Jasmine

Jasmine struggled to support herself and her children while working a series of minimum wage jobs. Women's Opportunity Center helped her gain the skills, confidence, and provided the support to work up to a better job. She now works for The William Henry Miller Inn in Ithaca. " I love to get up and go to work everyday. The people and atmosphere at my job are great."-Jasmine

Lorry was one of the first graduates of the Retail Training Center Program in 2008. She opened her own seasonal shop in 2010 serving ice cream and home baked treats.

joannie

Joannie is a single parent of three sons. She was a graduate of WOC’s first Retail Training Program class. While training she took resume, interview, and computer workshops. With the help of WOC staff, she obtained a living-wage job at Beechtree Care Center. Joannie was recently promoted to Activities Supervisor and is a proud role-model to her sons. “The staff at WOC supported me the whole way, and that has made all the difference.” –Joannie

bradley sisters

Lenora (right) appreciates all of the services she has received from WOC. Lenora knows how important it is to present well, so interview and work clothes, including scrubs, from the Dressing Room, really made a difference to her. She also received personal care products, bus passes, gas cards, a resume, job search and interview assistance, and computer training. Lenora has gained marketable skills and experience during the time she has been at WOC. She has recently worked in several temporary positions, so she is gaining work experience. Her future looks bright!

Melissa (left) recently moved to Ithaca from another state with her two teenage sons and very few possessions. She had to start over. WOC provided a scholarship to transfer her Nursing Assistant Certificate to New York State so she could begin employment. WOC assisted Melissa with clothing, personal care products, a resume, bus passes, and taxi rides home from her job at night. Melissa now has a living-wage job that she loves, and she plans to further her education to become a nurse.

Nga

Nga was a seamstress in Vietnam before she moved to Ithaca. She came to WOC’s Retail Training Program to learn job skills and improve her English. She gained customer service, sales, and computer skills. She also made and sold bags sewn from recycled materials. WOC staff assisted Nga with a resume, interview skills, and interview clothing, as well as searching for a job that fit her interests and abilities. She is now employed at the William Henry Miller Inn and ABC Carpet Cleaning, earning a living wage. “ I love both my jobs and I am proud to help support my family.” -Nga

melissa

Melissa is a single parent with a two year old son. Melissa had held several minimum wage jobs, but could not adequately support herself and her son. She completed a paid internship at the Mary Durham Boutique while job searching and taking computer classes. She decided to apply to college to improve her career opportunities. With tutoring from staff and her own determination, she improved her math and English skills and was accepted at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She utilizes WOC’s computer lab and internet service daily to study and complete homework and is currently working toward a degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. “Thanks to WOC, I can work on my education and the goal of a better job in the future.”-Melissa