MANSFIELD, Ohio – Through the Women’s Empowerment (W.E.) program, women who receive services from Richland Newhope Industries had the opportunity to meet a variety of women community leaders, learn about different professions and inspire the women who empowered them. A banquet was held Thursday at the K.E. McCartney Memorial Building to celebrate those who participated in program.
With support from the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the W.E. program featured weekly speakers in which the women got to hear stories of survival, empowerment and triumph from local women who have made it through adversity and moved on to success in life.
The W.E. program started as a spin-off of the Ladies in Training program, created by Giselle Lindsay. The Ladies in Training program was a mentorship program focused on “at-risk” high school girls. The program taught them “pearls of wisdom,” including etiquette, self-esteem, and how to make good choices.
“After seeing the impact that Ladies in Training had on young ladies of the community, we instantly wanted to put our own spin on it and positively impact the lives of the young women who receive services from Richland Newhope,” said Aurelio Diaz, support specialist and W.E. coordinator. “Young women with admirable gifts and qualities who we felt would be empowered by strong and inspirational community leaders.”
It’s important for women to develop positive, meaningful relationships with other women, said Jennifer Lucas Kaufman, recreation coordinator at Richland Newhope.
“One of our visions with Women’s Empowerment was to bridge diverse paths of life by simply creating small, informal gatherings where the W.E. participants could meet other women and hear their stories and their powerful messages,” said Kaufman.
The diverse group of speakers wove together women from all walks of life including artists, community leaders, librarians, mothers, ministers, educators, and entrepreneurs.
W.E. participants and their supporters were treated to a catered dinner by Fast Eddie’s Pizza. The women received a certificate of appreciation and memory book of pictures.
Speakers of the W.E. program and award recipients included: Lydia Reid, Giselle Lindsay, Katy Esmont, Ashli White, Violeta Chinni, Kate Shannon, Tracy Graziani, Andreia White, Sade Smith, Brigitte Coles, Lauren Artino, Lisa Young McManes, Tammy Wilcox, Jennifer Frazier, Jennifer Hurst, Terri Fisher, Nicole Morrison, Mary Ann DiAlsandro, Angie Eichinger, Mary Bolin and Melinda Windsor.
Diaz and Kaufman gave the audience a snapshot of what each community leader talked about during their time with the W.E. participants as they thanked the women for empowering other women.
Richland Public Health Environmental Health Sanitarian Jennifer Frazier talked to the W.E. participants about the importance of healthy homes and environmental safety during her talk, Diaz said.
“It’s very honoring and humbling to be a part of this too,” said Frazier. “You ladies inspire me and empower me.”
Ashli White, sang the song, “Try” by recording artist Pink, while Richland Newhope Dance Troupe members Andreia White and Sade Smith danced to a montage of popular music hits.
Morrison sang a song by country group Rascal Flats and gave a moving speech after she accepted her award.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Aurelio and members of his staff for making this program possible and available to us,” said Morrison. “The staff has been very supportive in donating their time and rides to make this program happen for us. I’d also like to take a moment to thank our guest speakers for their encouragement, time and dedication to the W.E. program. I have learned how important women leaders are to the community.”
Because of the success of the W.E. program, Richland Newhope has founded a Men’s Empowerment Program.
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