Grace's story - End of Year Giving Matched

Dear Jim,

During the holiday season and every day, Helping Our Women (HOW), a resource center for Outer Cape women living with life-threatening or chronic health conditions, provides care and hope.

From Provincetown to Eastham, we make sure the 300+ women we serve can meet their basic needs while protecting their health.

We listen with understanding. We provide connection. We offer compassion.
    
I want to introduce you to Truro resident Grace, who has relied on HOW since receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014.

“I was in shock and had to figure out transportation for radiation treatments from Truro to Hyannis and back nearly every day for 4 weeks,” Grace said when I asked her to share what her worries were after her surgeon determined her treatment plan. Grace’s logistic challenges are common for HOW’s client members. But thanks to our community’s generosity, we allayed Grace’s concerns so she could focus on her health. “HOW connected me with the regional transit program and paid for the rides,” she said.

This past year, HOW provided Grace with additional transportation support for more chemotherapy treatments in Boston. She’s doing well today, but HOW is still an integral part of her life—a role we are honored and privileged to play. “I love stopping by the office to schedule a ride, get help with paperwork, visit with staff, and take home local chowder. Kindness and support with a wonderful community aspect is what HOW offers.”

For the next 16 days, a generous donor will match donations to HOW up to $15,000, doubling our community's generosity—making this an ideal time to contribute to HOW.

$60: Allows 2 women to travel round trip from Wellfleet to the Boston area for appointments with health specialists.
$150: Covers the cost of a car ride to a medical appointment on the Cape when a volunteer isn’t available—sparing our clients a 4-6 hour journey on public transportation.
$500: Pays for groceries and personal care products for 20 women.
$700: Provides seven months of financial assistance through our monthly stipend program that a client can use for alternative healthcare treatments, bills, or food for special dietary needs.
$1,200: Gives 10 women free tablets and a year of internet access— a lifeline to combat social isolation and access telehealth services.

Please donate to HOW today—especially when every $1 becomes $2. Keep reading for another way to support HOW from our longtime friend, Nancy.

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Nancy's Story - Another Way to Give Back

Former Chair of the HOW Board of Directors and longtime board member; Nancy DeLuca, is a warm, down-to-earth retiree. Nancy was a Professor of Chemistry at U. Mass Lowell for 30 years and has won numerous awards in education, special education, and science-related fields – as well as being in a band!

In 2022, Nancy needed to start withdrawing her required minimum distribution (RMD) from her IRA and decided to direct the withdrawal to three different nonprofits here in Provincetown, including Helping Our Women.

A little explanation from Nancy: “Let’s say you had a job where they withdrew from your salary for your 401K, or 403B, or you have an IRA. Once you’ve reached age 70 you must take or accept an RMD (required minimum distribution) each year from this plan or IRA. And the money distributed to you is taxable. But, if your financial advisor can arrange for your distribution to go to a qualified charity (501c3 such as HOW), then the money is NOT withdrawn from your account but directly transferred and therefore is not considered taxable income to you.”

In addition, she shared a little bonus tip, “Generally, your Medicare goes up if your income goes up. So, if you donate from your IRA, your income in NOT increased because you’re not receiving the distribution. It’s as easy process to facilitate once you discuss the process with your financial advisor.”

In 2023, Nancy has continued to direct a portion of her annual IRA RMD to benefit Helping Our Women and encourages you to join her in donating a portion of your IRA RMD to support the women of the Outer Cape. HOW’s Tax ID is: 04-3179955

Whatever you can contribute will make a deep and meaningful difference in the lives of the women we serve. Click the button below to donate online or please mail your donation to our Provincetown office at the address listed below.
With gratitude and in partnership,

--
Gwynne Guzzeau
Executive Director

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