Success stories we’re particularly proud of…
Women's Opportunity Center Empowers Women Through Skills, Compassion | Spectrum News
BY JUSTIN BACHMAN SYRACUSE PUBLISHED 12:12 PM ET MAR. 02, 2020
Jen S, Age 27
At first, it was just words, mean ones. Then, it became more—a storm of control and insults. He'd pick on everything, from my friends to what I wore. It got to 'don't speak unless I say' and worse. It wore me down, stole my confidence, my connections, everything.
It was scary and lonely—fear and anxiety were my everyday pals. But today, I talk openly about it, standing up for others.
The Women's Opportunity Center was my safe harbor, helping me rebuild. My Life Coach? A guiding light. They showed me the way out of that bad relationship, back to myself, and even how to start my own business—a secret dream I'd held on to.
It wasn't easy, but regaining that belief in myself? That's the victory. Now, I'm chasing dreams again, thanks to the Center that became my support system when I needed it most.
““Those words—I’d never heard such venom. It was a cycle: hate, forgiveness, peace, repeat. He tore me down, controlled my every move, insulted my body and family. I thought therapy could fix it, but a question changed everything: Did I want this for my daughter? No way. If not for her, why for me?
Leaving was tough, words turned uglier. He belittled me and my kids. The Women’s Opportunity Center was a lifeline. They didn’t judge; they listened, cried, made tea, held my hand. They brought back laughter, reignited hope. They believed me when my own family didn’t.
I’m educated, got a good gig, a solid rep. But when I opened up at work, I got dismissed. At the Center, it was different—they saw beyond the facade I put up outside. They saw me, the real me.
Today, I’m a good supervisor, a trainer, an employee, and I leave the bad stuff at the door. But the Center helped me face what was behind that door, helping me heal and believe in myself again.” Tina, age 43”
Tina, Mom of 2, age 43
It all started with cruel words, calling me names like "fat cow" or "stupid fat cow." Then, it spiraled. It wasn't just about what I wore or how I looked; it was controlling who I talked to, even questioning my male friends, digging for secrets.
From insults to dictating when I could even speak, it wrecked me inside. "Nobody will ever love you," he'd say. At first, I fought back, but bit by bit, my confidence got chipped away. I ended up just taking it, feeling like I had no fight left.
This abuse? It stole me from myself, my fam, and my crew. Fear and anxiety became my constant buddies, wrecking everything.
But now? I'm out here speaking up, telling my story loud and clear. I've turned into someone who's got others' backs, advocating for them.
“From Glass Slippers to Glass Ceilings: Tabitha’s Tale of Triumph””
Tabitha, Aged 32
Tabitha's story wasn't your typical fairytale. Sure, there was a ball, a prince (charming at first glance), and even a glass slipper. But the happily ever after? That took some serious rewriting.
Forced to stay home while her cruel stepmother and sisters waltzed the night away, Tabitha dreamt of a different life. Then, with a sprinkle of fairy godmother magic, she found herself at the ball, dazzling in a gown fit for a princess. The prince, Scott, seemed smitten, showering her with attention. But soon, the charming facade faded. His "loving" remarks became laced with control, his grand gestures followed by manipulative guilt trips.
When Tabitha confided in her best friend, Heather, whispers of "gaslighting" and "narcissistic abuse" filled the air. It was Heather's call to the Women's Opportunity Center that truly changed everything. There, Tabitha wasn't gaslighted, she was believed.
With the Center's support, Tabitha crafted a safe escape plan. Leaving behind the gilded cage, she found refuge in a supportive community. They helped her heal, rediscover her confidence, and build a life independent of Scott's toxic spell.
Tabitha found her true prince- not in a sparkling palace, but in the strength of her own heart. She pursued her passion for fashion design, launching a successful business with designs that reflected her resilience and independence.
Tabitha's story wasn't about a prince saving a damsel. It was about a woman saving herself, shattering the glass ceilings of abuse and rewriting her own happily ever after – one stitch at a time. This time, it was real, built on resilience, love for herself, and the unwavering support of her true sisters.
So, forget the glass slippers. Tabitha's crown was forged from courage, and her happily ever after was a masterpiece she designed herself.
Sasha, age 31
Post-Covid storm wrecked Sasha's architect career, leaving her adrift. Eviction loomed, hope dwindled, but resilience flickered. The Women's Opportunity Center (WOC) became her beacon.
Strategic Life Coaches worked with her to plan her goals and create a solid action plan. Workshops built emotional breakwaters, healthy boundaries like reefs. This newfound resilience fueled a bold ambition: Starting her own business!
WOC's "Ready? Set? Dream!" program paired Sasha with a mentor, and empowered by their belief, she set sail on her entrepreneurial voyage.
Sasha's story is a symphony of triumph. It's etched not in blueprints, but in resilience, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of community. From despair, she rebuilt a life.
Join the vibrant WOC community and discover your own inner Sasha!
From Doubt to Destiny: Olivia's Empowered Journey with the Women's Opportunity Center
Olivia's transformation with the Women's Opportunity Center in 2019 was nothing short of remarkable. From a place of uncertainty and dependency, she blossomed into a confident, empowered woman, becoming a beacon of inspiration for her three children.
Previously, Olivia felt adrift, grappling with depression and lacking direction. She was reliant on her husband, unsure about her life's purpose as a stay-at-home mom. This internal struggle spilled over into her relationships and parenting, casting a shadow on her well-being.
Recognizing the need for change, Olivia stumbled upon the Women's Opportunity Center online. Engaging with their webinars became the catalyst for her remarkable journey. As she immersed herself in the center's events, both online and in-person, she discovered a community that embraced her in tough times and celebrated her triumphs. It was within this supportive environment that Olivia found her footing.
Fast forward to today, Olivia is a testament to resilience. Working full-time and pursuing her degree online, she's setting an example for her children. Her eldest have graduated high school, and her son is stepping into college, inspired by his mother's determination. Her youngest is learning from Olivia's tenacity, understanding that with effort, she can design her own destiny.
The Women's Opportunity Center played a pivotal role in Olivia's transformation, providing not just resources, but a lifeline of support. Olivia's journey isn't just about personal success; it's a testament to the power of community and the remarkable heights one can reach with determination and unwavering support.
Olivia M., Age 41