Upon first walking through the doors at The Fortune Society four years ago, Demeress felt like she was coming home. Greeted by a welcoming community of staff and participants, she discovered a nurturing environment that continues to play a pivotal role in her healing. 

Since connecting with Fortune, Demeress has prioritized personal growth. She has taken advantage of numerous programs and services at Fortune, including the Education program, a Social Service 101 workshop, and Creative Arts workshops, among others.  

However, the Women Rising program offered her both valuable resources and a lasting sisterhood bond.  

The Women Rising program at Fortune addresses the unique concerns and needs of women during reentry, offering Family Services, Employment Services and Behavioral Health services for women. Staff members work individually with women participants and assist them with family reunification, legal rights, substance use, mental health and employment. 

At first, Demeress was hesitant to participate in the Women Rising program. Previously traumatizing experiences left her feeling uncomfortable and distrusting toward women. To her surprise, though, the community within Women Rising was supportive, understanding and compassionate.  

Demeress participated in the Employment Services (ES) workshop as part of Women Rising. The workshop empowered her with new professional skills and invaluable experience. Although she already participated in Fortune’s Career Readiness Workshop, Demeress benefited greatly from a workshop tailored for women.

During the ES workshop, the women practiced team building by working on group assignments. Together, they refined their interview skills and provided helpful feedback for each other, practiced resume writing and shared their personal and professional goals.

“We talked about how to answer certain questions in interviews,” Demeress explained. “How we perceive ourselves and how we think about other women when they’re in our company. It was helpful to hear about the women’s perspectives and experiences. We shared our short-term and long-term goals, and where we see ourselves going.”

Although she has completed the Women Rising program, Demeress attends every graduation ceremony to congratulate the women and celebrate their accomplishments. Having seen the incredible impact Women Rising had on her own life, Demeress stresses the value of having such a program at each event.

“I thought I had been through it all, but I learned so much from everyone,” Demeress shared. “They support me and listen to me. That’s my Fortune family. There’s nothing I ever feel like I’m not able to share, and they always empower me to want to do better.”

Now, Demeress is part of a Peer Leadership group at Fortune. A small group of participants, the Peer Leadership team hones critical professional skills, conducts community outreach events, and overall, acts as leading voices for the Fortune community. Demeress credits Women Rising for building her confidence and allowing her to believe that she could be a leader.

“It takes a lot for a woman to come forward,” Demeress shared. “We are the mothers; we are the women. When you’ve been looked at and categorized in a certain way for a long time, you start to believe that, and you don’t want to take any chances. You don’t want to change. Change is scary, but I’m a prime example that it’s never too late.”