About O’Dell Women’s Center

The O’Dell Women’s Center is a nonprofit philanthropic initiative inspired by lifelong Western Massachusetts resident Constance “Connie” O’Dell, who served for more than 40 years as a maternity nurse at Holyoke’s Providence Hospital. Connie dedicated her life to caring for women with dignity, compassion, and respect—values that continue to guide the Center today.

Founded in 2023, the O’Dell Women’s Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Springfield created to support low-income women who are committed to improving their lives. The Center provides low-cost space to nonprofit organizations that work together to expand educational and career opportunities, helping women move toward long-term financial independence.

The O’Dell Women’s Center is a nonprofit philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering low-income women in the Greater Springfield area to transform their lives through improved educational and career opportunities that lead to long-term financial security.

Award Grants to Non-Profits That Serve Women

The O’Dell Women’s Center provides $10,000 - $75,000 grants to local nonprofits that advance educational, workforce, and career development opportunities for low-income women. Nonprofit organizations that address systemic barriers, such as food insecurity, childcare access, transportation, and housing instability, will also be eligible for funding.

In its second year of grantmaking, the O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded $450,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that support low-income women in Springfield. An estimated $750,000 in grants will be awarded in 2026.

Grant applications are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. The 2026 Grant Process Timeline will be announced soon. To review the presentation from the information session held on July 8, 2025 click here, and to access the application click here. For additional information or questions email grants@odellwomenscenter.com

Connect women to community resources including education and career opportunities

We have a network of mentors that help women further their education and achieve career goals.

Offer free space for clients and community non-profits to use

The O’Dell Women’s Center provides space in our physical location, 45 Lyman Street, in Springfield MA for little or no cost to organizations aligning with its mission of supporting women's economic stability through career development and education. This application is for organizations or individuals seeking to use the center's facilities for events that foster learning, conversation, and mutual upliftment. We’re a safe and welcoming environment to anyone who identifies as a woman and gender non-binary people.

We currently have

1) small conference private conference room available to schedule to host meetings. In this room there is a table with four chairs (Apply 1 week in advance)

2) An office with several desks which can also be used for private meetings (Apply 1 week in advance)

3) A large central area which can accommodate approximately 100 people. ( Apply 30 days in advance)

Use this LINK to reserve a space! :)