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Face of Success
Past Recipients
Jolaire
| Terry | Anessa
| Caroline |
Josie | Michelle
| Alison | LaToyyia
| Sharon | Neva
| Olivia | Joy| Marilyn|
Rosemarie| Lisa|
Diane| Sharon
Jolaire [back
to top]
When Jolaire got married, it was going to be forever. “We
were going to be happy and life was going to be great,”
she says. But she and her husband began having problems, and
one day he came home and told her he was leaving. Suddenly,
Jolaire was faced with re-entering the workforce. She had
held jobs before she was married, but had always lived paycheck
to paycheck. Now she had three children to support as well,
the youngest only 18 months old. “I had no idea how I
was going to cope. I didn’t know what to do or where
to turn,” Jolaire remembers. She started by calling AWEE,
and after her first day of classes phoned her sister to tell
her about her day. Jolaire’s sister noticed a difference
immediately! “One day at AWEE and you’re a different
person from the one you were last week,” her sister said,
and Jolaire responded, “Because I laughed for the first
time in months!” For Jolaire, AWEE represented a place
to go when she was lost. “AWEE restored my self-esteem.
It gave me confidence and courage to keep trying. It gave
me resources. I’ll be forever grateful to AWEE for the
difference it made in my life.”
Terry [back
to top]
Terry was one of the very first women to take advantage of
AWEE’s programs more than twenty years ago, and her certificate
of completion from AWEE still hangs proudly above her desk
in her office. “AWEE has helped me cope with a lot of
the challenges I’ve faced in my life,” says Terry.
“And by helping me, AWEE is also helping my family. Now
I can encourage my kids to get an education and help them
become something.” Terry had been working since she was
13, doing what she had to do to survive. After her pregnancy,
Terry’s self-esteem hit bottom and she contacted AWEE.
“I thought I had failed,” she recalls. “I didn’t
see myself as a good role model for my children because I
was angry all the time. I needed help getting my life back
on track.” Today, Terry has established a successful
career with the Town of Guadalupe and feels strong. “I
think I’ll be a strong person forever thanks to AWEE.
Not only do I feel good about myself, my son feels better
about me too. Hopefully AWEE will be around for another twenty
years.”
Anessa [back
to top]
Anessa came to AWEE in 1994 after having bounced between living
with friends and being homeless. She had worked since the
age of 14 to put food on her table, but she was working just
to exist. “I had all kinds of jobs,” recalls Anessa,
“but not jobs that helped me better myself. I did housekeeping,
drywall, car repair, but those jobs just kept me alive.”
Since coming to AWEE, Anessa has developed a new tenacity.
“My kids see it, my friends see it. AWEE showed me that
you don’t give up, you keep going. You get back up and
you keep going.” Today, Anessa not only has a successful
career, she has four children on the honor role. “I’m
proud not only of them, but of myself. I think they’re
following Mom’s example.” In addition, Anessa has
become the legal guardian of her best friend’s child.
“She went through AWEE too and pursued an education in
computers until she died in 1998. I became the guardian of
her daughter so that she too will have a good chance to be
successful.” Anessa believes firmly that AWEE changes
lives, not just for program participants, but also for their
families. “All AWEE participants are going to be successful--and
so are their kids.”
Caroline [back
to top]
Caroline moved to Arizona and was struggling to establish
a new career here. She went on job interview after job interview,
but never made it to receiving an employment offer. She was
becoming discouraged and didn’t know what else she could
do to make her career search more productive. In addition,
Caroline faced mounting frustration as her financial resources
became exhausted and her telephone and electric services were
disconnected. Fortunately, Caroline contacted AWEE. AWEE provided
her with job readiness training that included effective networking
and interviewing techniques. The result was an increase in
self-esteem that was just what Caroline needed to achieve
the success she knew she was capable of. Today, Caroline is
the executive director for Self Employment Loan Fund (SELF),
a local non-profit organization, and she remains economically
independent and assured. “AWEE gave me the assistance
I needed just when I needed it. It gave me that little “extra”,
and it worked for me.”
Josie [back
to top]
“AWEE was behind me all the way,” says Josie. Josie
was facing many of the challenges shared by other single parents.
While arranging care and transportation for her children during
her search for a new career, Josie was temporarily obliged
to receive welfare. With her self-confidence shaken Josie
reached out to AWEE. AWEE helped Josie realize her potential
both personally and professionally. With AWEE’s help,
Josie improved her resumé, honed her interviewing skills,
and increased her self-confidence tenfold. Today, Josie is
proudly off of welfare and working for Scottsdale Healthcare,
where she was recently promoted and received a performance-based
salary increase of 28%! When we asked her how she was doing,
Josie said, “WONDERFUL!” And when we asked if she
still had AWEE’s phone number, her heartfelt reply was,
“That is one number I will never lose.”
Michelle [back
to top]
Michelle had been working as a bartender and was realizing
that she had little chance for career advancement, but was
struggling to change her lifestyle and career. She didn’t
know what resources were available to her or where to begin
looking. A friend recommended AWEE’s programs to her
for self-esteem and confidence building, job transitioning
skills and professional training, so Michelle took a chance
and gave AWEE a call. AWEE’s three-week program opened
new doors for Michelle. With AWEE’s help, Michelle prepared
her first resumé and was exposed for the first time
to computers as well as possibilities for education. While
on an AWEE-sponsored tour of Maricopa Skill Center, Michelle
was inspired to pursue training there to become a “Computerized
Office” Assistant. Only two days after graduating from
MSC, Michelle launched a new career with the State of Arizona.
She is now office manager for the DES Human Resource Administrators
Office and remains confident, assured and economically self-reliant.
“It all started with AWEE as the first building block
that opened my eyes to my potential. AWEE inspired my current
successes and happiness.”
Alison, Phoenix
[back to top]
Having worked in the medical field for 13 years, Alison found
that she was at the end of the line in terms of potential
for professional advancement. Not content to settle
for a job that didn’t take advantage of her full potential,
Alison courageously left her job and came to AWEE for help
in forging a more meaningful professional future. Today
Alison is working hard to put herself through school and support
her son. She was able to find a position that offers
flexibility to pursue a degree in education, that once completed,
will help Alison realize her dream of being a high school
teacher. Alison is involved in a number of community
organizations including the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the
American Business Women’s Association. In addition,
Alison has become active as a member of AWEE’s Career
Coaching Program Design Team.
LaToyyia, Sunnyslope
[back to top]
The reality of her husband needing a heart transplant suddenly
placed LaToyyia in an uncertain position with an even more
unknowing future. To ensure her family’s security,
she would have to become their sole provider. However,
she faced many challenges. She had little work experience
and no computer skills. Finally facing eviction from
her apartment, LaToyyia turned to AWEE. AWEE assisted
LaToyyia with professional clothing, transportation and childcare
while she attended workshops. Once she had completed
the AWEE training programs, she began an intense job search.
Today, LaToyyia is on the fast track to a rewarding career
with Valley of the Sun School where she can make full use
of her excellent people skills. Not only is she receiving
ongoing computer training, LaToyyia is earning a good salary
with benefits for herself and her family. Though her
husband’s health is still cause for concern, she is confident
she can provide for her family now and into the future.
Sharon, Prescott [back
to top]
Sharon escaped a domestic violence situation and found herself
in need of a way to support her five children while rebuilding
her life. Sharon already had a strong professional resume
when she came to AWEE, yet she lacked confidence in her own
abilities to succeed. Her true desire was to return
to college. With AWEE’s help, Sharon enrolled in
classes and now maintains an “A” average.
As a result of the encouragement she received, she is taking
a renewed interest in her children’s success - she is
breaking the cycle to which she had become a victim.
In addition to working on furthering her education, she secured
a position with a respected contracting firm with a good salary
and full benefits. She’s also won multiple scholarships!
Today Sharon looks back on her reluctance to come to AWEE
and laughs. “I’ve been given a new life.
The multitude of opportunities I’ve had have allowed
me to begin to feel alive again and AWEE is a large part of
that.”
Neva, 2003 [back
to top]
Neva dreamed of a career that would fulfill her as well as
provide the financial support her family needed. Married to
a military man, Neva’s frequent moves presented many
barriers in her quest for successful employment. After moving
to Luke Air Force Base in 1985, Neva was introduced to AWEE.
She attended life skills and job readiness courses and immediately
became employed. Neva was fortunate to work in a variety of
positions along the way – and AWEE was there as a support
mechanism throughout her journey. In 2001 Neva joined the
Phoenix Workforce Connection as a career advisor and found
that her journey with AWEE had come full circle. She is now
working in partnership with AWEE to help women become and
stay successfully employed. Over the years Neva also made
giving back a priority, often serving as a volunteer and foster
parent to 40 children. Neva believes that AWEE helped her
become more aware of the realities within the world of work
and gave her the skills and confidence she needed to achieve
her own career success.
Olivia, 2003 [back
to top]
With four children to care for, Olivia could not stay with
the husband who kept sending her to the hospital with injuries
from domestic violence. Homeless for the first time in her
life, her priest referred her to the Mesa Police Department’s
Center Against Violence. Olivia was quickly introduced to
AWEE for employment and education assistance. Out of necessity,
she began her own cleaning service. Shortly after that, AWEE
paid for her tuition to enter Mesa Community College where
she took English as a Second Language classes. Olivia is now
a small business owner with two employees also recovering
from domestic violence, a full-time college student and a
single parent looking ahead to the future. From enduring the
lows of domestic violence and homelessness, to the highs of
owning and operating a business, Olivia credits her long journey
to success to AWEE’s support in helping her achieve education
and employment goals.
Joy, 2003 [back
to top]
Life was good for Joy in the ’80s. She had a college
degree, was newly married and a music teacher. Four years
later, life was drastically different. Her marriage fell apart
and she was on her own with a toddler and no job. By the time
her son turned four, Joy was homeless and her life was in
crisis. While working as a cashier at a convenience store,
she realized that life wouldn’t get any better until
she got a boost from somewhere. A friend told her about AWEE
and the courses turned her life around. She was humbled and
grateful for the friendships she made with other women in
similar situations. Joy is now the Development Director for
the Old Town Mission in Cottonwood, Arizona. Her position
is high-pressure, fast-paced and exciting! Joy frequently
thinks about how much her life has changed since registering
for support from AWEE 14 years ago. The doors that were opened
to self-discovery and empowerment continue to support her
to this day.
Marilyn, 2004
[back to top]
When
Marilyn came to AWEE earlier this year she had basically hit
rock bottom trying to recover from a layoff in 2002. She nearly
exhausted her savings and had applied for public assistance
and food stamps to support her family. Through a recommendation
from a friend, Marilyn sought out AWEE. She developed an action
plan to pursue her education and employment goals. She attended
workshops to help with her job search skills, and restore
her motivation and confidence. Five college credits and two
new interview outfits from AWEE's Career Clothing Service
later, Marilyn began to feel like a new person. Besides helping
engage her in job clubs, AWEE also supported Marilyn in her
need to correct challenging vision problems. She got a new
pair of glasses just in time to enroll in a real estate licensing
program. She was well on her way to a new career. Marilyn
received her real estate license and secured a job with a
local real estate company in May. She's been able to increase
her earnings from less than $10,000 a year to nearly $40,000
annually. And she sold her first listing in 24 hours!
Rosemarie, 2004
[back to top]
Rosemarie
can hardly sit still. Maybe it's the Italian in her, or maybe
it's just the excitement over her new life. And she attributes
her success to AWEE's presence in Prescott. Stuck in an abusive
marriage to a man she had known since she was 9, her counselor
told her to move away...and she did. She moved from Florida
to Arizona with no family, no friends. AWEE helped her confront
her depression, the tragedy of her brother's suicide, and
the stronghold her addicted ex-husband had on her life. After
working her days away at a grocery store and laundry mat,
Ro learned about AWEE. She first came because she just needed
someone to talk to. She stayed and found support and a renewed
self-esteem in the courses and classes. In the middle of all
this, Rosemarie even volunteered at AWEE, feeling compelled
to "give back" to the very thing that gave her so
much. She was encouraged to apply for a part time job with
Yavapai County, where she was hired on as a file clerk. She
has since achieved two promotions to full-time status as a
court clerk with full benefits and a more competitive wage.
Ro is re-evaluating what her purpose in life is, and began
a college course in psychology, an area of study she has dreamed
of since she was 18-years-old. While reflecting on her struggles
brings tears to her eyes, Rosemarie's passion for a new life
is apparent with her giddiness when the future is in focus.
Lisa, 2004 [back
to top]
Every
day a new face crosses the front door threshold of one of
AWEE's many locations throughout Maricopa County and beyond.
But today when Lisa steps inside, it's only to reflect on
the challenges she faces, and overcame, some 13 years ago.
Struggling in a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage,
she was stripped of her self-esteem and confidence. A major
change was needed, but being a young mother of three children,
she wasn't sure where to turn. A friend told her about AWEE
and her path was set. Throughout the struggle, AWEE helped
her overcome significant hurdles with encouragement and support.
She found resources she never imagined were available. With
no formal education beyond high school, she was soon on her
way to attend classes at Glendale Community College. Life
suddenly became exciting for her. Shortly after completing
the program, she was hired by AWEE as an Intake Interviewer
and was quickly promoted to Program Assistant. During employment
with AWEE, she watched other women grow, set new goals for
themselves and even exceed their expectations! Lisa has done
the same. Today she travels the state assessing a number of
properties for Community Services of Arizona, which helps
analyze affordable housing developments along with governmental
entities. She oversees nearly 3,000 affordable housing units
across the state. When Lisa reflects back on what a difference
AWEE made in her life, she realizes it was the first stepping
stone on her path to success.
Diane, 2005 [back
to top]
Diane
was unemployed, on cash assistance and looking for guidance
and direction in a career field, when she arrived at AWEE
in 2004. She is a single mother with three children and a
victim of domestic violence. Despite many barriers, Diane
had the motivation and will to find a career and begin the
journey to self-sufficiency. Diane believes that AWEE “really
cares about its participants.” She took advantage of
every class or session that was offered. She became employed
at Maximus, an AWEE partner agency, in September 2004 and
has been an Employment Specialist since June of this year.
She’s proud to have found a place for her family to live
and own a new vehicle.
Sharon,
2005 [back to
top]
Sharon
came to AWEE after being downsized from a local manufacturing
company. Her career had hit a dead end. AWEE provided the
nurturing environment to explore careers, change direction
and obtain a job in the field of early childhood development
as a parent aide at Catholic Social Service. Sharon’s
positive attitude and openness moved her into a new career
field that she loves. She continues to build her skills while
attending Yavapai College. She has also received a major promotion
to Parent Aide Coordinator, supervising multiple staff. The
families of Yavapai County are indeed fortunate to have Sharon
making a difference in their lives.
Peggy, 2006
Working
to kick a horrific methamphetamine addiction, 33-year-old
Peggy was jobless, undereducated and the mother of a frightened
7-year-old. That was in 1994 when she accompanied a friend
to AWEE. There, a skills test indicated Peggy would be good
at counseling and “the light went on.” After being
connected to training dollars, completing a Bachelor’s
Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in organizational
management, life is very different for this mom these days.
Peggy is a licensed independent Substance Abuse Counselor
and Quality Management Director for a non-profit outpatient
facility that helps those with general mental health and substance
abuse issues. “In the last 11 years, I have accomplished
more than I had the previous 32 years of my life,” said
Peggy. “Thank you, AWEE, for being there to help this
mom find a dream and then achieve it.”
Jason, 2006
Unemployed
and sleeping on his mother’s couch, Jason wanted to break
free from the low-paying jobs that had plagued his life. He
came to AWEE in 2005 seeking career advancement, taking the
bus from North Scottsdale each day to take every class that
AWEE offered. Through
career advising and exploration, Jason focused on becoming
a radiological technician. He successfully completed an extensive
nine-month training program, earning a 3.2 GPA and had no
problem securing a position as a radiological technician for
$11 an hour. Confident and focused, Jason has successfully
positioned himself in a high demand occupation with advancement
opportunities. He’s feeling so good about his future
that he recently purchased his first new car. Jason now plans
on attending Gateway Community College to pursue his Radiology
degree.
Margarita, 2006
Margarita
came to AWEE after being released from prison in May 2006.
Arrested along with her husband for possessing marijuana with
the intent to sell, she spent two years away from her children.
Extremely focused and determined to do what’s best for
her and her family, Margarita has enthusiastically attended
many workshops and classes, been adamant about wanting to
attend school to become a plumber and has both taken the Maricopa
Skills Center assessment test and applied for financial aid.
“Margarita is determined to do everything in her power
to better her life so that she doesn’t become another
statistic and return to prison, “ said her Career Development
Specialist. With her growing family and the need to support
them, AWEE is a perfect partner to Margarita to refocus her
efforts.
Patricia, 2006
Newly
separated from her husband, Patricia was in dire financial
straits. She didn’t realize just how bad off she was
until her 12-year-old son offered to drop out of school so
that he could help her pay the bills. In 2005, Patricia was
referred to AWEE by Job Services. Patricia jumped into AWEE’s
career advising and exploration courses and discovered her
interest in welding. Once AWEE showed her how to help pay
for school, write a resume and interview, Patricia entered
a welding training program through the Maricopa Skills Center.
She did so well that she was hired by Schuff Steel for $15.02
an hour before she even graduated. A hard worker, Patricia
has remained in school knowing that her wages will rise dramatically
once she graduates. As for Patricia’s son, well, he’s
13 now and still in school. And, he thinks it’s “totally
cool” that mom’s paycheck covers the bills and his
hobbies, too.
The
2003 luncheon was held November 14 at the Arizona
Biltmore with attendance topping 750. Each luncheon
includes the presentation of the Jeanne Lind Herberger Award,
the AWEE Angel Award, and recognition of three program participants
as the Faces of Success for their triumph in gaining economic
independence through employment. The entertaining luncheon
includes creative and humorous raffle competitions, heartwarming
presentations and motivating messages from a number of women
from all walks of life.
Photos from 2003 Faces of Success Luncheon
click on image to enlarge view
The 2004 luncheon, presented by Wells
Fargo, was held on October 21 at the Arizona Biltmore
and celebrated the achievements for past program participants
Marilyn, Rosemarie and Lisa, as well as honoring Deborah
Carstens with the Jeanne Lind Herberger Award and
Sue Glawe with the AWEE Angel Award.
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