The Women’s Center here at Ramapo has been hosting first-come, first-serve drop-in counseling services. Initially starting last Fall, these counseling sessions are quick as they usually only last about 20-25 minutes.
Counselors hosted by the center are professionally licensed and work with Ramapo’s counseling services.
Additionally, the student staff of the center works to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all women center services.
The Woman’s Outreach Coordinator Cookie Wahba calls the counseling services “one of the most valuable services we have to offer.”
Originally founded in 1974, The Women’s Center is a place to teach Ramapo students about “gender equity, violence prevention, healthy masculinity, LGBTQIA+ issues and trends, and more, making our campus a safe and welcoming space for everyone.”
With help from counseling services, both centers can help students feel more comfortable with their environment and self. “The sessions, occurring every Wednesday, have been of great benefit to our students,” says the Queer Peer Services Coordinator Carina Musanti. She says, “the sheer value of having someone to listen empathetically and validate is priceless.”
The services and events are welcome to everyone, as inclusivity is very important to The Women’s Center. “I think it is very important to have queer-centered counseling services,” says Student Office Manager Assistant Yasmin Pesherov in an interview with The Ramapo News. Wahba has also praised the importance of this by saying “Anyone can utilize the service, and I’m so glad that students are using this option … services particularly for queer and trans students by our LGBTQIA+ liaison, Elena [Yee], is a space for students to voice their concerns, ask for resources, or just vent about the week.”
The two other staff members have also praised the counselor, Yee. “We are more than grateful to have Elena’s services in conjunction with our own,” says Musanti.
Students have given positive feedback and shown up for the weekly drop-ins. According to Yasmine, “Students definitely take advantage and we are very happy about that.”
Students are welcome to drop into The Women’s Center at any time during the day on Wednesdays.
jcaramag@ramapo.edu
Editors note: This story and headline have been updated to clarify information about who is providing counseling services.
Photo courtesy by Jordyn Baham
