Women's Mentoring Network, INC.

Established in 1990 by co-founders Paige Oristano and Louise Moss, Women’s Mentoring Network is a grassroots organization serving Lower Fairfield County. The agency is non-profit and is funded through individual contributions, foundations, corporate grants, gifts from community organizations and special events. There are no fees for services. Extensive volunteer participation is an integral component of all programs. Women’s Mentoring Network empowers low-income women and their families by providing the support services and programs needed to help them find better employment and educational opportunities. Programs focus on Workforce Development and Financial Literacy. Economic empowerment fosters positive life expectations. It is the most effective strategy against homelessness, hunger and social disorder and consequently, is the most effective strategy to break the cycle of generational poverty. It is the foundation for a workforce that contributes to the needs of today’s marketplace and to a quality workforce for tomorrow. The individuals that walk through our door are hardworking individuals – they are working one or two jobs or working and going to school. Most are living paycheck-to-paycheck. They are not looking for handouts. These women voluntarily seek our help so that they may have the ability to move forward in life and provide a better life for their families. The staff provides the clients with one-on-one in-office services, as well as Life Skills Workshops. Women’s Mentoring Network is a multi-generational, family organization. In addition to assisting the women, we work with the children of the families that we serve to assist the students with achieving their goals as they navigate their way through high school and college. We also recently started a tutoring program for elementary school and middle school students.