Fourteen graduates take a determined walk up to the stage amid cheers, applause and, from many, tears. Tears in their eyes, and in the eyes of the staff, friends and family that have supported them through the hardest years of their life. Tears of sadness and pain for their past, and tears of hope and joy for their future.
As each graduate is introduced – another graduate adorns their neck with a brilliant purple and pink sash – symbolizing their transition into the next chapter of their story.
Graduations are largely symbolic, but the tangible and real results experienced by these Women’s Empowerment program enrollees will shape the rest of their lives. As the 100th graduating class from the Women’s Empowerment program, these 14 carry the weight of 99 classes before them and hold promise for the countless classes that will come after.
For more than 20 years, Women’s Empowerment has equipped women experiencing homelessness by providing education, employment readiness, childcare and community support to help them rebuild their lives and move into independence.
“This 100th graduation is more than a number—it represents hundreds of women who have taken steps toward stability, confidence and a brighter future,” said Lisa Culp, Executive Director of Women’s Empowerment. “We are honored to walk alongside them as they reclaim their lives and inspire our entire community with their courage.”
Since its founding, Women’s Empowerment has graduated more than 1,800 women, many of whom have secured employment, housing and educational opportunities. The program combines job training, counseling, health services and mentorship to address barriers faced by women experiencing homelessness. A few of the classes women mentioned that were particularly impactful:
- Anger Management
- Budgeting
- Cooking
- Parenting
- Ready to Rent
- Resume building
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches from the graduates about what the program, and the support of staff and fellow enrollees, meant to them. Stories of addiction, trauma, domestic abuse, pain, disappointment and hopelessness gave way to dreams of self-sufficiency, sobriety, productive futures, sustained employment and permanent housing. One graduate shared her experience in the budgeting class, “They are teaching us how to budget if we want a future – not just a paycheck. We are better now than we were yesterday, and we’ll be better tomorrow – thanks to the love and support this program has given us.”
The ceremony ended with the children of the graduating class bringing their moms roses – a gesture from the childcare team to show how proud they are of the graduates’ accomplishments, and a reminder as to why they are working so hard to change their circumstances.
Another graduate closed the ceremony - “Breaking generational poverty, addiction and abuse is the most important thing we can do for the next generation. These children have endured trauma as well. Showing our kids that we are strong, resilient and worth more than the life we currently have – is priceless. This program gives us the power we need to choose a new life – a new path. I now know that I am important. My voice matters. My story matters. And it’s just beginning.”