UNITY OF WOMEN: LISA’S STORY

Two years after graduation, Lisa felt discouraged when she couldn’t find a job in her field. But that changed when she found the Empower program.

“Every time I attend a Women’s Resource Center event, my confidence improves,” said Lisa, who came to WRC for help securing a job after college. “I still struggle at times, but my Career Coach is such a great mentor. She makes me believe in myself and that I can do this.”

WRC’s Empower program offers career coaching to help women move toward economic independence and provides both career and life skill development. Career Coaches also work to address each participant’s personal and unique needs.

“The beauty of the program is that it serves a wide range of women,” said Michelle Bryk, Program Director at WRC. “Many women come to us after living in generational poverty, and they realize they want to make a change.”

Lisa’s Career Coach led her through mock interviews and helped her gain confidence in the interview process. She learned how to build a resume and write a cover letter, and eventually felt empowered to take on a one-year certificate program at Michigan State University. Lisa is now a social worker who specializes in working with combat veterans.

Michelle Bryk explained, “Without United Way funding, we couldn’t be doing the programming we have. What we do is people intensive, and we need to have the staff and resources available at the center.”

Lisa felt a sense of community and belonging at Women’s Resource Center, where everyone knew her by name and asked how she was doing. She found people who genuinely cared about her future and believed in her.

“Unity of women is something we need to foster more,” said Lisa, “And at Women’s Resource Center, they do. I can’t wait until I’m in a place where I can give back to WRC for all that they’ve done for me.”

Learn more about our agency partners and the programs we fund at hwmuw.org/how-we-help.