04/25/2025
What an evening!! Our Womenade of Tampa giving gathering this past Wednesday night was full of laughter, love, and a few tears! Dr. Dorcas Smith from Metropolitan Ministries and Lauren Malone, from Academy Prep Center of Tampa spoke to 50+ Womenade members (returning and brand new members!) about the important work they do. Dr. Smith runs the MetMin programs called First Hug and Pathways to Hope, and she shared with us how impactful the relationship with Womenade of Tampa has been — Womenade has provided necessary funds to help MetMin’s clients in so many ways. Dr. Smith told the group that what’s wonderful about Womenade of Tampa is that we offer hope and inspiration to MetMin’s clients - that Womenade of Tampa doesn’t put MetMin’s clients into any box — we listen to their client’s needs, evaluate them responsibly, and respond quickly— helping with car repairs, personal hygiene needs, rent — any URGENT, one-time need that will help an individual or family move forward on their road to stability.
And Lauren Malone, Director of Student Support Services shared her deeply personal connection to one particular Academy Prep student. In 2018, Womenade of Tampa helped to provide much needed funeral funds when this APT student’s mother died. As Lauren got to know this young lady, she learned about unimaginable trauma that this young woman and her cousins had endured for years at the hands of another family member. Years progressed, and Lauren (as well as other staff at APT) supported her through different foster care assignments, and continuing difficulties. Fast forward to today, Lauren reported that this young lady has been adopted by her last foster family, has moved to Hawaii with this military family, and is happy and thriving! Lauren promised her a long time ago, that she would be present at any and every major milestone in this girl’s life. True to her promise, Lauren is traveling to Hawaii next month to attend this young lady’s high school graduation!!
Both speakers were SO inspirational, that Womenade members were moved to speak to them privately at the end of the program, offering messages of hope and further support for these special individuals!
As one of our Board members said after the program, “We throw a stone in the lake and the ripple effect is immeasurable ✨”… How true that is!!
To learn more about Womenade of Tampa, or to donate, go to www.WomenadeofTampa.org.
Email WomenadeofTampa@gmail.com with questions or comments, or if you are interested in joining our grass roots organization.
