Women’s Empowerment recently received a $25,000 grant from Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation to support the nonprofit’s programs that educate and empower women experiencing homelessness with the skills and confidence necessary to secure a job, create a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children. The foundation has supported Women’s Empowerment since 2010.

“Steadfast funding is the only way we are able to continue empowering women to rise from homelessness so they can support themselves and their children, especially during a pandemic and housing crisis,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is one of our most loyal funders, and we are grateful that each year they recognize the important work we do and deem it worthy of funding.”

The grant from The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation will support Women’s Empowerment’s work to help women experiencing homelessness find and maintain housing and jobs, including providing them with job-readiness classes, one-on-one support with a staff social worker and employment specialist, support groups, legal services, financial literacy, childcare and child developmental assessments, health services and referrals to providers, transportation assistance, paid job training and more.

“When women have control over their income and livelihood, the effect on their families and communities is truly transformational,” said Nicole Pesco, board member, The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation. “The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S Foundation is proud to help provide women with meaningful participation at all levels of economic decision making and a quality standard of living for themselves and their families.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Women’s Empowerment provides a nine-week employment-readiness and empowerment program, paid job training, childcare and support services so all women and their children can break the cycle of homelessness. Women’s Empowerment offers the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness, and their children. Eighty-two percent of the graduates secure a job or enroll in school. Despite the housing crisis, 75 percent regain a safe home for themselves and their children. The award-winning organization has graduated 1,734 women and their 3,859 children. Women’s Empowerment is funded through private donations from the community and grants. To make a donation, visit donatenow.networkforgood.org/womens-empowerment.

The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation supports community, arts, recreation, education and sports. The foundation was created by Save Mart Supermarkets and operates with a separate board of directors maintaining a separate focus on supporting the company’s principle of giving back to the communities it serves. For more information: TheSaveMartCompanies.com/Cares.