Last week marked a transformative moment for Session 97 as they embarked on their journey of empowerment. These 20 incredible women are now on the path to a brighter future, filled with employment opportunities, growth, and hope.

We are beyond excited to see their progress as they work toward achieving their goals and creating a better tomorrow, not only for themselves but for their families and communities.

Let’s continue to support these inspiring women as they take each step forward.

Don’t get spooked, Halloween is right around the corner! We are hosting a Trunk or Treat event for all of our students and graduates.

We are looking for volunteers to donate Halloween candy, kid costumes, mini pumpkins (not gourds), and spooky decorations! Volunteers can even RSVP and have their own trunk space at the event. (spots are limited so act fast). We will even have a prize for the person with the best-decorated Trunk!

The last day for donations will be Oct 25th! They can be dropped off at our facility at any time up to that date.

If you are interested in getting involved, please email Sam at volunteers@womens-empowerment.org by Oct. 25th.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you have not attended a volunteer orientation or volunteered with WE before, please RSVP to a volunteer orientation below. If you have volunteered before, participated in an orientation, or are part of an exempt group, please skip this section. All orientations are in person at the Women’s Empowerment Facility unless stated otherwise.

The upcoming orientation dates are:

Wednesday, November 13th, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

As a Job-Seeking-Skills volunteer, you will work through the course curriculum one-on-one or in a small group with Session 97 students under the guidance of our program team.

In program workshops, you will work directly with students and staff to build on and apply the skills learned in class to develop finished products that the women can add to their professional portfolios.

Master Application Workshop-
Wednesday 10/23/2024
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Resume Writing Workshop
Tuesday 11/05/2024

Cover Letter Writing Workshop
Wednesday 11/13/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Every session, we conclude our job-seeking skills curriculum with Mock Interviews. Volunteers conduct mock job interviews so the women can apply what they’ve learned in class. The students “Dress for Success” and provide copies of their new resumes, ready to impress. It’s a highlight of every session! Volunteers will interview the students individually and in panels and evaluate their interviewing skills. Join us for this incredible experience of helping our students “Rock the Mock!”

Mock Interviews
Wednesday 11/20/2024
8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

We are in need of volunteers who would like to be drivers for our upcoming thrift store trips! Each session, students are given the opportunity to take a field trip to Fabulous Finds on Fulton, where they are greeted by personal shoppers who help them assemble professional outfits. Drivers depart from WE at 12:45 p.m., return around 2:45 p.m., and need to be able to accommodate three women. Drivers must provide valid driver’s licenses and insurance.

Thrift Store Driving – Monday, 10/28/2024 – 12:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Thrift Store Driving – Tuesday, 10/29/2024 – 12:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Thrift Store Driving – Monday, 11/04/204 -12:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Thrift Store Driving – Tuesday, 011/05/2024 – 12:45 pm – 2:30 pm

Each session, students sign up for an appointment to shop in our on-site professional Clothing Closet with the goal of finding 2 or 3 professional outfits they can wear to job interviews and other opportunities. We are looking for women who can assist students one-on-one in the clothing closet, help them find items that work for them, and provide encouragement and support.

Professional Shopping –Wednesday 10/30/2024 – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Professional Shopping –Friday 11/01/24- 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Professional Shopping –Wednesday 11/06/2024 – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Professional Shopping –Friday 11/08/24- 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

NEW MINI WORKSHOPS

SMART Goals

SMART Goals stands for, Specific-Measurable- Achievable- Realistic- Timely

A few volunteers will support the students in developing and setting SMART Goals. These goal plans will help each student create structure and momentum throughout the session and as she prepares to graduate from the program and take her next steps. Volunteers will work with the students to ensure the goals are “SMART” and have reasonable time frames.

It would be “SMART” of you to join us for this new workshop!

SMART Goals Workshop
Monday, 11/27/2024
9:15 am -10:30 am

FRI-YAY!!

Many of our students face tremendous barriers, yet they continue to show up and push toward their goals. You can help our students celebrate the success of making it through the week. These women work HARD, and WE want to acknowledge their victories!

Consider becoming – or even recruiting — a sponsor for a Women’s Empowerment Fri-Yay! We are looking for simple snacks and treats for our Session 97 students at the end of each week.

We ask that each Fri-Yay serve 18-22 students and that this special surprise is dropped off by 10:00 a.m. on the chosen date or by 5:00 p.m. the day before. The following dates are available:

Friday 10/18/2024
Friday 10/25/2024
Friday 11/01/2024
Friday 11/08/2024
Friday 11/15/2024
Friday 11/22/2024
Friday 11/27/2024
Friday 12/06/2024

TOY DRIVE

We’re excited to invite you to the 9th Annual Holiday Open House & Toy Drive, hosted by Kevin McCarty!

This wonderful event is a chance to celebrate the season of giving while supporting Women’s Empowerment! Every year, the generosity of our community helps brighten the holidays for the women and children we serve.

Date: November 18th
Location: MOSAC SMUD Museum of Science
Time: 4 pm – 6:30 pm

Please RSVP and bring an unwrapped toy to join us for an evening of festive fun, holiday cheer, and the spirit of giving. Together, we can make a real difference!

HOLIDAY CRAFT PARTY

The holidays are just around the corner, and we know that many of the women and children we serve are facing challenges that make it difficult to buy gifts for their friends, teachers and loved ones. Our upcoming Holiday Craft Party offers a wonderful opportunity for them to create heartfelt, meaningful gifts. It’s a chance to express their love and frienship, and we’re excited to support them in this special way.

SHOP HERE!

Item donations and drives are a great way to support the women and children we serve. You can help ensure we have the important supplies that make our programs possible.
At this time, we are in need of the following:

Desperate need of Baby wipes!
Pull-ups
Non-Perishable Snacks
Scrubs new or gently used, all sizes
Large 3-Ring 2 inch binders

Makeup & Skincare for all skin tones
Small or travel size toiletries
New and gently worn bra’s sizes DD & Up
Rain gear is also needed for the upcoming weather change: ponchos, rain jackets etc.

Farewell & Thank You

Dear Friends and Supporters,

After almost 6 years with Women’s Empowerment, it is time for me to say goodbye as I embark on the next chapter of my journey. It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals, all united by a shared mission to uplift and empower women and children experiencing homelessness.

I have learned so much from all of you, I am deeply grateful for the support, kindness, and generosity you have shown throughout my time here. Together, we have made a meaningful impact on countless lives, and I know this important work will continue to advance with your continued involvement.

Women’s Empowerment, the community of support and the women served will always look forward to coming back as a volunteer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey with me. I will carry the lessons, friendships, and memories from my time at Women’s Empowerment with me always.

With deep gratitude,

Zoe Fishman