"I began volunteering at the WLP in early 1992 after I returned from the Peace Corps. Re-acclimation to Boston was difficult. I felt lonely, sad and financially insecure. Volunteering at WLP helped fill this void and was a wonderful experience. Jane Alexander, the director back then as well as the other staff (Sue Smith, Maura, Vinette and others) were fun, committed and caring. And the volunteers I worked with preparing and serving meals were kindred spirits.

I liked getting to know the guests and them getting to know me. One of the guests frequented Cambridge––where I was living at the time––and sometimes we would have a brief chat. I remember picking up a guest and taking her on a visit to a volunteer's sheep farm. Seeing the women being outside of the city in such a bucolic setting was heartwarming. I enjoyed attending a volunteers' appreciation get-together. And I was amazed by the lavish Mother's Day celebrations and Spaghetti suppers! I loved experiencing these splendid occasions along with the guests.

When I left Boston and moved to Baltimore I received a WLP apron signed by staff and volunteers. There are more special memories that I can't remember.

So glad that WLP is 40 years strong and counting."

- Elizabeth Zurek

"The reason WLP started their Mother's Day card fundraiser was because we wanted to be open for Mother's Day, but we didn't have enough money to pay for it. Not sure whose idea it was, but we sent a letter out to everyone on our mailing list to let them know that if they made a donation in someone's name, we would send that person a handwritten card for Mother's Day. Jane [Alexander] had calculated we would need about $150 to provide a lunch and a present to each guest. The donations from that first year netted about $250. We were thrilled! And that's how it became a yearly fundraiser."

- Christine Reilly (sister of WLP co-founder Eileen Reilly)

"One of the first years I volunteered, I decided to help out on Mother’s Day. I didn’t expect the beauty of that day. The dining room looked magnificent with special flowers and decorations. The meal was spectacular and of course delicious. But, it was the ladies who brought the real beauty. Many were dressed in their best and those who brought their children were just glowing. That day was one of the most poignant days in my life, I recognized the joy WLP gives to all––guests and volunteers."

- Cynthia Adams

"The first time I ever heard of WLP was when they were fundraising for the annual dinner around Mother's Day. I was so impressed with the ad I saw on the subway, I immediately knew that was the perfect 'gift' for my mom. Years later, when I became a mom, my mother donated to that same event as my first mother's day gift."

- Amy Foley

Two legends of Women's Lunch Place meeting in one photo––former Mayor Tom Menino and longtime guest Stella May Brown Weaco.

During a time when WLP’s financial resources were particularly strained, with the future viability of Women’s Lunch Place on the line, Mayor Menino stepped in as our standard bearer. He knew women in the city needed us and he rallied support for Spaghetti Dinner – working the phones, securing an event venue, inviting guests, and serving as master of ceremonies – securing a record level of funding and saving Women’s Lunch Place.

From a Boston Globe article memorializing Stella's life: "At Women's Lunch Place, Stella sat in a chair near the kitchen that afforded a sweeping view of the spacious room. 'I think she knew everyone's quirks by sitting and looking,' said a tall woman who dined there with Stella for a decade. 'She'd look at you and you'd almost feel she knew things about you.'"

"Sharon Reilly, the agency's executive director, shared Stella's fondness for Southern food and, like her, is from Mississippi. In October, Reilly visited Stella at a rehabilitation center, where she was recuperating from surgery. 'As I was leaving, I asked Stella if she wanted me to get her anything,' Reilly said. 'She looked at me and said, You know, Sharon, I don't need a thing. I have enough.

That moment transformed my life immediately,' Reilly said. 'I started to look at all the things I had and all the things on my wish list, and it really caused me to find some balance. I'm not running out shopping; I'm happy with what I have, I'm grateful. That was the gift that Stella gave me, the gift of thankfulness and gratitude.'"

"I was more trouble than I was worth in the kitchen, I’m sure. But my memories of serving the meal we had prepared to the guests that day, and watching the staff interact with those guests throughout the meal, continue as powerful reminders to me of the value that WLP holds for so many."

- Mary Curtis

"I started making donations in honor of my mother over 20 years ago. It made her so happy to know that there were women benefitting who needed so much. She died in 2003, and in lieu of flowers we asked that donations be made to Women's Lunch Place.

In all those years, I had never once been to visit, although I live within walking distance. Once when I sponsored a breakfast, I was invited to come, and it was quite emotional for me to actually walk through the door.

Over the years, I've continued to support Women's Lunch Place, and every time I do, I think of my mother and all the women you help. Congratulations on 40 years of being an amazing resource to so many. You've made a difference in so many lives."

- Suzanne Chapman

"Working for Women's Lunch Place during 2020-2021, outside on the sidewalk of Newbury Street, has to be my favorite memory of WLP.  

I am a Nurse Practitioner for Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), and BHCHP staffs the Wellness Center at WLP. I started working in the Wellness Center at WLP during the pandemic in 2020. Despite WLP having to close their dining room, they still managed to continue to provide meals and services to their guests. Outside of WLP, on the sidewalk of Newbury Street, tables were set up along with several large coolers containing bagged meals.

Despite the pandemic and the dining room being closed, WLP staff continued to be there. Direct Care, Advocacy, and Wellness all worked together, handing out many bagged meals, clothing, toiletries, books, and other needed items. I could be found taking blood pressure, giving a flu vaccine, or refilling a medication. And we did this while laughing in the rain, shivering in the cold, or enjoying the sunshine.

I felt that working outside on Newbury Street also gave WLP great exposure to their residential neighbors. Many people would walk by, ask about WLP, and some would even give a direct cash donation right there. Our Newbury Street "pop-up" shop also became a big hit with the neighbors' dogs since one staff member would buy doggie treats to hand out.

From 2020-2021, my favorite days were the days at got to work at WLP. I got to work outside (despite the weather at times), provide essential services and care, and still was able to play with many dogs passing by –– all on Newbury Street."

- Lisa Schwartz

"I first became involved with Women's Lunch Place several years ago, when I remember walking down Newbury Street and noticing the sign outside. I wondered what, exactly, it was, so I wandered in, chatted with a few of the women having lunch and a couple of the women working there, and thought, wow, this could be a wonderful place to volunteer.

So, I became a volunteer soon after that visit and have loved being there ever since––helping in the kitchen, getting to know the other volunteers and the staff, and socializing with the women having lunch. It is a remarkable place, and the women who come there for lunch clearly appreciate it immensely. I am honored to be helping at a place so important to the women we are serving."

- Wendy Fox

"My experience at WLP has been a wonderful journey. Approximately 4 to 5 years ago, I was looking to volunteer, especially for an organization that focused on women. A networking friend of mine, Lisa Gosling (then Branch Manager of Century Bank) invited me to a holiday event at WLP. As I was talking to someone from the organization, I mentioned that I was a hairdresser on Newbury St. at Roffi Salon and Spa.

She then told me that a hairdresser was coming once a month to cut hair. A light bulb went off in my head and I told this person to "sign me up". It was the perfect combination... volunteering for women and I could use my skills to bring a little joy and beauty to the ladies of the WLP. It has been a very rewarding experience for me and in some ways, I feel everyone wants to look good and feel great about themselves.

Recently, one of the ladies took the time to write me a thank you note telling me how much she loved her haircut, and everyone complimented and remarked on her new look. She then took the time to mail it to me at the salon. That note was so wonderful and I'm grateful for her doing that. Also, Rachel and the front reception women/volunteers are so very helpful in setting up the room I work in each and every time I come in."

- Susanne Palmacci

“What’s most important is to have a place that is just women, with services designed for women, and recognizing that as a driving principle, as opposed to an afterthought.

I think Women’s Lunch Place is the safest place I know in Boston for seriously mentally ill women. I think the general principles which have evolved over time have always followed the underpinnings of the organization that have to do with the notions of acceptance, of safety, of dignity, of being a place where there are no questions asked.

I've seen Women’s Lunch Place evolve over that period of time, in what I think are very, very good ways.”

- Derri Shtasel, M.D., WLP Board Member

"I have some very fond memories of volunteering at WLP. It was more than 20 years ago. I did it for almost 10 years, and in those days, it was much smaller. I was looking for something to do with the little free time that I had. WLP was such a pleasure!

I was so impressed with the way the women were treated with so much love, respect, and dignity. One day I saw a birthday cake there. It was very nice, but I thought it could use a little decoration, so I offered to decorate the cakes. It was so much fun. A woman asked me one day, 'who’s that cake for?' I said, 'it’s for the women here.' She said, 'oh I thought it was for somebody special.'

I realized then that this could make a difference, just having a beautiful birthday cake would certainly lift their spirits and make them feel special, as we are all special! That was just one of many fond memories!

Thank you, WLP."

- Terry McNutt

"I've been a volunteer at WLP for almost 10 years. Here's one of the moments that has meant the most to me.

In October 2014, the bridge to Long Island in Boston Harbor was suddenly declared unsound and was immediately shut down. The island had provided a place for substance use disorder treatment programs as well as substantial shelters for homeless men and women. Those shelters closed without even a day's notice.

The impact was apparent at WLP right away. One of the guests -- someone who had slept at the Long Island shelter, a woman who was always helping in the dining room and offering kindness to others -- took to sleeping in the woods in Jamaica Plain. She told me she just did not feel safe in any of the women's shelter alternatives (which were unable to cope with the overflow in any event).

The special moment came on the day when this lovely woman found permanent housing through the work of a WLP advocate. Her face lit up with joy, and she has been housed ever since."

- Judie Feins

"Every year, from her 80’s into her 90’s, my Mom would knit at least 100 hats and scarves for WLP, and the highlight of her autumn was when we would come from Nashua, NH to deliver them to Newbury Street. She loved seeing the beautifully laid tables with fresh flowers and sometimes having a little chat with one or two of the guests or volunteers.

She had assembled a mighty group of people to donate all the yarn and sometimes pitch in with the knitting. She thought yours was the most caring and critical assistance for women experiencing a not-so-easy time in their lives.

Congratulations on this milestone!"

- Loraine Murtagh

"What I like about WLP is that it is a safe place. Wholesome food, hygiene products, clean clothes, showers, medical care and a space to nap. The ladies looked after my mom when I had pneumonia and had to stay at Barbara McGinnis House until I got better.

For the first in my life, at age 44, I was homeless. It was nine months, but seemed longer and I amaze myself with how I handled it all. I am happy not to be without a permanent home especially now that my mom has lost her sight. I am her carer, and we live in a safe mid-rise building. I hope WLP continues its great work."

- Latoyea Hawkins Cockrill