05/28/2026
Today, our Women’s Center celebrated the graduation of the latest EmpowerHer cohort after completing a 12 week violence and trauma recovery program.
The room was filled with reflection, laughter, and pride as participants decorated colorful butterflies with qualities they saw in themselves, including resilience, generosity, patience, curiosity, friendliness, and presence. They also shared personal accomplishments they were proud of, from becoming less shy and learning to forgive themselves, to finding legal support for their families and embracing motherhood.
Program Coordinator Nikysha Parker-Dalton presented each graduate with a certificate and took time to recognize something special about every woman in the room. As staff served plates of barbecue, graduates cheered one another on and celebrated how far they had come.
One of the most powerful moments of the day was recognizing several women who found housing during their time in the program. Their achievements were met with a well-deserved round of applause from everyone gathered.
Before the celebration ended, Nikysha reminded the graduates that GLIDE will continue to be a place they can turn to for support.
“You have a home and a place here,” she said.
The afternoon was filled with proud smiles, heartfelt conversations, and women celebrating one another's growth, strength, and accomplishments.
