My story isn’t a fairytale one, but it’s one of resilience, hope, and the profound impact of organizations like Women’s Empowerment of Sacramento (WE). The first time I walked through their doors, I was 12, following my mother who desperately sought stability for our family. We were homeless, and WE, with its job training and support programs, became a beacon in the midst of our storm.
Years later, the harsh winds of domestic violence forced me to flee with my daughter. We faced homelessness head-on, and for over a year, it chipped away at my hope. The future appeared bleak, and the weight of single motherhood felt crushing. But even in the face of isolation and defeat, a flicker of resilience remained. I knew I couldn’t let this define our lives. Precariously clinging to that hope, I remembered Women’s Empowerment, a beacon from my past. With a deep breath and a heart full of trepidation, I reached out once again. This time, however, a miracle was brewing – I was almost 7 months pregnant. This unexpected blessing became the catalyst, propelling me to seek the support I desperately needed.
Hesitantly, they accepted me into their program. Though burdened with anxieties about my pregnancy and unsure if I could even finish the program, I was determined. Every day, I attended classes, juggling the anxieties of pregnancy with the hope of a brighter future. WE wasn’t just about job training; it was a lifeline. They provided childcare, interview coaching, and a clothes closet – crucial things you forget about when survival is your main focus. While I didn’t use some of the resources at the time like childcare, they connected me with an incredible career mentor who became a pillar of support and guidance.
The Dress for Success day stands out vividly. Volunteers helped us pick out outfits, making us feel confident and ready to take on the world. And the free hair and makeup session? It wasn’t just about appearances; it was a boost to our spirits, a reminder that we deserved to feel good about ourselves.
While some of the job skills weren’t new territory for me, my previous high-level positions having equipped me with certain knowledge, I found myself drawn to supporting others. My experience became a resource for classmates, forging friendships built on shared struggles and the unwavering desire to climb out of homelessness. Laughter often filled the classroom as we navigated mock interviews, crafted resumes, and prepped for the workplace. More than just learning, it was a space of sisterhood, encouragement, and shared triumphs.
WE wasn’t just about getting a job; it was about building a community. I found support, encouragement, and lifelong friendships. There, I also reconnected with Lisa Culp, the director who had left a lasting impression on me as a child. This time, she wasn’t just a smiling face; she was a pillar of strength, reminding me of my worth and potential.
Graduation day wasn’t just about a certificate; it was a victory over adversity. And for me, it was the beginning of a mission: to give back tenfold what I had received. This experience transformed me from a hesitant woman burdened by challenges into a determined advocate, not just for myself, but for my daughter and the future we were building together. The skills I honed at WE, coupled with the unwavering support they offered, became the foundation upon which I began to rebuild my life, brick by hopeful brick.
My journey of giving back wasn’t just a momentary impulse; it was a fire fueled by gratitude and purpose. It all began in 2020, when the world grappled with the pandemic’s harsh realities. While many struggled, the plight of those experiencing homelessness hit particularly close to home. I remembered the lifeline Women’s Empowerment (WE) had provided me, and knew they needed support more than ever.
First, I started with something small yet meaningful: donations. Bags of clothes I no longer needed, forgotten jewelry unearthed from drawers – each item represented a silent promise, a tiny thread woven into a bigger tapestry of empowerment. It wasn’t just about giving away possessions; it was about offering a chance to feel confident and dignified, just like I had at WE.
But the need was vast. As the pandemic’s grip tightened, I knew I had to do more. In 2020, the idea for the basket drive sparked. It began as a whisper, then grew into a full-fledged mission. I rallied support at my workplace, and together, we collected over 30 overflowing baskets with essential supplies – the comfort of toilet paper, the cleanliness of soap, even the joy of toys for children stuck indoors. Witnessing the relief and gratitude in the eyes of WE’s participants solidified my resolve. Donations, however crucial, weren’t enough. I craved a sustainable way to offer long-term support, a hand up, not just a handout.
This led to the birth of Impact Thrift in December 2023. It wasn’t just a thrift store; it was a platform for empowerment, a bridge connecting the community’s generosity with the needs of those overcoming homelessness. Clothes donations would flow to WE and other shelters, offering not just clothing, but dignity and confidence with every thread. Job opportunities within Impact Thrift would offer a path to self-sufficiency, empowering women to rewrite their narratives. And envisioned partnerships with shelters would provide essential home furnishings, transforming empty spaces into havens of hope.
But the foundation of Impact Thrift wasn’t built solely on my own efforts. It was fueled by the support of others. I tirelessly spoke about WE and the cause, urging friends, family, and colleagues to donate, volunteer, and spread the word. My place of work, moved by my passion, stepped up with financial support, further amplifying our impact.
From simple donations to a full-fledged social enterprise, my journey has been a testament to the power of collective action. Impact Thrift stands as a symbol of hope, not just for me, but for countless women seeking to rewrite their stories. And this is just the beginning. With every thread of clothing donated, every life touched, every story rewritten, we weave a brighter future, one life at a time.
Impact Thrift is more than a thrift store; it’s a platform to empower women. We provide clothing donations to WE and other shelters, offer job opportunities, and plan to furnish homes for those transitioning out of homelessness.
My journey with WE and the birth of Impact Thrift are intertwined. It’s a testament to the power of support, the importance of community, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance to rise above their circumstances.
This is just the beginning. We have big plans to expand our impact, and we invite you to join us. Donate, purchase, or share our story – every action creates a ripple effect, empowering women and building a brighter future, one step at a time.
Together, let’s rewrite the narrative: from shadows to empowerment, one life at a time.
