The Center for Wisdom’s Women invites the public to attend a community celebration to launch the last phase of the capital campaign for Sophia’s House. The event will be held Sunday afternoon September 9 from 2:00-4:00 the grounds of 143 Blake St., corner of Walnut St., behind St. Mary’s Nutrition Center. Food, building tours, games and community building activities will be available with special guests sharing music and poetry.

Women with Wings will lead several singing circles throughout the afternoon in the former chapel of the old convent. Each session will be followed by a tour of the convent building. Women With Wings is a singing circle that has met weekly in Bangor for 25 years. Its purpose is to create a safe and sacred space for women to explore and nourish their sprits through song and chant.

Also in the convent, Claire Hersom will read from her poetry collection called Drowning: A Poetic Memoir. After each poem, she will engage the audience in discussion and sharing and invite participants to do some writing. Claire has taught at the women’s center and her poetry is inspired by her experiences as a single mother living on a limited income.

Other musicians offering their talents include Greg and Jessie Boardman who will be sharing tunes and folk songs on fiddle and guitar. In the second hour, Jessy Kendall will lead a drumming circle. Rhythm instruments will be available for use, and you are invited to bring your own.

As an added treat, Top It Frozen Dessert Bar will be joining the celebration and free frozen yogurt will be available along with other snacks. Volunteers from Health Affiliates Maine will offer creative activities for the young and young at heart including painting Sophia Stones with positive messages. The stones will then be hidden around the neighborhood and shared via Facebook posts when found.

This celebratory kick-off event is being funded by a grant from Healthy Neighborhoods. All ages are welcome! It will happen rain or shine and in inclement weather will be located in St. Mary’s Nutrition Center and the convent building. Parking available on the street or in the Community Concepts parking lot, one block down Blake St.

The Sophia’s House project involves restoring an old convent building that will provide a long-term residential recovery community where women who have survived trafficking/exploitation, prison, and addiction can restore their lives. The building has been vacant for 16 years and is being donated by St. Mary’s Health System. The Center invites you to join neighbors for a beautiful afternoon of eating, sharing, and learning more about the exciting project and its impact on the community.

The total cost of renovations and repairs are estimated at $1.6 million. A combination of historic tax credits, a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston under Norway Savings Bank’s sponsorship, and a Community Development Block Grant from the City along with two significant lead gifts will provide the bulk of the $1.6 million needed. A campaign cabinet is working to raise the additional $550,000. The remaining funding will allow the project to operate debt free.

The goal is to begin renovations late this year and open the house before the end of 2019 which will be 20 years since the Daughters of Wisdom founded The Center for Wisdom’s Women.

For more information contact Klara Tammany at 513-3922 or visit https://wisdomswomen.org.