Important Update Regarding SNAP Benefits

Due to the federal government shutdown, no new SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will be issued in Connecticut starting November 1, 2025. While remaining funds on EBT cards will still be accessible, the state is providing $3 million in emergency state funding to Foodshare to distribute meals to affected residents.

Whether you’re seeking support or looking for ways to give back, we’re here to help. Contact us by phone or email, or reach out to one of our community partners providing vital services in our community :

Community Dining Room

Guilford Food Bank

Madison Community Services: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Helping Hands Food Pantry

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries

Please Note: We are unable to accept donations of food, toys, clothing, or furniture. If you are interested in donating, please click the Donate tab for more information.

Supporting and Empowering Families for Over 30 Years

At Women & Family Life Center, we understand that life can bring unexpected challenges — whether you’re coping with the loss of a home, navigating a divorce, leaving an abusive relationship, facing mental health struggles, or searching for a job. Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone.

We’re here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can access the resources, education, and community connections you need to rebuild your confidence and create a fresh start. Every day, we walk alongside women and families who might otherwise have nowhere else to turn — and together, we help them move forward.

To access our services, we ask that all participants complete a brief intake process with one of our Referral Navigators. This helps us get to know you and your needs, and it also allows us to collect important information required by our grant funders. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation — it helps us keep our programs free and accessible to everyone.

We proudly serve the communities of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

Our services are available to anyone, regardless of income, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. Every program we offer is provided at no cost to participants.

Women & Family Life Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Guilford, Connecticut, and we’ve been proudly supporting women and families along the Connecticut Shoreline since 1991.

Office Hours

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

WALK-INS WELCOME

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Donate Today!

At a Glance

EmpowHer Gala 2026 : Celebrating Generations of Strength

The Woodwinds | Branford, Connecticut | March 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Click here to learn more!

Annual Giving Tree: Supporting Our Community This Holiday Season

This holiday season, the Women & Family Life Center invites you to join our Annual Giving Tree by donating gift cards or toiletries to support individuals and families in need.

You can visit our Center to choose a tag from the Giving Tree — each tag represents a specific gift card — or simply donate a gift card of your choosing. We are especially seeking gift cards that help provide food and basic necessities, such as:

Grocery stores

Gas stations

Target, Walmart, or Amazon

Any locations that accept EBT

In addition, we are collecting full-size, unopened, and unexpired toiletry items to help supplement households impacted by recent SNAP benefit losses and ongoing changes related to the federal government shutdown and beyond.

Donations accepted 11/1 –12/31

Monday–Friday, 10:00 am–3:30 pm

96 Fair Street, Guilford

Please contact us with any questions.

New Program at Women & Family Life Center!

We are thrilled to share that our brand-new youth empowerment program, EmpowHer: Girls in STEM, launched on September 27th with incredible success! Designed for 5th and 6th-grade girls, the six-session series is giving students the chance to dive into different STEM fields through hands-on experiences with inspiring guest facilitators, all guided by head facilitator

Megan Linske, Ph.D., Certified Ecologist and Scientist at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Thanks to the support of the Guilford Fund for Education, the program has been welcomed with open arms from the community.

We’re already making plans to bring it back in the spring!

Click here to learn more!

Empowerment Giving Circle

Women & Family Life Center has been a crucial safety net for our community for over 30 years. YOU can be a part of the future of Women & Family Life Center! The Empowerment Giving Circle is a growing team of dedicated friends and partners of the Center who truly understand our mission and impact. By joining this amazing group, you contribute to the financial stability of the Center. Your commitment makes it possible for us to continue empowering women and families in our community to take control of their challenging situations and find a new path forward.

Donate to our monthly Empowerment Giving Circle

Carriage House Rental

Looking for a welcoming spot to host your next meeting, class, or small event? Women & Family Life Center offers flexible, professional spaces for daytime use — not for overnight stays.

Spaces & Amenities:

Studio space with seating for up to 40
Classroom with rolling tables and chairs for 10–20
Wi-Fi, kitchenette, and accessible restroom with changing table
Handicap-accessible entry and limited off-street parking (plus street parking)
Large screen TV with HDMI cable available (additional fee)
A comfortable, convenient place for your next workshop, meeting, or community gathering.

Video conferencing capabilities coming soon!

For more information, contact Jamie Callinan at (203) 458-6699

Get More Information on Our Carriage House Rentals

What is GAP?

GAP provides personalized support and referrals for individuals facing difficult life challenges. Through GAP, a participant learns how to outline their personal or family needs and to create an action plan with a social worker also known as a Referral Navigator. GAP is a unique service, not offered at any other organization on the Shoreline.

For more information or to make an appointment with a Referral Navigator please call 203-458-6699 or email at programs@womenandfamilylife.org

Reach out to a Referral Navigator

Achieve Program Offers Career Coaching

Achieve is a career program that offers participants the chance to meet in one-on-one consultations with seasoned experts who will provide comprehensive guidance in key areas of career advancement.

Experts can review the following:

· Review resume and cover letter writing

· Job search strategies

· Interview skills, and more!

For more information or to make an appointment for Achieve, please call 203-458-6699 or email us at programs@womenandfamilylife.org

How to Get Started

To enroll, simply reach out to Women & Family Life Center and set up an intake appointment with one of our trained social workers known as Referral Navigators. They'll help you navigate a network of support and track your progress every step of the way. We're here for you!

Reach out today!

Our Funders

The generosity and shared vision of our partners and funders fuel our mission to uplift, empower, and strengthen women and families. Together, we are creating communities where every person can live free from violence and harassment, feel secure in both heart and home, and access opportunities that allow them to thrive.

We are grateful to our past and current grantors, including Branford Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Erwin C. Bauer Charitable Trust Fund, The Guilford Foundation, George & Grace Long Foundation, The Madison Foundation, Rotary Club of Madison, Regmark Foundation, Town of Guilford Human Services Council, TJX Companies, and T.J.Maxx Guilford.

Thanks to their support, women and families across our shoreline community are building resilience, finding stability, and embracing brighter futures filled with possibility.