By Amy Slater-Ovadia | Director of Development
Crossing the Street provides women survivors of violence with tools, knowledge and support to become financially independent; our unique model is based on the understanding that financial independence is crucial for women after violence, as without it, they will not be truly safe, they cannot start a new life on their own. The project aims to achieve change on both the individual level – each participant’s life – and the community level – changing perceptions regarding women survivors of violence and increasing community commitment to these women’s professional and economic advancement.
Thanks to GlobalGiving in 2017 more women than ever before began processes to keep them out of the circle of violence.
Estee, 43, is a child victim of incest, and was in a volatile, vicious and life threatening eight-year relationship. She arrived on Women’s Spirit doorsteps needing a shoulder, guidance and a place to begin anew! And she got all three!
“During my darkest periods, I thought about death; today, thanks to Women’s Spirit, I feel and know that I have something to live for and contribute to the world.”
Estee partook in a number of programs at including “Building Your Own Business" workshop; private coaching sessions with a professional volunteer coacher; and a volunteer mentor.
“...Being a volunteer mentor at Women’s Spirit is completely and thoroughly satisfying, I know that I am helping something good to happen; I feel that Estee has really spread her wings.”
Keren-Or, 45, a successful business owner for many years decided that now that her child was grown she had the time to help, support and pass on everything she had learned over the years of running her own business.
Keren-Or fell in love with the idea of helping other women, based upon her own life experience. After going through a long and vigorous "professional" volunteer training at Women's Spirit, she was paired with Estee and began the long term mentoring process with her.
Estee said, “My objective was to earn more money as an employee,but instead and thanks to Keren-Or I succeeded in tripling my income with my own business.”
Prior to their first meeting, Estee was fearful and worried. But she found that Keren-Or was there for her! She was big-hearted, listened, supported and embraced her! As a result of their "pairing", Estee today runs a flourishing business of her own and has managed to triple her income. These days, the two are actively working on a business plan and preparing a business budget for the years to come!
Estee says that Women’s Spirit gave her so much and today, she finds herself in a position that she wants and is able to give back. Estee herself wants to become a mentor in Women’s Spirit.
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