Hope in Action – Real Stories from ACDN’s Member Organizations
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Real Stories of Hope in Action
Across the country, local nonprofits are transforming lives through job readiness programs. These grassroots organizations are the unsung heroes who bring hope to their communities, helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment and regain their confidence.
ACDN is proud to stand beside these organizations as their partner, offering operational grants, training resources, and a supportive network to sustain and amplify their work. Through the Hope Starts Here campaign, your donation ensures these local heroes continue their critical missions.
Meet the Heroes of Workforce Development
Our Sister's Closet in Mobile, AL:
“We have been members of ACDN since its beginning and our beginning 26 years ago, and all of our growth in services & outreach as well as sustainability can be credited to what we have learned as members of ACDN. We went from being a dressing program for women in Welfare-to-Work in 1997 to a full service job search program for women by 2002 and added men in 2008. This would never have been possible without all the resources & training provided thru ACDN.”
Transforming Lives and Restoring Hope in Roanoke Rapids, NC:
When I established Transforming Lives & Restoring Hope in 2011, I was stepping into unknown territory with only a passion to make a difference in my community. I’ll never forget how transformative it was to discover The Women’s Alliance (now ACDN) through The Career Wardrobe. Their guidance and the wisdom to join TWA were pivotal moments for TLRH. The mentoring, resources, and sense of belonging I found within this community helped shape the organization we are today.
This ripple effect of empowerment is evident in the lives of those we serve, like the client whose words I must share:
"When I went into Lily's Boutique...I was having some self-esteem issues. I was treated with the utmost respect and made to feel that my experience mattered. I was treated exceptionally well. I was made to feel important as a client. The experience allowed me to walk holding my head up and know in my heart that this is how I would enjoy being treated. I have a renewed sense of self-value due to this experience. And my confidence as being a woman has been increased. I feel as if my destiny is about to change in a very positive way, in a God-given way, due to my experience at Lily's. I am very grateful and thankful that God has allowed me to have this experience with Lily's."
These words capture what we strive to create at TLRH, and they reflect the foundation that ACDN has helped us build. Your organization’s mission and continued advocacy have made an indelible mark on the communities we serve, and I am deeply grateful to be part of this empowering network
How ACDN Helps These Heroes Thrive
While local nonprofits do the heavy lifting, ACDN provides the foundation for their success. Through grants, professional development training, and resources, ACDN ensures these organizations can:
Host workshops and career coaching sessions.
Provide pre and new employment clothing.
Build relevant and sustainable programs that meet their community's unique needs.
Expand their reach to help more job seekers.
When you give to Hope Starts Here, you’re helping these heroes write more success stories like the one TLRH shared of their client.
Be Part of the Action
Local organizations are the lifeline for job seekers in their communities. By supporting Hope Starts Here, you’re empowering these heroes to do what they do best: bring hope, opportunity, and transformation.