February 2019
Client Spotlight
Lynnette and Lisa on graduation day. Class #300 graduated on February 8!
In early January, I walked very slowly down the hall hesitating before I crossed the threshold of the WEN offices. I felt beaten, broken and lost after stepping away from a job where I spent almost half of my life. The position had become my identity, but I no longer could play the role. Then my father passed away and grief broke my heart, and I spiraled inward even further. But I recalled the lady on the phone who said WEN could help people like me; I knew I needed help. Desperation forced me to enter.
As I joined the #300 Class, I wondered “who are these women and what are their stories?” Most were stoic and equally guarded, all of us unsure of each other. But as the weeks passed, I saw a shift as we discovered more about ourselves and each other. Through tears and laughter, we realized that we had more similarities than differences. I was relieved to be around others who understood and accepted me without judgment. My affirmation became “Embrace yourself; believe in yourself.” I began to look forward to the trek across town and spending time productively with this unique group of women.
The group’s confidence increased as we were provided tools and coping strategies to help with job searches, as well as the other life challenges that we each battled. My fellow job-seekers’ resilience and goals inspired me. And I realized that I am also resilient; my skills and abilities are also valuable. I am now excited to create goals – personally, professionally and financially.
Our friendships grew as we encouraged and supported each other. We are comfortable holding each other accountable. I have learned to acknowledge my fears, and with practice, they can be helped by a deep breath, a mindset reset, and even a sassy walk. Actually, I tried the sassy walk and was surprised that I was having fun instead of worrying about being afraid.
As the first part of the program concludes, I feel stronger, capable and more focused. I am still healing and need to find employment, but I am hopeful and ready. I am immensely grateful for the support and assistance from Lynnette, Tonia, LaToya, Audrey and Maddie, the volunteers, and the sisterhood of the #300 Class. WEN has given me lifelong friendships and the best five weeks of my life.
Upcoming Events
WEN's Signature Employment & Career Transition Program
Monday - Friday | 9:00am-12:00pm
View the full 2019 Schedule
Our next class begins April 1
Last day to pre-register is March 28
WEN’s Signature Programming is uniquely structured to meet the varying needs and skill levels of women in all stages of employment: those who are unemployed, underemployed, laid off, new to the job market or seeking to re-enter the workplace.
WEN Annual Luncheon
Thursday, April 18 | 11:45am-1:00pm
Sheraton Crown Center
Our 2019 co-chairs, Joshua Rowland and Andy Fromm, invite you to join us at our annual luncheon!
Since 1986, WEN has helped women reach and realize the defining moments of their lives. We invite you to join us as a sponsor to honor the legacy of WEN in our community and hear personal stories of triumph and success from our clients and graduates.
Spring KC Job Fair
Monday, May 6 | 1:00-4:00pm
Sheraton Crown Center
Employers: Contact Ashley Williamson at awilliamson@kcwen.org or 816-595-1299 to inquire about vendor space.
Job Seekers: This is a FREE event that is open to both men and women. For free registration, click here!
For more information, to register as a featured employer, or become a sponsor, please call 816-595-1299 or email Ashley Williamson.
Save the Date for More 2019 Events:
- Thursday, November 14 - KC's Got Talent
Donor Spotlight
WEN wants to give a GIANT shout out to some of our most recent funders. Grants from foundations and trusts make up a large portion of WEN's budget and we are grateful and humbled by the support we receive from them.
- Ira & Florita Brady Foundation Fund
- Pinnacle Bank
- Bank of the West
Pinnacle Bank
Thank you to Eric Geschwind and Debbie Workman of Pinnacle Bank for making a 5-year pledge totaling $50,000 to support our programming!
Bank of the West
Jennifer Trusty and Jeff McCool from Bank of the West stopped by WEN to visit and present us with a $5,000 grant to support our programming!
Women's Health Spotlight
Provided in partnership with
For upcoming Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) program dates, click here!
Celebrating 25 years of Advocating for Hearts of Women
In 1994, Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center launched the first center of its kind in the United States focusing on women’s heart health. Twenty-five years later, after pioneering programs which focus on awareness and prevention, the Center has helped change the landscape of women’s heart health locally and nationally.
Here are just a few highlights from what we have learned.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over the age of 35
- More women die from heart disease than all forms of cancer combined
- Women are more likely to have a ‘silent’ heart attack, one without clear signs and symptoms
- Diagnostic testing and treatment modalities are based on research of white middle-aged men
- Women may experience unique cardiovascular problems in relation to pregnancy, cancer treatment, and autoimmune disorders
- Not all heart attacks in women are caused by coronary artery obstruction
- Current research efforts are focusing on spontaneous coronary artery dissection, heart disease in pregnancy, non-obstructive coronary artery heart attacks, and diastolic heart failure
- Not only do women make an estimated 90% of the healthcare decisions but they are also focused on making healthy dietary choices for their families.
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Avocado Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 2 eggs
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Place all ingredients besides chocolate chips into blender or food processor. Process until ingredients form a smooth batter.
- Add in chocolate chips and fold into batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out somewhat clean and top of the brownies begin to crack.
- Cool pan completely on wire rack then cut into 12 brownies.