Girl Scouts honor co-founder of Center for Women and Men

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2014) - Ellen O’Shaunessy, a former professor and co-founder of what today is known as Daytona State College’s Center for Women and Men, was honored on Sept. 27 by the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council during its 17th annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala held at the Rosen Hotel in Orlando.

O’Shaunessy received the organization’s Women of Distinction Community Impact Award in recognition of the thousands of students who have been served by the center over its 38-year history. In 1976 O’Shaunessy helped establish the Women’s Center to serve displaced homemakers with little to no work experience, who because of divorce, widowhood, or other circumstances had to suddenly seek training and employment.

“We are so proud of Ellen,” said Veronica A. Oxford, associate director of the Center for Women & Men. “Through her dedication and continued support of our mission, the Center has provided hope and a springboard to better lives for countless Volusia and Flagler County residents.”

O’Shaunessy retired from teaching in 2005, but has remained active on the Center’s advisory board, as well as with many area civic organizations, including the American Association of University Women, which also is supportive of the Center and DSC students.

In 2012, the Women’s Center expanded its scope to serve men as well and changed its name to the Center for Women and Men. It is located on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus, with satellite offices on the Deltona and Flagler/Palm Coast campuses.

Among its program offerings are:
• Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) - A federally funded program that provides eligible Daytona State students with child care assistance.  Last year, 65 students received child care assistance through CCAMPIS.
• Fresh Start - Free four-week courses that help women and men transition into college by providing support, offering practical life skills, and helping them develop personal and career goals. Last year, 250 students completed a DSC Fresh Start program.
• New Directions – Assists eligible non-traditional students seeking associate degrees. Last year, 64 students were served through New Directions.
• Other resources include a Clothes Closet for students preparing for job interviews or who need appropriate attire for work.
• Book Loan Library – A program for currently enrolled students to borrow a textbook. Last year 411 students were able to secure a book.
The Girl Scouts of Citrus Council has been serving girls throughout Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties since 1956.

For more information about the Center for Women and Men, call (386) 506-3714 or email OxfordV@DaytonaState.edu.

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Captions:
~ Girl Scouts of Citrus Council award winner Ellen O’Shaunessy poses with her husband, Jim, during the 17th annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala. O’Shaunessy was presented the organization’s Women of Distinction Community Impact Award.
~ Girl Scouts of Citrus Council award winner Ellen O’Shaunessy poses with Veronica Oxford, associate director of the Center for Women and Men at Daytona State College, during the 17th annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala. O’Shaunessy was presented the organization’s Women of Distinction Community Impact Award.