How do we truly measure the value of a person? How do we view the frailties of an individual and look beyond any such shortcomings, seeking ways to help unlock the potential for a life filled with meaning?
The celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) today brings to the fore a focus on acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In particular, the campaign theme for IWD 2024 is "Inspire Inclusion," which, by virtually all accounts, aligns with the mission of the Second Chance Initiative (SCI), where we create jobs that help women in recovery flourish. The same can be said for "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," the theme put forth by the United Nations for calendar year 2024.
With your support, the women whose lives are enriched at SCI are giving themselves the ability to move beyond the shame of addiction. They are shedding the dreaded feeling of being an outsider and replacing it with a rewarding purpose of inclusion, as they begin working toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
How does one truly measure her value? This is what Laura says about the time leading up to committing to SCI, and how she has begun to unlock her potential and seek her purpose in life.
"You walk in the door of SCI feeling lost, defeated, and like no one cares about you," she begins. "Then, you feel comfort because your co-workers understand and sympathize with what you have gone through, because they've been there themselves. I love being back and engaged in life with a clear head. Working at SCI has shown me that I can have a future."
Structurally, the women of the Second Chance Initiative create homemade gifts such as coffee mugs, greeting cards and other gift items to be sold online. To paraphrase the 2024 IWD theme, it's an investment in them to accelerate their progress. That's the business side, if you will.
Spiritually, though, is where SCI helps them find that deeper meaning, that greater purpose. Indeed, SCI should be viewed as a safe space of sorts, where women are encouraged to promote themselves and one another in order to begin to fulfill their greatest potential.
Perhaps Pamela summed it up best, both on a large scale and for her personally.
"The Second Chance Initiative gives a much-needed opportunity to everyone working here," she says. "We need more programs like this as it has potentially saved my life and helped me make a successful transition back into the community."
It's worth noting that International Women's Day provides a platform for collective action and collaboration in advocating for women's rights and empowerment.
Meridith is a wonderful illustration of such empowerment. She heard about SCI at her halfway house and applied for a job. The result of her time there has been, well, let her tell you.
"The Second Chance Initiative helped give me a do-over, a second chance, and it was the best experience in my life." Meridith has since found full-time employment at a medical office. Her true second chance has begun.
So, how do we truly measure the value of a person? How do we view the frailties of an individual and look beyond any such shortcomings, seeking ways to help unlock the potential for a life filled with meaning?
Well, the 24-hour celebration of International Women's Day certainly shines a bright light on hope and empowerment, along the way acknowledging the many achievements of women through the years. Still, it's your support of non-profit organizations such as the Second Chance Initiative that really provide the means for women in need of that second chance in life.
For the Lauras and Pamelas and Meridiths, who have come in from the outside and, through inclusion and love and empathy, have emerged with a renewed belief in self and what they can offer to their families and society.
They are seeking that often-elusive sense of purpose, which is at the core of what drives the Second Chance Initiative every day. It's why we exist, really.
Thank you so much for supporting us, and the women who are once again finding value in their lives.
Give the Gift of a Second Chance