Success Stories

Lorraine A . struggled to start a new life after 40 years of marriage and a difficult divorce. Making lemonades out of lemons, Lorraine grabbed the opportunity to learn, grow, and help others - starting by getting an education in a field that had interested her for a long time. Lorraine is pursuing advanced courses in Deaf Studies through Burlington County College where she is getting close to finishing her Associates degree. She makes great use of her education through her position working on the Specialized Child Study Team at the School for the Deaf in Trenton. Her experience and education are also helping her support her young grandson as well as mentor another Women's Opportunity Center client - both whom recently experienced major hearing loss!

Kim K. At the age of 34, Kim K. found herself in an unhealthy marriage with an alcoholic, a 13-month old baby, and an unsupportive job. Determined not to be "stuck" or to lose the home she worked so hard for, Kim quickly got her resources in order, negotiated a speedy divorce, and marketed child care services out of her home. Drawing upon her background in social services and special education, Kim worked with the Women's Opportunity Center to arrange her resume, obtain certification and begin advertising. Kim worked hard to develop a clientele and now has a successful and expanding child care business with additional staff as well as a dependable reputation!

Jennifer A. came to the Women's Opportunity Center as a young widow who was struggling to make it as a single woman in New Jersey. Having no insurance policy or savings to fall back on, Jennifer was forced to take immediate steps toward economic self-sufficiency. Within a month of this traumatic event, Jennifer was testing for her long-postponed High School diploma. Within six months, Jennifer was enrolled and had completed a Medical Assistant Program utilizing scholarship funds from the Women's Opportunity Center and PHH Mortgage Corporation. With growing confidence and skills, Jennifer is now on her way to great things - including economic self-sufficiency!

Bonnie M. has made changes in her life. The 40-year-old divorced mother of two returned to college. She accessed the Women's Opportunity Center services when she was going through a divorce. She decided to finish her education to get her Bachelors Degree in Humanities and a Masters Degree in Education. She was helped by the Women's Opportunity Center where staffers pointed her in the direction of college scholarship funds. She is the recipient of the Jeannette Rankin Scholarship Award, Talbot’s Award, The Displaced Homemakers Network Scholarship Award and the Women's Opportunity Award given by the Soroptimist Club of Riverton. Bonnie's hard work, incredible spirit and determination have paid off. She has become a mentor and advocate for women at the center and in the community.

Bonnie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Farleigh Dickinson University. Bonnie is now eagerly giving back to the community as an educator promoting wellness and a drug-free lifestyle and as an advocate for autistic children. Committed to lifelong learning, Bonnie is now in pursuit of the special education certification that will help her expand her audience and reach those most in need.

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