Women Recovering From Crisis Discover New Lease on Life

CARLSBAD, Calif. - June 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Local nonprofit Leap to Success has expanded its work bringing hope and confidence to San Diego county women recovering from challenging situations, such as domestic violence and homelessness, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.

In a 7-week class called Leap to Confidence, these women gain self-esteem and knowledge in order to help them enter the workforce. Many of these women have not worked in years. By learning how to assert themselves and ask for what they need, these women create their own leaps to success.

In the Leap to Confidence post-assessment, 75 percent of participants reached had secured at least one interview, 94 percent had updated their resumes, and 56 percent had become employed. The post-assessment also indicated a 30 percent improvement across 13 measured skills, attitudes, and behaviors proven to affect confidence and success in life.

These improvements create exponential good in the lives of program graduates. Although national statistics indicate that women are 85 percent less likely than men to ask for promotions or raises, Leap to Confidence graduate Carrie found that she was able to speak out and ask for a higher wage. She said, “I know that without the Leap to Confidence classes I would have never asked for and received a raise at my current job and obtained a  higher paying day job, or had the confidence to work two jobs at once. I will never be able express in words my most sincere appreciation.”

As part of the Leap to Confidence program, women learn about hiring practices and successful interviewing techniques from a panel of human resource managers representing local companies, including Qualcomm, Sound, and City of San Marcos.

One Leap to Confidence participant applied for a job at Walmart because of its support of the program. She said, “I was recently hired at the Walmart neighborhood market. What I believe helped me most from Leap to Confidence was my ability to say positive qualities about myself out loud and know that I believe in myself. When I said I am hard working, I meant it AND it is true.”

Thanks to generous private supporters and the Walmart Foundation, the work of Leap to Success can continue its life-changing effect on San Diego county women recovering from crisis.

Summary:

Carlsbad nonprofit Leap to Success received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to expand its Leap to Confidence program, which helps increase self-esteem in local women recovering from challenges such as domestic violence and homelessness. Post-assessment shows that 75 percent of graduates reached have had at least one interview, 94 percent updated their resume, and 56 percent found a job. Graduates indicated an overall 30 percent improvement across 13 categories affecting confidence and success.

About Leap to Success:

Founded in 2008 by Executive Director Dana Bristol-Smith, Leap to Success has the mission to educate and empower women who are overcoming domestic violence, homelessness, and other major life challenges to reach their greatest potential. Leap to Success has impacted the lives of over 500 women recovering from crisis through its Leap to Confidence and Transformation Leadership programs.