W.O.M.E.N. in Transformation workshop features guest speaker
The final session of the three-part workshop series “W.O.M.E.N. in Transformation” was held at the Gateway Center in Redmond on Thursday, May 21, 2009 featuring guest speaker Bend City Councilor Jodie Barram.
Barram shared her own personal and compelling story of the challenges she and her family faced in regards to poverty, the obstacles she had to overcome as well as the steps she took to succeed both personally and professionally. Barram’s story touched the hearts of all those in attendance and set the stage for the rest of the evening. In addition, members from the Tri-County Women in Business told their own stories of how they were able to overcome adversity and setbacks in their lives.
The entire evening had a festive, exciting atmosphere, with the stories of individual successes shared and it continued when the attendees were able to meet and discuss opportunities available with all the partnering members hosting the class.
The event was topped off with multiple drawings for prizes donated by generous local businesses which included free hair cuts with styling, massages, manicures, and professional portraits. In addition, all participating received gift bags. The night ended on a high note when Kelly Fisher, Homeownership Manager at Housing Works, announced that each participant would be able to select three free professional outfits from the Gateway Center’s clothing boutique.
This workshop series is a collaboration of Families Forward, Women’s Resource Center of Central Oregon, WorkSource Oregon, and the Tri-County Women in Business. The program was designed to assist disadvantaged women in identifying and overcoming obstacles in their lives that have prevented them from achieving their personal and career goals. Consisting of three 2-hour workshops, the series offers information on a range of topics including introduction to occupations, professional appearance, self-confidence, educational opportunities as well as mentoring and inspiration from successful local business women.
Families Forward was created by Housing Works, the regional housing authority. The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit was formed to provide the resources and collaborative partnerships needed to offer the housing authority’s clients greater access to services and educational programs. The intent is to increase the numbers of households achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency and to provide opportunities for affordable homeownership.
Other Families Forward programs include the Opportunities for Kids Scholarship Fund; Ready-to-Rent, to help renters overcome past issues that are locking them out of the rental market; and one-on-one counseling and education for lower income households who may be struggling to become or succeed as first time homeowners.
