How can you make a difference this holiday season?

The Need

A graduate, who we will call “Christina” (to protect her identity) from our most recent session became homeless after escaping domestic violence. She was confronted with a difficult choice: either remain in an abusive relationship or escape and lose her home. She didn’t have family to turn to because her parents died when she was very young. She had no support system. She decided to leave, even though it meant losing everything. At Women’s Empowerment, she gained the confidence and tools to prepare her for a new life, a new career, and a new home. She is most thankful for the opportunity.

The job-readiness program at Women’s Empowerment works: since our inception, 709 women (and their 846 children) have risen from homelessness through the programs we offer. These results are worthy of celebration and are a direct result of the generous donations and support from people like you. Once a woman graduates from Women’s Empowerment is her journey over? The answer is no. With unemployment in California still climbing (12.4 percent), finding stability through work is almost as overwhelming as the barriers she faced when she first walked through our doors. The reality is our women face additional barriers to a life of self-sufficiency, and Women’s Empowerment is constantly evolving to continue to meet the ever changing

needs of the women and children we serve. Having qualified for subsidized housing, “Christina” is no longer living on the streets. Her two year-old son, “Victor”, now has a roof over his head, and they are safe from harm. “Christina” feels empowered. She is qualified and very intelligent. She spends several hours per week as a volunteer receptionist here at Women’s Empowerment to keep her skills up to date. Her search for steady employment is unwavering. However, “Christina” is living on the last month of her three-month subsidy, and due to the current business climate, she has not found a job. Up until a recent layoff, “Christina” always found work as an administrative assistant with ease. She will lose her home if she can’t find work and pay her rent. “Christina” and “Victor” will be homeless again.

We cannot let this happen to her. Will you help us respond to this growing need?  "Christina" is not alone.  So many of our graduates are facing the same challenges due to the economy and high unemployment rates in Sacramento.  With your support you can be a part of creating opportunities with a donation of $100.

So please, make your gift today.  Thank you for making women like "Christina" a priority this holiday season.  May you and your loved ones have a most splendid Thanksgiving.