I became homeless while pregnant and disabled. Women's empowerment was able to provide the resources I needed to find permanent low income housing and other services needed at the time. They truly care about the women in their program, and holding them accountable for program basics. This is the foundation it takes to rebuild self esteem and self love - necessary tools to be happy, healthy, and successful.
This is one of the 'WOW' organizations you love to stumble upon. The volunteers are absolutely wonderful and nice and its such an awesome program that is instrumental to ending homelessness. They give a hand up rather than a hand out. They truly do empower their students!
I and our DCHS ROTC Cadets were able to volunteer for them on their moving day and they loved every minute of it. The kids left there feeling empowered themselves, a very enriching experience for them.
From the fist time I encountered this organizaton and it's wonderful Executive Director, Lisa Culp, I knew this was the kind of "bootstrap" organization that makes a real difference in women's lives. For several yers I gladly gave them financial support and I participted in yearly mock interviews to help prepare the women for the job market. I'm now proud to serve on the Board.
Women's Empowerment gives homeless women the resources and skills to successfully obtain work and safe housing for themselves and their children. Each graduating class gains valuable life skill lessons and hands-on training to become productive citizens and employees. Graduates receive ongoing classes in financial literacy as well as professional interpersnal support.
My company has donated to Women's Empowerment before, so I had some familiarity with them. Entirely unrelated to work, I was doing some work with the homeless here in Sacramento, and when I suggested to a couple homeless women that they should try Women's Empowerment, they both said they'd heard great things about the program. They didn't know that the program provided transportation (one of them had a recurring leg injury), which they were excited to learn. I'm hoping they were able to get connected and off the streets.
I helped recent immigrants find their first job here, I received counseling services and changed my career, I spent a day planting trees in Dolores park
Women's Empowerment is an innovative, effective, and financially modest organization that works with homeless and impoverished women to transform their lives and circumstances. I've steadily volunteered with the organization for 7 years and have seen thousands of lives changed. The staff is deeply dedicated and highly skilled. Extensive use is made of volunteers, especially as one on one job mentors for each woman. The program balances "soft" personal growth and empowerment work with specific job seeking skills and life management information.
Many organizations say they do important work to help women succeed, but Sacramento's Women's Empowerment does--each and every day, year after year. And no other non-profit does it with more grace and dignity and yet, daunting budgetary contraints. By providing women with a safe environment in which to grow and tackle their toughest fears, Women's Empowerment does the work of God on Earth. The walls in the cheerful yet sparse main classroom are literally papered with success stories of hundreds of women who've found employment and most importantly, found themselves and tasted success for perhaps the first time in their lives because of this program. Their outstanding and dedicated staff and volunteers all work collaboratively with their heads, hands and hearts to inspire, motivate and help women live better, eat better, manage finances better, work better and handle stress better. And so much more. In my case, I teach business etiquette skills to empower students to interview confidently, get and keep their jobs in today's tough economy. It is a privilege to present to such a motivated group and an honor to play a small role in one of Northern California's finest humanitarian legacies.
Women's empowerment is awesome. The Charles A. Jones Skills and Business Education Center has partnered with them for over ten years to assist their clients in becoming self sufficient and productive members of their families and communities. It is always a joy to see the women walk across the stage at graduation knowing that it is because of such a great organization and partnership with Women's Empowerment.
Compassionate, competent and caring staff have created a highly successful program to help homeless women find jobs, housing, education, and the self esteem they badly needed. Women come into the program feeling broken and worthless; they leave knowing they are capable and precious. It is truly magical.
To say that I am impressed with Women’s Empowerment is an understatement. Their expectation of success for the women who are enrolled is obvious and the compassion and clarity with which they offer their services is really inspirational. Many of their clients are women who have given up on themselves and with the help of staff and volunteers, I have watched them slowly get their dreams back. It’s an honor to be in their company
I've had the honor to volunteer with Women's Empowerment for the last 6 years and through that time I have been in awe of the life sustaining services provided by this organization. Lisa Culp and her staff are gifted educators working to bring an end to homelessness for women and children in our community. I've witnessed the transformation of the ladies in the program, as they graduate with more self-confidence then they initially walked in the door with, to continuing on in new careers or graduating from college. Some life paths miss the basic life skills needed to exist in our society, such as household budgeting, job seeking and maintaining skills, and interpersonal relationship skills - Women's Empowerment is the second chance to obtain these vital life skills.
The Women's Empowerment Program located in Sacramento, California started out small with BIG plans to make important changes in women's lives. Although many thought it was an impossible goal, Lisa Culp, WE Director told the homeless women to say," I'm' Possible". You hear the word empowerment often, but the hidden word is HER! Empower HER! That is exactly the mission of WE- to promote independence of disadvantaged women by providing a network of support, career development tools to help them in the working world and in life. Many of these woman have had their confidence and rights stripped away from domestic violence. These women enter the program afraid of change and have walls built up by despair. But the caring and gentle staff at WE provide a spirit of unity and love that is passed on to the women who have been abused and suffer from low- self esteem. The staff, teachers and mentors plant life changing seeds that cultivate and grow even after the women have graduated from the eight week transformative program. I think a big part of the program's success is that these women finally have been given an opportunity to succeed and that someone truly believes in them and they eventually begin to believe in themselves. It's all about dignity, respect, accountability and the opportunity to be heard. Also, to hear their stories and help them through their anger or addictions. One graduate said, " It means a lot when someone takes the time to help you when you are at your lowest. That's special, that's priceless. That's a gift". Since the Oprah show, Sacramento has received much media attention for the homeless tent city. Our Mayor just moved the problem across town and nothing was really resolved. I wish Oprah knew about this tiny little program called, Women's Empowerment and all the incredible, miraculous stories that happen everyday down there. People need to hear good stories once in a while and I hope that the word gets out about all the lives of women and children that are being empowered and changed for a lifetime! I am so proud to be a volunteer for this wonderful, loving organization!
I am a facilitator who has worked with many different non-profit organizations and Women's Empowerment stands out as a shining star that is true to its mission of ending homelessness one woman at a time. This small, but mighty organization is truly making a difference, providing women with practical training, support, access to information about resources and empowering them to overcome obstacles and get their feet back on the ground. Helping women get back into the workforce or back to school, back into housing, and reunited with families, this organization is not only helping women directly, but entire families of children. The director and staff are nothing short of amazing. It should be a role model for other cities and is so deserving of any support anyone can afford to give.
I'm a psychologist and have worked with community programs in a training capacity for many years. I was looking for a program to volunteer in. I went to the Women's Empowerment office, viewed the hundreds of photos of women who have benefitted from this program, and was hooked! This program really works. Homeless women are given tools to help get jobs. Pure and simple. They can then get stable places to live and support their children in a good home environment. Women's Empowerment is run in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Many women say this is the first place in a long time where they can feel safe and accepted. The staff work hard to give these people what they need. This is a community program from Heaven. And, it's run by a true angel: Lisa Culp. I'm proud to be on the Board of Directors and will remain here as long as they'll have me!
I had the opportunity and pleasure to assist as a mentor to women particpating in the program. There are many values in this program which is designed to support, and enable women to become independent, and learn to recognize their own worth. There are many good things to say about the program: its practicality, its emphasis on the women participants' responsibilites in the workshops, excellent and caring management, and Finally the joy experienced by the women of realizing their own capabilities
I have been volunteering at Sacramento's Women's Empowerment for three years. The services and support they provide to homeless women are amazing! It opened my eyes to how easy it is to become homeless, and how after a time how difficult it can be to get out of that way of life. They know what their doing at Women's Empowerment, starting with the basics like anger management, self esteem, parental skills then moving onto resume writing, mock interviews and job skills training. I volunteer because the program makes it so easy for me to make a difference. They cover so many of the basics we all take for granted like glasses to see with, child care so women can attend these classes, copies of birth certificates or GED's, affordable housing. I spread the word wherever I go and encourage others to sign up too. Their graduates with new confidence in themselves and a new perspective on life speak to the sucess of the program!
I had the honor of teaching a weekly yoga class for about a year to women enrolled in the Women's Empowerment sessions. Women's Empowerment is unique in that it provides a holistic approach to ending the cycle of homelessness, including healthy living. In addition to its physical benefits, the practice of yoga offers these women an approachable way to relax and rejuvenate. It was amazing to see the women experience a brief respite from the daily challenges of life and find a place of calm. Some women continued with the practice outside of class, whenever they could, be it 30 minutes after dinner at a shelter, or just pausing to consciously breathe fully for a few minutes during their day. Yoga is just one small part of what Women's Empowerment offers in a well-rounded, supportive, caring and amazingly empowering program for equally powerful and amazing women.
I'm inspired by the people and programs at Women's Empowerment and particularly by their success in ending homelessness for women and children. The wholistic approach philosophy addresses the comprehensive needs that women have to get the skills to find and keep jobs and the resources to find and keep homes. The programs' focus on confidence, personal and work skills, health, child care, parenting, personal care, time management etc., leads to WE's high level of success. Staff members believe in their clients' ability to change and back up the belief by providing the resources for them to do so. It is an awesome program.
I have been involved with Women's Empowerment since 2007 in different capacities. Most recently as a mentor to a student in the class and conducting mock interviews. Women's Empowerment is a strong program with good values and a purpose that is making a difference in the students, volunteers and the community as a whole. This program has opened up wide possibilites for these woman who may not have had any. The leadership that Lisa Culp and others have and the passion for what they do make it a FANTASTIC non profit.
I have been able to help facilitiate a parenting class in the eight week training programs over the past 18 months. What Womens' Empowerment offers is phenomenal, thanks to the founders and all volunteers. I wouldn't miss being involved for anything, and feel deeply humbled, hhonored and empowered by all the contributors, particularly the women who enter this program.
Women's Empowerment gives homeless women the tools to improve their lives thru an 8 week course that not only develops their business skills but also their personal skills. This is all done with community volunteers. I have worked as a volunteer for 6 years and continue to be humbled by the students and appreciate all the work everyone does to improve the lives of others.
I had the honor of attending one of the graudations of the 8 week class and was so impressed with the transformation of the entire class. I cried for hours just at the incredible strength and beauty of these women with their children who had been through so much and were still able to grow and change. The help WE gives them not only changes the lives of each woman they work with but their children and the futures of those children. It is really important in Sacramento and no one else does anything like it.
I have been volunteering at Women's Empowerment for over 6 years now. I had just completed my coaching certification as an Empowerment Coach and wanted to give back to the community when I found this amazing group of dedicated staff, volunteers and inspiring women who were committed to changing lives for the better. And as it always seems to happen, much much more has been given to me. My first experience as a Job Mentor challenged me as I offered my experience and encouragement while watching these brave women move through their fears, deal with the shelter system, attend classes every day, and begin to believe that not only do they deserve to succeed, but they really can with the support and love generated through Women's Empowerment. I also teach a class and conduct coaching sessions that helps the women look at how they get in their own way and developing strategies that allow them to see past their old beliefs to their internal greatness, and then move toward the possibilities for the life they want to recreate for their families. I am so honored, and proud to be a part of the Women's Empowerment family. I really feel connected to them in a deep and real way. No matter how little someone can give, it is accepted with gratitude, grace and enthusiasm. Even when I moved out of the area for 2 years, I stayed involved and flew in for their fundraising event each year. I hope to stay involved for many years to come.
I have mentored two graduates of Women's Empowerment and was thrilled to see them, as well as the other members of their class, gain the skills and self-confidence to turn their lives around. My first student had no teeth and was unwilling to go to interviews, but after her dental work, she enrolled in community college.
I hate cold calls. As a business owner, I do everything in my power to avoid cold calling people. As far as I'm concerned, I want a relationship with a potential customer before I ask for their business. In this world, though, if you don't ask, you don't get. Sometimes, you have to ask cold. And I mean ask, not demand, not explode, not expect, not feel entitled... Ask. Which leads me to the reason I volunteer at and truly love Women's Empowerment. I originally went in to support them with their building rehabilitation. They asked for help, I said yes. One of the graduates asked me, politely, why I wasn't a mentor. After investigating the time commitment and work commitment, I signed up. It was the best thing I ever did to empower my own life. The women served by this organization come in with a small spark of light knowing they want to change their life. And they ask for help. These women commit to attending every class and let go of excuses that get in the way of them coming to the class. They ask for help when they come up against an excuse for not showing up. The staff that supports the women participants create programs that bolster and add to that small spark of light to create a bonfire of enthusiasm and a community of women in growth. The staff asks for help from each other, and the participants, when they need something. Back to asking and cold calls: In order to graduate, the participants have to make 4 cold calls - 2 to businesses they have researched and want to work at, but aren't necessarily hiring, and 2 to businesses that are hiring and have posted positions. Here's the part that keeps me coming back to this organization. As a mentor, I support these women in making these calls. These women, who have truly been through the ringer, who have been nurtured, and supported, and had their light expanded, make cold calls, with grace, and poise, and they ask for a job. And then I ask them for insight and feedback about how to get over my fear of cold calls. It's like the cycle is then complete. They have learned to ask, I have learned to ask, and we together are stronger for doing it together.
Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. That's when I go downtown to Loaves and Fishes with 2 or 3 other volunteers to give a Parenting class to the homeless women as part of the 7 week program offered by Womens' Empowerment. The staff and volunteers do an essential job in renewing hope and trust in life for the women in the program,teaching new skills, counselling, encouraging and caring. Our parenting class has been received warmly, and the women are grateful for the down to earth advice they are given, including nourishment through stories, puppet shows, making little doll babies and sharing their own stories. I am reminded every week -there but for the grace of God go I and am humbled by the honesty, courage and gratitude of these women and of those who faithfully serve them.
Women's Empowerment started, as many wonderful things are, by one dedicated woman and in less than a decade has hundreds of volunteers serving hundreds of homeless women and their children. Women's Empowerment has allowed women to enter and return to the job market, find safe housing and gain self-esteem and confidence. It is the only organization in Sacramento which speaks to the needs and dreams of women who have lost everything and feel despair and hopelessness. It is 100% community supported with no government funds. It is a magical program.
One day when we were wrapping up a training module on excel spreadsheets, Sarah was requesting to stay after class for some additional help and practice time. She explained that she was returning to the workforce after being a stay at home mom for 10+ years to her three children. Her homelessness was due to domestic violence, and she realized that computer skills were a key ingredient in her joining todays working world. She was diligently hunting and pecking to complete the assignment when her three children arrived at the center from school. Her oldest daughter Theresa came in eager to tell her mom about her day in school and was teasing her mom about being "behind the times" with computers. I pulled 14 year old Theresa aside to give her mom time to finish her work. Theresa explained to me that she was still attending school in her old neighborhood, she was getting an A in science, and how she wanted to be a veternarian when she grew up. She told me that her friends did not know that she was homeless, and how difficult it was to finish her homework at the shelter due to all the distractions. It was at that moment that is all clicked for me, it is important that we show up week after week to teach the women computer skills because most of these women are mothers and when they are homeless so are their children. The faster we can help them to get into sustainable housing, school, and/or work the less children sleeping on the streets of our city. There is nothing more important that Women's Empowerment.
What does it take for a homeless woman's life to achieve the classic storybook ending? Exactly the combination of program components which Women's Empowerment is dedicated to providing. Can a homeless woman under the strains of addiction live Happily Ever After? No, so WE inspires her to conquer that addiction by reserving the program for those who are clean and sober. And the incentives of reuniting with family, finding a job, and finding a home provide powerful inspiration. Programs which address addiction alone cannot address the other, crippling issues of joblessness and separation from family. Can a homeless woman live Happily Ever After? No, so WE inspires her to find housing, but only after providing training and even clothing for job-readiness to pay for that housing. The most worthy housing programs are empty promises to the woman who has neither the plan nor the resources to sustainably pay the rent and utilities. Can a homeless woman live Happily Ever After if she has lost her family? No, but by allowing her to recover from the root causes which caused her to lose her family (addiction, joblessness , and homelessness), WE makes available the path toward that life-altering family reunion that makes her whole. While wonderful programs exist to allow families to visit and reunite on a temporary basis, no permanent reunion is possible without the sustainability of job and income which our programming provides. Can a homeless woman live Happily Ever After if she has lost her job? No, but by providing training allowing her to recover from the root causes which caused her to lose her job (substandard work skills, emotional and psychological impairment, inadequate wardrobe), WE paves the way with computer skills training, resume building, and wardrobe availability for that successful interview and future job. Other job training programs provide excellent transitional assistance to those whose skills are stale, but may not address the self-esteem issues that are unique to homeless women. I am proud to help WE help bring the Happily Ever After storytale ending to the homeless women of our area! Alexis Korbey
One of my favorite experiences has been meeting Candace. She was homeless due to domestic violence. I saw her working hard every day to accomplish her graduation requirements. She was motivated to turn her life around, taking advantage of every opportunity presented to her. Today, Candace has a job. She volunteers her time on the speakers bureau at Women's Empowerment because she wants to spread awareness and inspire others. Hers is just one of many powerful stories. Women's Empowerment really makes a difference! And that's why I give part of my pay check back every month.
I volunteer in the office on a weekly basis, so I have firsthand knowledge of the program. I have witnessed homeless woman go through the 8-week program and can attest to the remarkable transformations that occur. I know that the program operates on a very thrifty budget, using volunteers and in-kind donations to maximize the effectiveness of the program.