Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/7/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center — a first of its kind in Springfield — was unveiled to the public on Oct. 30 in a dedication ceremony.
Founded by Keely Krantz, the O’Dell Women’s Center aims to transform the lives of low-income women through improved access to educational and career opportunities.
Krantz began her remarks by recognizing the community and officials for gathering, along with the nonprofits and local businesses.
Krantz said she founded this center because she knows that opportunity is particularly uneven for low-income women. This information is validated by the recent findings of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Family Research study of low-income Springfield area women. It was commissioned by the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
She explained that this study identified twin drivers of upward mobility for low-income women which is better access to higher education and better access to career opportunities.
Krantz said, “We have a community of motivated low-income women who have dreams of economic stability. They are willing to put in the hard work to make their dreams come true, but the findings of this important study also show that there are significant obstacles for low-income Springfield women.” This includes food insecurity, lack of childcare, challenges with access to transportation and housing, which can offset them from “capitalizing on opportunities,” she shared.
Krantz continued, “These women need support to help clear the path of these obstacles and the support is available in Springfield. We are a community of dedicated, civic-minded people operating in social services, nonprofits, law enforcement, municipal and state government, higher education institutions and more.”
She shared that her goal for the O’Dell Women’s Center is to be a community hub where collaboration unites women who are prepared to put the effort into their education and careers, with myriad resources and support that exist here.
Additionally, Krantz said she hopes the community space brings together networks of support to “shine light on the pathway for women who want to transform their lives.”
Krantz thanked Dress for Success Western Massachusetts Executive Director Margaret Tantillo who helped make this possible, she said.
“The origin of the O’Dell Women’s Center began some time ago when Margaret and I started a ‘what if’ conversation … What if we could form an entire community dedicated solely to connecting low-income women with opportunities and support?” Krantz questioned.
Today, Krantz said, “What if became what is.”
“I am thrilled Dress for Success Western Massachusetts is the first and anchor nonprofit to be granted a residency within the O’Dell Women’s Center,” Krantz shared.
She went on to say that she and Tantillo invite the rest of the people gathered in the room to partner with them and decide what their center will be. Krantz extended gratitude to her close friends, mentors and family for their support on this.
The O’Dell Women’s Center is named after Krantz’s grandmother, Constance “Connie” O’Dell.
“You have been a truly wonderful mom, grandmother, great grandmother, all while compassionately caring for thousands of Western Massachusetts women and their infants in your role as a labor and delivery nurse for more than 40 years,” Krantz said to her grandmother. “Our goal is to have the O’Dell Women’s Center provide the same respectful, dignified and kind support to the women that we serve, that you offered to all the women you cared for in your career. We love you Nana and your legacy and compassion will always be honored through the O’Dell Women’s Center.”
Tantillo said it is an “honor” and a “privilege” to be the first organization in the O’Dell Women’s Center and is looking forward to what it will become when it is fully actualized.
Prior to moving into their new home at 45 Lyman St., Dress for Success was located in the Eastfield Mall. At its new 5,000-square-foot location, Tantillo said they are able to welcome and house women for the five programs offered, all of which provide workforce development for the women they serve.
“Dress for Success is not just about finding somebody a job, it’s helping them find a job where they can grow, develop and also have a future to support their family and generations to come. It’s transformative for women who come through our doors,” Tantillo said.
In addition to the boutique, she noted that there are several areas designated for programs, women to gather and meet with mentors.
Prior to moving here, Tantillo said they had an “incredible virtual community” and bringing people together — like the unveiling — is only going to “enhance” the community and allow it to grow.
The Lyman Street location is directly across from Union Station which Tantillo said is not a coincidence, as transportation is a common barrier.
She added that their numbers have already gone up for suitings. From January to September 2021, Dress for Success suited 171 women and this year, from January to September, have suited 230 women.
Tantillo concluded her remarks by saying to O’Dell, “I will take it to heart to try and live up to the service you provided women throughout your life. And, not only will you inspire me, but at the O’Dell Women’s Center, you will be a part of this in our minds and we will try to honor you the best way we can.”
To learn more about the O’Dell Women’s Center, visit odellwomenscenter.com.