Posted on May 3, 2016 On April 12th, nearly 400 business leaders and other professionals joined us for the 22nd Annual Women Mean Business Luncheon, raising $200,000 for the Coalition’s First Step Job Training Program for homeless and low-income women. WNYW Fox5NY Reporter Lisa Evers gave a rousing introduction, reflecting on how CFH President and CEO Mary Brosnahan inspired her passion for the issue of homelessness in New York City. She asked the audience to remember that “homeless families, homeless women, they are our people, our families, our daughters, our sisters – and that’s the way we have to look at the problem.” The event’s program was highlighted by moving stories from our First Step graduates, including Faith, who is featured in the video below. Faith had to overcome a lifetime of housing instability and homelessness that left her with crippling depression. First Step helped Faith find a new sense of self-worth and a new, fulfilling career. Mercedes, from First Step class 131 spoke bravely about her past as a homeless young mother, and how First Step gave her the skills and confidence she needed to be a role model for her daughter. Model, Designer and Body Activist, Ashley Graham gave a stirring Keynote address highlighting the importance of self-esteem, which is an essential part of First Step’s holistic approach to job training. Graham reminded all women that they are unique and beautiful, and that by believing in themselves, they could overcome anything. The Coalition was pleased to honor Dow Jones with the Corporate Partnership Award for their commitment to First Step. Nicole from First Step Class 42 presented the award, recalling how the job training program prepared her for a job at Dow Jones, where she has worked for the past 16 years! While working there, she became friends with First Step Advisory Board member, Dale Dreps, who serves as Nicole’s professional mentor. Dreps warmly embraced Nicole before accepting this year’s award and explained how Dow Jones has been an essential partner to First Step, providing financial support, workplace tours, mock interviews and more. She encouraged others in the room to go back to their companies to convince them to get involved with First Step. We would like to thank the attendees, sponsors, CFH Board, First Step Advisory Board, and Luncheon Committee for making this event so successful. Your support helps keep this wonderful program going and transforming the lives of homeless and low-income women every day! Didn’t get a chance to attend this year? Please consider making a gift in support of First Step.
