Rising Above the Odds
Before a Phoenix can fly, it must first rise from the ashes. Angel’s story is no different. Her desire to become a certified social worker to help women and children who are suffering through trauma is rooted in her own experiences.
“The pain and trauma I endured is what fuels me to want to help women and their children that are in the same position I was at one time.”
Angel suffered abuse at a young age. Over the years, she persevered through challenges in school, relationships, mental health, and becoming a mother.
After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she received intense cognitive therapy and has been sober since 2010. Since then, Angel has founded an LLC where she organizes donation drives for mothers in need. Her projects have included a laundry detergent drive, book drive for literacy and education, spa kits for mothers and daughters, and back-to-school backpack drives. Currently, she is organizing a donation drive for women that includes collecting basic hygiene items.
Her mentor states: “Angel’s strengths are positivity, courage, and strength. She has faced so many challenges and still gets up every day with a smile and a will to move forward to make a better life for herself and her children.”
Continuing Her Dream
Angel will begin classes at Henry Ford Community College to become a certified community health worker with an expected graduation date in 2025. With help from the Live Your Dream Awards, she can purchase a car and have a reliable way to get to her classes and place of employment, breaking this cycle of poverty for her family.
Angel’s mentor added that she is a phoenix who has risen above the ashes and odds. Thanks to Soroptimist’s contributions, her wings are prepared for the flight!
To keep supporting women in their pursuit of education, please consider donating.
Join us by investing in dreams! Would you be willing to chip in a donation today? Your support will give more women the chance to live their dreams. You see, for every 1 woman that received a Live Your Dream Award this year from our headquarters, another 7 did not receive anything. And across our 1,200+ Soroptimist clubs, thousands more hopeful women applied for a grant but were turned away due to a lack of funds. This shouldn’t be the case. Each of these courageous, hardworking, ambitious women deserves support. With help from donors, we can grow our impact to help more of these women in need! Your gift of $100, $50, or even $10 today will go a long way and transform the lives of more women. |