The Need / Our Impact > Success Stories

Josefina’s Story

Josefina was 41 when she had her first mammogram and learned she had breast cancer. Frightened and confused, she turned to the Women’s Health Advocacy Services Program (WHA) of the YWCA of Greater Lawrence for support. The bilingual staff works to reduce barriers experienced by low-income, minority women, with a particular emphasis on reducing deaths due to breast and cervical cancer. Through WHA, Josefina received emotional support and links to other community resources. Learning that chemotherapy had left her too weak to cook, the staff connected her to a nonprofit that provides free, culturally appropriate, healthy meals to people with chronic diseases. Now 43 and cancer-free, Josefina is giving back as a YWCA volunteer, speaking about her experiences and the importance of breast self-exams and mammograms.

Claudia’s Story

Claudia was invited to join Las Nuevas Voces, a civic engagement initiative sponsored by Family & Children’s Service of Greater Lynn, where she was already a leader and role model in their Latina Mothers Support Group.  At Las Nuevas Noces, she learned about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and the importance of being connected to her community.  Based on her experience in the program, Claudia and two other members of the group were inspired to take what they learned back to their neighborhood, and they founded the first Latino Neighborhood Watch Group in Lynn.  This active group has successfully reduced crime and violence in the neighborhood. Claudia and her fellow co-founders were recognized at a ceremony at the State House in honor of their work.

Tiffany’s Story

Tiffany, a 21 year-old senior at Haverhill High School, has overcome tough teen years, including gang involvement, expulsion from school, a pregnancy and miscarriage, an abusive boyfriend and the loss of both parents.  Tiffany was looking for a second chance.  On her first day in Haverhill, she went to the YMCA and joined the Y’s Girls Today program.  Here she met other young women, and learned about health, nutrition, managing her emotions, dating, abuse, drugs and alcohol.  Tiffany explains the impact: “The Y has given me a safe place to make friends and to grow as an individual.  I feel safe here.  We’re able to speak freely without judgment, and we really know we can trust one another.”  This year Tiffany will earn her diploma and plans to attend college.

Greydy’s Story

Greydy was seven when she first entered the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence.  Twelve years later, she has evolved into a positive role model, becoming one of the most respected and admired young women in the Club’s history, as well as in the community.  Through the years, Greydy participated in every program the Club had to offer, from homework help to sports, dance and leadership activities, and everything in between.  In particular, the Girls Academic Basketball Leadership program helped her to set and achieve many goals.  As a result of her leadership and achievements, Greydy attended Kimball Union Academy on a full scholarship, studied in China and is now attending Fairfield University studying international relations and business. 

Norma’s Story

Although Norma had a job, as an older person she was struggling to meet the computer requirements of her job.  While living at the Lynn Home for Women, Norma learned important computer skills as a participant in the GED Program.  “The computer no longer scares me,” Norma proudly notes, “These classes have given me skills not only to do my job, but now I’ve learned keyboard features that help me write presentations.  Now, I have the confidence to give back to my community, as well. I can focus on the children that I teach in an after-school enrichment program.”

Tara’s Story

While living at the Wellspring House shelter in Gloucester, Tara improved her computer skills by taking Wellspring programs so that she could be accepted into the their Medi-Clerk program.  Tara was accepted, and every day she took the daily 5:45 a.m. train to Lynn with her two young children, dropping them off at two different daycare centers. She then took a bus to Salem where the program was held. At the end of the day, she did the whole trip in reverse, often arriving home after 7 p.m. Despite all of these challenges, Tara graduated at the top of her class. She moved into her own apartment and is now working as a medical receptionist.

Ciel’s Story

The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence offered Ciel a haven of physical safety from Beacon Courts, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.  Once inside this safe environment, she participated in the Job Smart/Job Ready program, where she learned how to set academic goals and manage money, and she explored career possibilities by job shadowing and gained work experience by completing a six-week summer internship at a local business. Today, Ciel is attending LaSalle University on scholarship as a business administration major with her eyes on an MBA. “I have to thank everyone at the Club,” she says, “They really gave me the opportunity.” 

Stephanie’s Story

Stephanie participated in Women 2 Be (W2B) for three years, an art group at RAW in Lynn where high school girls find support without judgment, unexpected friendships and personal strength. In W2B, girls discuss what’s really going on in their lives, while making art that responds to issues they care about.  As Stephanie describes her experience, “I learned how to be comfortable in my own skin. I feel there is more substance to the person I am today. RAW has helped me grow by giving me an opportunity to heal and to soul search through my art pieces.”  Currently, Stephanie is studying at the NYU Nursing School, after having been accepted as one of twelve students in the nation.