The Women’s Place Offers Health and Help

Written By Lisa Breslin

For 10 years, The Women’s Place in Westminster has been a refuge for thousands of Carroll County residents.

Certainly, most of the 8,300 people who walked through the doors at 200 Memorial Avenue for assistance last year were women, but men are welcome too.

Regardless of age, gender, income or insurance coverage (or the lack of it), The Women’s Place offers support that can be as complex as navigating cancer care and services or as simple as offering a hand-quilted pillow for a patient to rest on after surgery.

Clients also come in for classes, health screenings, massage and acupuncture – or even a quiet place to read.
Like many outreach programs before it, the Women’s Place grew from a grant-funded good idea, to a lasting program funded by a larger organization – in this case, Carroll Hospital Center.

And, like many other outreach programs in Carroll County, several people recognized a need and transformed The Women’s Place from a meaningful vision to a viable reality.

Leading the team effort for The Women’s Place is Eileen Overfelt, its manager, and her assistant, Lisa Cinquegrani.

“I do love my job and the reward of helping people,” Overfelt said. “And I have loved being a part of The Women’s Place as it grows.”

In addition to $159,000 from Carroll Hospital Center and fund raisers like the Hope and Healing Luncheon, community generosity fuels The Women’s Place success, said Overfelt.

Hundreds of wigs, some with the tags still on them, are donated by the community. Handmade hats, pillows and hundreds of health-related books are donated as well. The Resource Center Library at The Women’s Place boasts a comprehensive collection of books, CD-ROMS, audio-visual materials and brochures.

“When you have cancer, half of the fear is because you are not sure what’s happening, let alone what is going to happen next,” said Darleen Raver, a cancer survivor six years out who once leaned on (but now helps support) The Women’s Place.

“They supported me and educated me through every step,” Raver said. “I remember right before surgery, someone told me, ÔWhen you open your eyes and you come to, ask for the support pillow.’ I did, and the doctors gave me a hand-quilted pillow. I still sleep with that pillow.”

“The Women’s Place took away my fears,” said Raver. “That’s what the place is all about.”

The Women’s Place, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD. Hours: M-F: 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Information: (410) 871-6161