It is fitting as we celebrated the anniversaries of Luisanny Ortiz and Christie Schweizer – two amazing women who have been a huge part of Anchor House’s history for the last fifteen years – that we also are celebrating Women’s History Month!
Anchor House hosted an event designed to both educate staff and youth about women’s history and also to celebrate the phenomenal women of Anchor House and those in our lives.
Mary Smith, our Anchor Line Case Manager who served on the celebration’s planning committee, kicked off the event by talking about the history behind Women’s History Month. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 2–8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. It wasn’t until March 1987 that March was proclaimed Women’s History Month.
The event committee, comprised of (pictured here, left to right) June Albanowski, Director of Youth Services, Taylor Carmona, an MSW intern at Rutgers University School of Social Work, and Mary asked several staff members to share their stories of women that inspired them which ranged from Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to Congress from the South, singer Pink for her talent and fearlessness to be herself, and biblical figure Ruth. One Case Manager shared how her mother was an inspiration to her, raising her and her sister while being young herself, and how her mom introduced the music of strong female singers into their home.
The history lesson turned to the women of Anchor House. The event committee interviewed several Anchor House staff and shared their discoveries with the group. It ranged from fun facts like favorite colors to accomplishments like being able to have a meaningful career while also raising a family and having a personal life. Self-care was another interview question and responses ranged from reading to beach trips to sleep. One Case Manager shared during the interview her gratitude for being part of Anchor House and given the opportunity to do this work. Kim McNear, our Executive Director, said she was grateful to have the opportunity to mentor young women, both professionally and personally.
We must point out that Anchor House is led by women including Kim as our Executive Director and Board President Kristie Sells, and almost all of our administrators are female.
It wouldn’t be an Anchor House party without good food, great music, laughs, trivia about women’s history and giveaways.
We thank the committee for planning such an informative and joyful event.
