In early December, 50 residents from the Louisville based Diersen program graduated from five different classes under the umbrella of My Chosen People, a non-profit which serves women on the streets and those incarcerated in institutions who have lost custody of their children or are pregnant and dealing with substance abuse. The classes offered were Conflict Management, Parenting, Nutrition and Physical Fitness, and Dress for Success. Dress for Success, located in 75 cities worldwide, is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the tools to help them thrive at work and in life. They have helped Diersen residents find jobs when they were released. The organization received a grant to partner with Diersen and connect with its women through weekly educational workshops and to provide resources to obtain or maintain parental custody. The 8 week sessions, part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement, were made possible by $500,000 grants to more than 100 community groups since 2005. Above Resident Vanessa Fathergill (right) talks about how the program impacted her life. At left is Our Chosen People Founder and CEO Sandra Marshall. Wellcare provided refreshments for the event.
