports domestic survivors and women with low-income.
“The number one reason people come in here is because it’s a safe space,” Brann said.
It’s a chance to get back on their feet.
“Seeing them at the end of their counseling time smile, can make all the difference,” Brann said.
Melina and Emily want to make a difference.
“A lot of the time, people don’t realize we are here and that most of our services are free,” Graduate Intern, Emily Wegenke said.
“I found the women’s center when I was a client and was going through my own divorce. I want to help women the way I was helped during that time,” Brann said.
At the Women’s Center, happiness is a choice. They choose to continue to make women in their community happy. Especially by adding a little bit more magic behind the upstairs closet door.
Something really interesting happened during the pandemic. When businesses were shutting down… the center thrived… seeing an overflow of donations.
“We’ve received a lot of clothing donations from people, because people are cleaning out their closets,” Wegenke said.
It’s important to Wegenke to provide a non-judgmental environment to women in need.
“At this moment since not a lot of people are coming in because of the pandemic, we are full to the brim with clothes. So, we are not currently accepting clothing donations,” Brann said.
From donators closets to the free closet, clients have a full wardrobe to choose two free professional outfits. The center helps women in the community get dressed to impress.
“The goal is to continue to create and inclusive environment for all women and that domestic violence is appropriately addressed,” Wegenke said.
At this time, clothing donations are not being accepted. But, you can still help a woman in need by visiting womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org.