Her 2nd Chance Open House Celebrates Hiring 100th Woman and Raising $57,000
Boca Raton, FL – November 11, 2024 – Her 2nd Chance, Inc. (H2C), a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering women in recovery, proudly celebrated two significant milestones at its annual Open House event: hiring its 100th woman and raising $57,000 to support its mission. On November 7th, the event at the organization’s revitalized headquarters brought together program participants, board members, volunteers, donors, and community supporters to reflect on the incredible progress made in the past year.
One highlight of the event was a powerful speech from Jess W., a participant who shared her journey of overcoming alcoholism and re-entering the workforce through H2C’s employment program. "Who was going to hire me with a gap in my resume from taking time off to seek treatment and recover?" Jess asked before explaining how the support of H2C not only gave her employment but also a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
Since its founding in 2018, the organization has focused on providing employment and support to women in recovery facing challenges in entering or re-entering the workforce. The nonprofit offers paid work opportunities through its e-commerce gift shops, wellness workshops, and career mentorship. Many women employed at H2C move on to secure full-time jobs within the community.
The evening also acknowledged the organization’s generous donors and grant partners, whose contributions helped H2C raise $57,000 during its year-end fundraising campaign. “Our family supports Her 2nd Chance because it meets a need in our community—offering women in recovery the chance to transition into the workforce at their own pace while providing a sense of purpose and belonging,” said Lynn Lawless, a Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club resident and supporter of H2C.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting women in recovery, H2C launched its new Bridge to Employment program this year. This initiative provides career mentorship, resume writing assistance, mock interviews, and personalized coaching to help participants build the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce. Debbie Anderson, a hiring and recruiting specialist who has volunteered with the program, spoke at the event about the life-changing potential of this support. “Many women in recovery have learned resilience and perseverance that make them exceptional employees, but they need help translating those qualities into a successful job search,” said Anderson.
As Her 2nd Chance looks ahead, the organization remains focused on helping more women in recovery and expanding its social enterprise. Through initiatives like Bridge to Employment and a renewed emphasis on community partnerships, H2C is committed to helping women reclaim their independence, find purpose, and create brighter futures.
Photo: Her 2nd Chance Open House 2024 attendees from left - Fern Schmidt, Jim MacCutcheon, Geri Penniman, Margaret Mary Shuff, and Casey Gunnell.
For more information about Her 2nd Chance, visit her2ndchance.org.Contact:
Mary Fuller, Her 2nd Chance
Phone: 561-405-6346
Email: maryf@2ci.org
Website: her2ndchance.org