By: Sarah Worthen, TLC Supportive Services Coordinator

Two Sanctuary and Youth Services’ alumni stood before a large crowd of women and shared their stories of tribulation and triumph during the 24 th Annual Central California Women’s Conference.

Martha, a Transitional Living Center (TLC) alumna, and Nicole, a TLC and Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) alumna, participated in a panel discussion titled, “iChange: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World”. The ladies, along with the other panelists, shared their stories in hopes of encouraging conference participants to become more involved in local philanthropic efforts. Martha and Nicole’s courage to share their stories not only allowed conference attendees to put faces to critical issues in our community, but also illustrated the power of nonprofit services in helping people change their lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Granville Homes, a conference sponsor, distributed Sanctuary and Youth Services’ Wish List and program brochures to all workshop attendees encouraging community support for our programs; the company also sponsored three Sanctuary and Youth Services’ representatives to attend the event.

The panel discussion, accompanied by local and worldwide statistics on hunger, poverty and homelessness, was part of this year’s Central California Women’s Conference, an annual event for professional women in the Central Valley. The conference, featuring keynote speaker Geena Davis, drew 2,600 attendees with proceeds benefiting local charities.

Thank you Martha and Nicole, for stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing your stories.