Sitting in an office, seeking help, I heard my daughter's innocent voice narrate a nightmare to a policeman. Her words shattered my heart—my daughter was inadvertently learning that abuse was acceptable. That moment sparked a fire within me; it wasn’t just about survival anymore. It was about rewriting the script for my daughter’s future.
In the shadow of abuse, I navigated a nightmare disguised as love—strangulation, assault, and perpetual fear. Witnessing the impact on my daughter, I knew I had to break free from the cycle of violence. Strategizing my escape, I hid bags for safety, determined to reclaim life beyond mere existence. Months later, I emerged liberated, embracing peace I never knew. Today, I stand a survivor, a voice among the 1 in 3 women facing domestic violence. At the Women’s Opportunity Center, we offer sanctuary, support, and tailored services to empower others in their journey from victim to warrior. Together, let’s rewrite our narratives and thrive, unbound by fear. Join us, reclaim your power, and create a world where every woman thrives.
ITHACA/SYRACUSE, New York—Today, the Onondaga and Tompkins County Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) announced that a New Executive Director, Jan Bridgeford-Smith will be starting as head of the organization on March 29, 2021. Bridgeford-Smith will be serving as the Executive Director for both the Syracuse and Ithaca locations. The WOC is a non-profit organization that offers free programs and services to advance women’s success in the workplace by providing employability skill training.
“When I saw the position was open, it just seemed right to apply—it was like coming full circle,” said Jan Bridgeford-Smith, Executive Director of the Women’s Opportunity Center. “When I first moved to Ithaca, I was active for years in advocating for legislation and services important to women; and I couldn’t imagine a better way to honor the spirit of all the women I’d known who had inspired and supported me my entire life. The Women’s Opportunity Center is an organization laser-focused on empowering women—still an urgent piece of unfinished business. I’m honored and excited to be joining the agency.”
A native of Washington, D.C., Bridgeford-Smith was raised by her single mother, who worked full-time as a secretary, and took college classes at night. Bridgeford-Smith went on to get an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Maryland. After two years of teaching special education in a small, rural, southern Maryland school, she moved to the Ithaca area.
In Ithaca, she completed a graduate degree in counselor education with a concentration in organizational management from Syracuse University. Bridgeford-Smith held executive management positions with the Tompkins County Mental Health Association, H.O.M.E.S., Inc. and Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca. She was a founding member and co-coordinator of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, and served on the boards of Rape Crisis and The Task Force for Battered Women, organizations that eventually joined forces to form the Advocacy Center.
Former Women's Opportunity Center client Charise Titus discusses building success in the workforce.
Eileen L. Collins Graduated from Strayer University in 2009 with an Associates Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. She has 30+ years Administrative experience with 4 years experience through the USAF. Her previous employment was with Wells Fargo Bank for 14 years as an Executive Assistant and Trust Associate combined. She is certified in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Eileen is married with 3 boys, 12 grandchildren, 4 greatgrands and 2 dogs. Her current business venture is called Admin-On-Call, Executive Assistant on the Run. They provide cost effective, professional administrative services on an as-needed-basis to busy Professionals, Sole Proprietors, Home Based Businesses, and Large and Small Business Owners. In 2019, Eileen Collins was awarded the Women's Opportunity Center Woman of the Year Award. She continues to be an inspiring presence at the center and is always generous with her time and knowledge.
Welcome to our vibrant world of eco-fashion! Join us on a stylish journey where fun meets sustainability. Let's dress boldly, live courageously, and change the world, one eco-friendly outfit at a time!
Welcome to Mary Durham Boutique, where we believe in fashion with a purpose! Let's dive into the wonderful world of eco-friendly fashion and explore why it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good too.
At MDB, we understand the importance of confidence for women. That's why we offer a wide selection of gently loved fashion pieces that not only boost your confidence but also won't break the bank. By choosing pre-loved items, you're not only saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
But why exactly should you opt for eco-friendly fashion? Well, let's break it down.
First off, buying secondhand clothing promotes sustainable fashion practices. It's a crucial step in the slow fashion movement, which encourages us to be more mindful of our clothing choices. By giving pre-loved garments a new life, we're reducing the demand for new production and minimizing our environmental footprint.
And let's talk about uniqueness! When you shop secondhand, you're bound to find one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't see anyone else wearing. Vintage finds? Check. Rare gems? Double check. Embrace your individuality and stand out from the crowd with our curated selection of pre-loved treasures.
But it's not just about style; it's about making a positive impact on the planet. By choosing secondhand over fast fashion, you're helping to combat the throwaway culture that's so prevalent in today's society. You're saying no to excessive waste and yes to a more sustainable future.
And the benefits don't stop there. Buying secondhand clothing also supports ethical fashion practices. It's a way to stand in solidarity with garment workers worldwide and advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions. Every purchase you make sends a powerful message to the fashion industry: we demand transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
But don't just take our word for it. The secondhand fashion market is booming, with more and more consumers embracing the thrill of the hunt and the joy of sustainable shopping. From affordability to sustainability to exclusivity, there's something for everyone in the world of eco-friendly fashion.
So why wait? Join us at Mary Durham Boutique and embark on a fashion journey that's as bold and courageous as you are. Together, let's make a difference, one stylish outfit at a time.
