We know this year has been challenging for us all. Imagine facing the challenges of the pandemic and economic crisis while also worrying about meeting your basic needs. The women we serve have been uniquely affected by challenges posed by COVID-19.

Throughout it all, we have seen you rise and offer your gifts of time, talent, and treasure to make it possible for us to support them through difficult times. Your compassion is astounding. We are grateful for you!

In 2016, you met Cynthia. She had recently overcome many obstacles to graduate from our job-readiness and empowerment program and went on to get a job as an Ambassador and Greeter with employment partner the Sacramento Kings.

Cynthia’s position with the Kings helped her flourish. When you talk to her, she loves to tell you the impact the opportunity has had.  “The job kept opening more and more doors for me.”  Nothing could stop her. Her strong work ethic led to several promotions, eventually working as a security guard at the Emergency Surge Hospital at Sleep Train Arena.

Despite all of her hard work, she was laid off in April.

She’s not alone. Since the start of the pandemic, nearly half of Women’s Empowerment graduates have been laid off.

Like Cynthia, these women have faced uncertainty, feelings of isolation, and anxiety, yet they still remain determined to reach their goals. With the support of Women’s Empowerment’s social worker and employment specialists, 120 graduates have gained employment since 2020 began.

Cynthia is no exception. She refused to let the pandemic stop her. Drawing upon the skills and confidence she gained in the job readiness program, she was recently hired for a position with the state.

“You get benefits, there’s retirement, there’s sick leave, there’s guaranteed hours. I know at the end of the month that I will have enough money to support my daughter.”

Today, Cynthia’s dream of buying a home can be a reality.

Access to lifetime services and support is crucial to our mission. “WE is my family. Sometimes when I am having a bad day, that’s where I go. It’s not like you just go through the program and then you’re done. They are always there for you.”

For the first time in while, Cynthia is excited about the future. She hopes that more women have the opportunity to find their place in the community and build the life they’ve dreamed of for themselves and their children.