A lot has happened since Dora and her husband moved to America fifteen years ago. The couple left the Dominican Republic in hopes of providing a good life for their family. At first everything went as planned. Dora’s husband had a great job, and she gave birth to their second child. But a few years later things tragically changed. Her husband was in an accident that left him unable to work full time.

The majority of the financial burden now rested on Dora. Holding a degree in chemistry from a university in the Dominican Republic, her greatest desire was to be a pharmacist. But the education carried little value in America, and her limited English skills were a hindrance from pursuing a job in the field. Instead, Dora found a job at a commercial boat company. Dora excelled there for the next eight years but then the company closed its’ doors last year.

Dora found herself back at square one.
The job hunt was unsuccessful and discouragement set in. While searching, she found out about a nearby Operation Blessing Life Skills Empowerment program. Dora enrolled in the 40-hour motivational seminar. They explored new and better ways to thinking and confidence building. Excited about what she was learning, Dora went on to complete six additional sessions dealing with employment skills. Two weeks after completing the program, the encouraged and equipped Dora was hired at a pharmaceutical company through an employment agency!

Walking in the Dream
Now closer to fulfilling her dream, Dora shared, “The program was great! I loved it. It helped me a lot. Before I felt stuck - especially with the language. I feel free now. I felt like [because] I couldn’t speak English. I was afraid, but now I feel confident!”

Dora is one of the hundreds of students that have graduated from Life Empowerment classes across the country. Classes continue to encourage and equip discouraged men and women in Norfolk, Virginia and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Toree was one of those men.

There’s Life after Drugs
Instead of going to jail after being caught selling cocaine, 23-year-old Toree was grateful to be referred to African American Center of Excellence (AACE). The year program helped the father of two and high school dropout to get his life back on track. As part of AACE, Toree also attended our 40-hour Life Empowerment seminar.

“Thank you for the employment skills that I learned from the class,” he said. “Thanks for all the help you gave me. I am getting my life together and trying to stay out of the jail system forever! It is time for me to take care of my responsibilities. I will never forget what you all did for me. Thank you so much!”

Armed with the life-changing principles and the full support of his parents and fiancée, Toree is ready to succeed! Less than six months ago he was one of the many hopeless adults that wanted to be a success in life, but was not in a situation or did not have the resources to make it happen. Join us in helping those who need a hand up and not a hand out.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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