Year In Review
As 2020 comes to an end, we reflect upon the true spirit of the holiday season. Empowerment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is thankful for all of the hard work and dedication of our board of directors, advisory council, volunteers, and donors. Together, we are helping families cultivate strength to become productive members of the community. We […]
Racial Injustice Conversations with a 7 Year Old
I must admit I had been glued to the television and social media watching history unfold and filled with all kinds of emotions. I like many others watched the protest unfold starting on May 26th in response to the unjust death of George Floyd. The parent in me kept saying cut it off so she […]
A Different Kind a Mother’s Day?
Like many holidays in 2020, this will be a Mother’s Day we probably won’t forget. This Mother’s Day some of us will have to practice social distancing from our elderly mothers and grandmothers. We won’t be going to the Mother’s Day brunch or having a fancy Mother’s day dinner at that packed favorite restaurant. We […]
JIW Women, Careers and Entrepreneurship Trip
JIW Girl, Tamia shares insights about the JIW Women, Careers and Entrepreneurship Trip held on Saturday, March 7, 2020. I was excited to hear about this trip. First we went to Jones and Rose and I’d have to say I really enjoyed being there. The women on the panel were very honest and friendly and […]
5th Annual Curls and Convo has Swag
More than 75 guests joined Mygani and ERI for a MAGICAL experience at the 5th annual Curls and Convo. The event featured a panel discussion, small business vendors, hair demos and instilled the value of self-confidence in women + girls of color regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion. JIW Girl, Michaela E. shares what she thought about the amazing […]
Cardboard City 2019 Reflection
On November 15, a few girls from the JIW program volunteered for Family Promise’s Cardboard City. This event combines fundraising with a better understanding of what it means to be homeless. JIW girls volunteered by serving hot cocoa and cookies to guests. Next they participated in the social services maze – a scenario and then […]
Volunteer Spotlight: 2019-2020 Mentors and Drop-In Mentors
Meet the 2019-2020 Journey Into Womanhood Mentors. We are thankful for their commitment. We hope you join us in showing your appreciation for our mentors this program year. Yanique Mundy (Mentor) Yanique was born in Jamaica and moved to the US at the age 12. She aspires to be a Chief Marketing Officer in the […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Diamond Lawson
Diamond Lawson, Drop-In JIW Mentor shares her volunteer experience with our readers. I’m frequently asked about my experiences with ERI and the Journey Into Womanhood program. So today, I’m excited to share with you why this organization has become so important to me. My name is Diamond and I joined ERI’s Journey Into Womanhood program […]
How JIW helped Iva Ballou grieve and grow into a confident woman
Iva Ballou, 2006 JIW Alum and founder of Realsophisticatedjoy shares how JIW made an impact in her life at a defining moment. Unbeknownst to me, JIW came into my life at the most perfect time. I joined JIW a short time after my father passed away. Ms. Elexia and JIW provided a safe space for me […]
How JIW shaped Katrice Oglesby into the woman she is today
Katrice Oglesby, JIW Alum 2005 shares how JIW shaped her into the woman she is today. Journey into Womanhood came into my life at the perfect time. I was 14 years old and really starting to identify who I was as a person and eventually who I would become as a woman. I am the […]