Rural women in the second half of life face different issues than their urban sisters. Studies show that rural women in general at times feel isolated and without the resources needed to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative recently received a grant from the Helen Daniel Bader Foundation to begin to address this need and other personal development issues. These issues surfaced through a survey conducted as a part of their outreach program.
WRWI has met more than 3000 women in rural areas through Gathering Days. Using this input the group is now ready to offer a day program that is specific to women in the second half of life.
Eldering with Attitude gathers women in an informal way to share information, offer resources, and allow women to enjoy real conversation. Women have reported that they met other women who live right in their own rural areas and who they had never had the opportunity to share a conversation on these kinds of issues.
“I enjoy these Gathering Days, they offer information that is useful with a can do attitude. There is always time to share with other women and there is plenty of laughter as well,” Ellie Lynch, a WRWI facilitator, said.
WRWI invites participants to join them from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 28 to experience the supportive environment of a Gathering Day. Meet friends old and new and discuss what allows one to age with grace, humor, and inner peace.
The event will be held at Fibs North in Brodhead and the cost to attend is $15, which includes lunch and materials. The program cost will be covered by the Helen Daniel Bader Fund-A Bader Philanthropy.
For more information, contact Christy Harteau at (262) 812-3866 or wisconsinruralwomen@gmail.com.
