Since first established last summer, The Fortune Society’s Women Rising program continues to empower women in our community to succeed.  

Women Rising branches across Fortune’s programs, including Employment Services, Family Services and the Better Living Center. By enrolling in the program, women gain access to a network of Fortune’s services designed to meet the unique and specific needs of women in reentry. Two staff members, Tiffany and Chastity, have become dedicated mentors and teachers for women in the program, offering continued support and guidance as they navigate the reentry process.  

Tiffany leads the Employment Services track of Women Rising. As part of the program, the women participate in several job-readiness workshops to equip them with the tools necessary to find career success, focusing on interviewing, professionalism and public speaking.  

Tiffany also teaches the entrepreneurship course. She shared that the women often come prepared with creative business ideas, such as clothing companies or cleaning services. Still, much of her role as a teacher and mentor is to inspire confidence in the participants.   

Chastity leads the Family Services track, offering parenting classes, support groups, and resources to assist women reentering society. To best serve the program’s participants, Chastity reaches out to see what specific services or support the women are looking for.  

“We want to know what people are asking for when they come here. That includes things like childcare, employment, education, housing. It gives us an idea of how to plan things out for them.” 

Based on the responses, Chastity compiled a 100-page list of resources for women, including crisis centers, aftercare programs and clothing banks. These external resources help to craft a supportive network for women in reentry, and internally, women-only support groups allow the women to build personal connections.  

Chastity also oversees the LGBTQ+ support group, mothers support group and other focused groups that offer emotional support and friendship. Women in the program build strong connections with each other, further enhancing their personal networks and communities.  

“They collect clothes for each other; they check in on each other when they’re going through something difficult. They tell us to that we inspire them, and we make them want to go out and do better for themselves.” 

Many of Fortune’s women come in contact with Women Rising through the women’s lounge. The lounge has quickly become a safe space in the community, offering a comfortable place to socialize with other women or a quiet room to relax during times of overwhelm. Chastity keeps resources, including journals, books, and art supplies, to help de-escalate women in distress.