| Success Stories |
 |
 |
 |
By Pam Jiranek “I’m so blessed in so many ways,” says Carol Fox, with a deep-felt belief that can be heard even over the phone. Considering the upheaval Carol has lived through over the last few months, her positive outlook is even more moving. After 29 years of marriage, the 52-year-old diabetic working mother of two sons finally found the strength and support she needed to leave her abusive husband and move into her own apartment. There, her boys, ages 23 and 16, no longer need to share a bedroom, and Carol feels a sense of security that has eluded her for years. Her husband’s unpredictable behavior, exacerbated by alcohol, made going home difficult as “you never knew what you were going to walk into,” she explains. Now, at the end of her day, she looks forward to going home. “The moment I get out of work, there’s hot food at home for the boys, good food.” And, unlike times before when her husband was saying hateful things to her sons, now “I can lock the door…I can protect them in some way.” And, making it feel even more like home is Carol's beloved Welsh Corgi. The rental agent was so charmed by the dog that, "She's written into the lease by name," Carol laughs.
Success Story: A special gift this holiday
To read more about how the IWE program helped graduate Valisha Clark, click here>>
Girls Experiencing Engineering
|
On November 8, the continuing chain of giving and receiving was strengthened when eight Memphis women graduated from a comprehensive empowerment program, the Institute for Women’s Empowerment (IWE). IWE was developed, and is implemented, by the Memphis Chapter, Shelby County Links, Inc., an international membership organization for women of color. The IWE program was specifically developed for the women and children of the Memphis H.O.P.E initiative.
Through hands-on projects, middle school girls will discover what engineers do and how skills such as creative thinking, problem solving and communications can contribute to their future success.