Second Chance Employment Services Blog

DR. LUDY GREEN SERVES AS DELEGATE TO THE GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

2009-06-24T21:09:00.008-05:00

Dr. Ludy Green (left) President Michelle Bachelet of Chile (right)

Regina Varolli FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
regina@varolli.com May 27, 2009
(202) 331 7451

DR. LUDY GREEN SERVES AS DELEGATE TO THE GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

Santiago, Chile: Having successfully served as the United States delegate to the 2008 Global Summit of Women in Vietnam, Dr. Ludy Green was invited by event organizers to participate in the 2009 Summit in Santiago, Chile. The conference provided Dr. Green with the amazing opportunity to discuss Second Chance Employment Services and the importance of financial independence for victims of violence with President Michelle Bachelet of Chile, the country's first ever female President.

Dr. Green was invited to participate in the 2009 Summit as a result of the resounding impact she made at last year's Summit in Vietnam, as well as the widespread attention that Second Chance has gained as the only program emphasizing employment as the crucial step in the financial empowerment of at-risk women. Dr. Green's innovative organization was heralded by Summit organizers and attendees as a model that can and should be reproduced around the globe.

This year's conference, Setting New Paradigms for Business and Political Leadership, brought together an impressive group of business leaders, activists, Presidents and Vice Presidents to discuss the advancement of women in business and politics. In addition to her meeting with the first female President of Chile, Dr. Green was able to discuss Second Chance’s renowned model with other women leaders like the Secretary of Education of Saudi Arabia, Norah Abdullah Al-Faiz, and the Minister of the National Women's Service of Chile, Laura Albornoz.

"One of the biggest benefits of attending the 2009 Summit was the opportunity to discuss the work of Second Chance, the financial empowerment of women, and the global epidemic of domestic violence with influential women leaders from around the world." --Dr. Ludy Green.

Second Chance Employment Services promotes financial security for at-risk women and their dependents through comprehensive employment placement services and has placed over 500 women in meaningful, career-track positions with full health benefits. For more information on Second Chance, visit http://www.scesnet.org/

For more on the 2008 Global Summit of Women, visit http://www.globewomen.org/summit/Summit.htm

Posted by Stephanie Willson

Dr. Ludy Green Speaks At AAUW Washington, DC Branch

2009-05-17T19:41:00.008-05:00

Shown in photo:

JoAnn Samuel, and Kathy Horak Smith, and Dr. Ludy Green (right)

On Saturday, March 9, 2009 Dr. Ludy Green spoke at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Washington, DC Branch's March Lunceon held at Alfio's la Trattoria in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Dr. Ludy Green was introduced to the luncheon attendees by Kathy Horak Smith. Dr. Green recounted her work as President of Second Chance Employment Services in providing employment for victims of domestic violence. She relayed the many years of her membership with AAUW and the significance this organization has brought to Dr. Ludy Green in starting her organization, Second Chance.

Dr. Green has held many leadership positions in AAUW which she credited as great and invaluable experiences. The attendees participated in discussions regarding the importance of education for victims of domestic to gain meaningful employment opportunities. Basic training is provided in many formats to women seeking to gain independence through the workforce. Second Chance Employment Services helps to direct victims to locations of training from English classes to computer classes. The luncheon participants recounted the importance of education and self reliance for women which compliment the mission and services of Second Chance Employment Services.

Submitted by Stephanie Willson

Washington Area Women's Foundation Announces Second Chance Employment Services As Recipient For The 2009 Leadership Award

2009-04-08T22:17:00.013-05:00

(Dr. Ludy Green shown far right receiving Washington Area Women's Foundation Leadership Award)

Second Chance Employment Services was one of the top 10 finalists in the Washington Area Women's Foundation Leadership Awards. Dr. Ludy Green received the award on behalf of Second Chance on April 7, 2009.

On the Washington Area Women's Foundation blog they displayed the following responses to the online vote's “Announcing the 2009 Leadership Awardees!”regarding Second Chance:

Judith Mueller Says: March 21st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Dr Ludy Green, founder of Second Chance Employment Services deserves your financial support for her extrordinary mission and your long overdue recognition of her leadership in services to vulnerable , abused ,women.

Claire Schwab Says: March 23rd, 2009 at 12:34 am
Dr. Ludy Green and her cause, Second Chance Emloyment Services, is well deserving of this award and a prime example of leadership for your organization. She has made such a difference in so many people’s lives and has made this world a better place for women trying to make a better life for themselves.

Mary A. Hill Says: March 24th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Dr. Ludy Green has done an outstanding job of helping women in need.

This exciting event was covered throughout the Internet through several groups, such as Dollar Philanthropy, District of Columbia Primary Care Association (DCPCA), Washington Business Journal, and other contributors.

Thank you to everyone who voted online for Second Chance Employment Services to receive this outstanding award. Through your generosity and help Second Chance grows stronger in helping women support their families in having a second chance in gaining financial independence through employment. Thank you!

1980's George Michael Song

2009-04-03T22:41:00.007-05:00

This is a flashback from the 1980's by George Michael which he co-wrote with David Austin. Look At Your Hands is from the album Faith. It's too bad there isn't one of George Micheal's videos for this one.

The lyrics:

I loved you once
But look at you now
You're in somebody else's bed
I loved you once
So I don't know how
You're with a man like that
You'd be better off dead
He don't care
He don't treat you right
It's not fair
I still want you at night
Can't you see you made a mistake girl
He treats you like dirt and I hate it

Na na na na na na lady look at your hands
You got two fat children and a drunken man
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like it

Ma ma ma ma baby look at your hands
You should have been my woman when you had the chance
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life now

He hits you once
He hits you twice
He don't care about the blood on his hands
But that's OK
'Cause it's his wife"It's the only she understands" he says

Say you're gonna leave him
Say you're gonna try
But you're only talking
Oh I know you think I'm a young boy
But I'm good and I think we can make it

Na na na na na na lady look at your hands
You've got two fat children and a drunken man
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like it

Ma ma ma ma baby look at your hands
You should have been my woman when you had the chance
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life
Betcha don't, betcha don't, betcha don't like your life now
(Don't like your guy now)

Well excuse me baby but it's making me mad
The only one you want is the only one you'll never have it's so sad
The only one you'll never have
It's too bad
Only one you'll never have

Na na na na na na lady look at your hands
You've got two fat children and a drunken man
And I bet you don't like your life now...

Abuse Crosses All Socioeconomics

2009-02-12T00:58:00.006-05:00

Here are tragic highlights from the show Wife Swap found on YouTube portraying the Stevens-Fowler and Long family. Abuse takes place in many forms regardless of socioeconomic background. Steven Fowler attempts to subjugate and demean Gayla Long through verbal and emotional abuse in addition to alienating his children from her.

From Poverty to Providing for Her Family

2009-02-04T21:07:00.003-05:00

This story is from the Second Change Employment Services Winter Newsletter:

From Poverty to Providing for Her Family - One Second Chance Client Shares Her Story

by Pamela Johnson

When I first married, my life was wonderful. My husband and I were blissfully happy, and I had a great career as an accountant. We wanted children, but we wanted to wait until the right time. Both my husband and I wanted a stay at-home parent while the kids were young, which meant I would take a break in my career to raise our family. Things changed when our first child arrived. When I was no longer contributing a paycheck, my husband mysteriously began holding this against me. He started calling me a “leech” and a “liability.” Despite these signs of abuse, we had another child, and I continued to stay home. I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I knew I was a good mother, and I hoped he would change. So I focused on the love of my children.

Ignoring the abuse didn’t make it stop. After our second child, I was living with a man who controlled my every move. He controlled our money, and I had to beg to buy groceries or clothes for the children. I no longer asked for anything for myself. By the time our third child arrived, I knew I was living with domestic abuse—emotional, financial, and physical. I had lost all independence, and my livelihood—and that of my children—was in the hands of a man who acted like he despised me. I wanted to leave, but with no job or savings—and with everything in my husband’s name—I couldn’t see a way out that didn’t mean poverty. I remained a prisoner.

Then one day my son fell ill. He was running a fever and needed medical attention. I went to my husband and asked for the money to go to a doctor. He refused. I begged him. He still refused. I took my son to the doctor anyway, only to discover I didn’t even have the $10 copay for the visit. Sitting in that doctor’s waiting room, I knew it was time to leave. Before Second Chance, I was living in poverty with three children to support.

Today, I’m an accountant again! Of all that Second Chance did to help me rebuild my life, for me, the most important was that they provided the money to pay a deposit for day-care. They got me a job, but with no daycare, and no money to pay the deposit, I couldn’t work. It was a Catch-22, but Second Chance paid the deposit, making it possible for me to support my kids. My ability to provide for my three children means everything to me. I can give to my family, save for the future, and never worry about being a victim. I want all of you to know that I truly could not have accomplished this without Second Chance. I ask from my heart, and from the hearts of my children, please continue your support for their work. Financial independence is the key to never going back to abuse, and Second Chance gives all their clients that key!

Dr. Ludy Green Guest Lecturer for Lura Bradfield Foundation

2008-10-26T14:05:00.009-05:00

On October 17, 2008 Dr. Ludy Green spoke as the Guest Lecturer for the Lura Bradfield Foundation for their 12th Anniversary Lecture and Awards Presentation. The purpose of the event was to give awards to women and foundations focusing on women making a difference. Lura Colvin Bradford, 1905 - 1996, was a battered child and wife. Despite her personal trials, Ms. Bradford was an accomplished woman who attended George Washington University, American University, and the Department of Agriculture Graduate School. She was an active member in Ikebana International traveling many countries and dabbled in the arts. Ms. Bradford volunteered for St. Alban's Senior Center, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church E.C.W., the Florence Crittenton Foundation, and many other organizations. Ms. Bradford was careful with her investments in which the Lura Bradford Foundation was created to help benefit many other women to receive their educations and to help battered women, like her, to not be left behind as victims.

Dr. Green spoke to the Lura Bradford audience about the problems surrounding victims of domestic violence especially surrounding the prejudice running deeply through the workforce against "Stay At Home Moms" who attempt to find employment after managing their households. Dr. Green spoke about her dream to help women who have been working "non-traditionally" to find employment which would provide much more than a minimal salary for these women to help themselves and their children. Dr. Green spoke about her business model while reporting impressive results including 537 women to date that she has helped to place in positions earning $30,000 - $160,000 including a senior position in the United States Senate. Second Chance Employment Services helps women across all racial and economic barriers. Women do not have to be in a shelter or homeless in order for them to get relief from Second Chance and receive help in becoming employed.

Thank you Dr. Ludy Green and Second Chance Employment Services for helping to provide all at-risk women with the tools they need to reclaim their lives.

Victor Rivers: "I Am NOT A WOMAN"

2008-10-12T19:59:00.028-05:00

Second Chance Employment Services would like to give a special Thank You to Victor Rivers for being our Guest Speaker at our 5th Annual Gala Last Kiss of Summer.

Mr. Rivers, an actor in many films such as The Mask of Zorro, Two for Texas, Blood In/Blood Out, Amistad, The Chain, The Distinguished Gentleman, Lara, Semi-Tough, One Good Cop, Fled, The Lost City, The Air I Breathe, many other movies, the stage, TV shows LIFE, Numb3rs, 24, Star Trek, Jag, Miami Vice, and CSI Miami.

Victor Rivers spoke to the attendees that Domestic Violence is not a "woman's issue", but an issue that effect's everyone. Mr. Rivers told us his harrowing childhood tale, growing up in a household of abuse against his mother, himself,and his siblings. Victor Rivers spoke about the reality of the blind eye the legal system lent him when he went for help. The legal system did not protect Victor's mother physically, financially, or especially her children by denying their mother her custodial rights to the children she cared for steadily. It was only through employment that Victor's mother was able to track down her kidnapped children and remain in her children's lives as their non-custodial parent. Victor's father abused the legal system to out maneuver Victor's mother due to his financial positing as the family bread winner and thereby his father gained sole custody of the very children that he abused physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sadly - this imbalance of representation and financial support to domestic violence victims continues to be perpetuated today in which many times the bread winning parent instead of the caretaker patent gains shared custody ("co-parenting") or sole custody.

Mr. Rivers credits his community in reaching out to him in his teenage years and not giving up on him to give him the strength and guidance to make more of his life than what he was left to deal with by his abusive father. Furthermore, Victor Rivers has also written a book detailing the trails of his family in A Private Family Matter: A Memoir written in both English and Spanish.

Thank you Victor Rivers for breaking the silence and making a stand to protect those who are subjugated in their domestic hell.

Thank You 2008 Gala Donors

2008-09-28T21:12:00.005-05:00

Thank you to all the 2008 Auction Donors to the Second Chance Employment Services annual gala Last Kiss of Summer. A listing of all the donors are listed with corresponding links to their businesses in the right column under the heading "Donor List for Silent and Live Auctions for Last Kiss of Summer Gala 2008" and will remain posted until September 2009.

Thank You 2007 Gala Donors

2008-08-31T14:57:00.008-05:00

Thank you to the 2007 Donors for Last Kiss of Summer for the Live and Silent Auction. Second Chance Employment Services would like to thank those who helped make last year's auction such a great success as we prepare for our upcoming 2008 Gala. Thank you to last year's donors:

· Borghese, Inc.

· Freed Photography & Videography

· German Embassy in Washington, DC

· Grace + Gumption: Lanah Hamilton

· Green and Blue

· Gregory Fine Portraits

· Johnson's Florist and Garden Centers

· JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

· Main Event Caterers

· Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

· Sassanova

· Stephanie Willson Jewelry

· The Family Groove

· The SalesDoctor

· The Studio Theatre

· Toka Salon and Day Spa

· Tranquil Space Yoga

· Washington Nationals

Thank you again for helping Second Chance to break the silence!

SCES July Press Release

2008-07-24T22:14:00.005-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2008
CONTACT: Betsy Barrows
202-331-7451 (office)
http://www.blogger.com/Betsy.SecondChance@gmail.com

THE "QUIET CRIME" is silent no more
Hollywood and Washington's Finest Expose Harsh Realities of Domestic Violence at SCES "Last Kiss of Summer V" Fundraiser

WASHINGTON, DC - July 8, 2008 - What do Emmy tickets, The Four Seasons in Georgetown, and the handsome actor Victor Rivers have in common? They are all key components in one of Washington’s most spirited and sophisticated annual fundraising galas, “Last Kiss of summer V,” to be held September 23, 2008, in support of Second Chance Employment Services.

“Last Kiss of Summer V” is an event not to be missed, featuring dining, dancing, and live and silent auctions -- all in support of America’s only employment agency exclusively founded to aid victims of domestic abuse.

The event's keynote speaker, Victor Rivers, an accomplished actor, author and activist, will share his shocking boyhood experience of torture at the hands of an abusive father and explain how he turned this nightmare into a positive, personal mission to put an end to what he calls "our greatest yet most curable social disease."

Rivers, who has starred in more than two dozen films, (including the dramatic Mask of Zorro, the Incredible Hulk and the hilarious Distinguished Gentleman), delivers a powerful message that shatters the conventional belief that domestic violence is strictly a women's issue.

This elegant evening will also feature an exclusive auction including tickets to the Academy Awards, rare vacation getaway packages, private Embassy dinners, the finest salon services in Washington, and many more one-of-a-kind opportunities.

Since the inception of the “Last Kiss of Summer” five years ago, more than $500,000 has been raised from auction, ticket, and sponsorship sales to support the programs of Second Chance Employment Services.

Established in 2001 under the inspired vision of Dr. Ludy Green, this innovative non-profit organization provides professional training to “at-risk” women who are victims of domestic abuse. SCES enables victims to attain economic self-sufficiency through meaningful, long-term employment. SCES human resource professionals provide support such as interview skills, etiquette, resume coaching, and job training. Clothing, makeovers, psychological support, plastic surgery, dentistry, legal counseling and more are all provided free of charge by SCES volunteers.
"Our goal is to help infuse these women with a sense of newfound confidence so that they present themselves properly to future employers," explains Dr. Green. "The only real justice for these victims is financial independence. We work hard to give it to them."

For information about sponsorships, ticket sales, or auction donations call
703-356-3099. For more information about Second Chance visit http://www.scesnet.org/

80s Song Focuses On Domestic Control Issues

2008-07-21T22:02:00.010-05:00

Voices Carry was written back in the 1980s by the band 'Til Tuesday focusing on many control issues in a domestic relationship. The lead singer is Aimee Mann.

The video shown above is from a live performance. The MTV /original version can be viewed on YouTube by clicking HERE. Voices Carry was a video played repeatedly by MTV when it first came out holding similar overtones to the song My Name Is Luka by Suzanne Vega which I blogged about in an older post for Second Chance Employment Services on Tuesday, June 19, 2007.

Barbara Krumsiek Sponsors Last Kiss of Summer Gala!

2008-07-20T23:15:00.009-05:00

Barbara Krumsiek will be sponsoring Second Chance Employment Services Annual Gala Last Kiss of Summer to be held at the Four Seasons in Washington, DC on September 23, 2008, 6:30pm to midnight. She is the Chair, CEO and President of Calvert Group, Ltd., a leading investment management and mutual fund firm headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Calvert offers the nation’s largest family of socially responsible mutual funds. "Corporate philanthropy isn't something that happens in your head," says Barbara Krumsiek. "It starts in your heart, and it happens on the ground. It has to come together in that way." Before joining Calvert as CEO in 1997, Ms. Krumsiek was a Managing Director at Alliance Capital Management LP in New York City.

Some of Barbara Krumsiek’s accomplishments are:

• Serving on the Board of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
• Serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation
• Serving on the Board of Goodwill of Greater Washington
• Serving on the Board of Trickle Up Program in New York City

• Serving on the Council for the Future of Courant at New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

• Supporting of the Girl Scouts in the National Capital Region

• Serving on the Women’s Advisory Board to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
• Serving the Greater Washington Board of Trade
• Serving the Greater DC Cares
• Serving the Cultural Alliance of Washington D.C.

• Serving the Board of Visitors for the Howard University School of Law

• In 2007 she accepted the “Women of Concern” award from Concern Worldwide for ‘developing innovative and precedent setting initiatives that strive to empower women worldwide.’
• In 2007 she began serving Washington D.C.’s regional Chamber of Commerce
• In 2007 she began serving on the board of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
• In 2007, she began serving the Federal City Council

• In 2007 she joined the board of PEPCO Holdings, Inc
• In 2006 she was named one of “Washington DC’s 100 Most Powerful Women” for the 3rd time by Washingtonian Magazine

• In 2006 she was named one of the “Top 100 Maryland Women” by the Daily Record
• In 2005 she was awarded the Athena Award by the Women’s Business Owners of Montgomery County

• In 2004 she was named one of 50 “Women Who Mean Business” in Washington D.C. by the Washington Business Journal

• In 2002 Georgetown University awarded Ms. Krumsiek the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, citing her work in advancing the critical dialogue regarding the role of business in society
• In 2000, the Rutgers University Alumni Federation added her to the Hall of Distinguished Alumni
• In 2000 Douglass College and the Associate Alumnae named her to The Douglass Society

Barbara Krumsiek’s education is equally impressive. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Douglass College, Rutgers University, Bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Ms. Krumsiek got her Master’s degree in mathematics from the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University.

Ms. Krumsiek, a native New Yorker, resides in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband, Bart Leonard, and their two daughters.

Thank you Barbara Krumsiek for supporting Second Chance Employment Services and helping to break the silence!

Cynthia de Lorenzi Partners With SCES

2008-06-16T23:05:00.011-05:00

Second Chance Employment Services is proud to welcome a new partner, Cynthia de Lorenzi!

Cynthia de Lorenzi has given so much to the community. SCES is pleased that a woman of such dynamic background has partnered to help at-risk women find suitable employment. Ms. de Lorenzi’s many accomplishments include:

- Co-founding Success in the City (SITC) in 2004. SITC is the unconventional networking organization for senior level executive women to encourage, embrace and celebrate the value of meaningful peer relationships and friendship.

- Business ventures in GoGawGaw, an international Web development firm and de Lorenzi Group, a business development firm dedicated to connecting business to opportunity.

- Co-founding the North Texas Technology Council in 2002 and served as its CEO and continues to serve as an Advisor.

- Served as the Southwest Regional Director of the Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan, grassroots educational organization advocating fiscal responsibility and reform of entitlement programs to ensure the viability and fairness for all generations.

- Serves as a Board member of the Community Business Partnership & Women’s Business Center to provide the training, assistance and support women need to start and grow successful small businesses in Northern Virginia.

- Ms. de Lorenzi’s has been vital in the regional efforts of the Telework Coalition, including leading by example and implementing telework programs in her own businesses and serving on the planning committee for Washington Area Council on Telework (WACOT) conference.

- Founded the Bob de Lorenzi Scholarship fund at George Mason University in honor of her late brother. The Bob de Lorenzi Scholarship will be awarded annually to an adult man or woman, returning to school after a personal or career interruption, to complete an education delayed or postponed.

- Helped initiate the Bob de Lorenzi Telework Award given to individuals or entities that demonstrably followed the ideals and commitment to foster telework and telecommuting, as pursued by Bob de Lorenzi, a founding member of the Telework Coalition.

- Selected by Washington Business Journal as one of 2006 top 25 Women Who Mean Business awardees
- Winner of the 2003 Bob de Lorenzi Memorial Telework Award
- Co-founder of Success in the City
- Co-founder the Washington Bureau for ISP Advocacy
- Board Member, Community Business Partnership & Women’s Business Center
- Board Member, TelecomHUB

- Board Member, Telework Coalition
- Board Member, Livingston Communications, LLC
- Special Advisor, Stargazer Foundation
- NVTC – Tech Emergence Committee – Vice Chair
- Capital Gaines – Advisor for a new Distributed Work Concept
- Forum Moderator for Capital Society Forum – An organization of CEO’s seeking to further develop leadership skills
- Finalist for 2004 Women in Technology Entrepreneur of the Year
- Served on the Virginia Joint Commission on Technology and Science’s (JCOTs) Advisory Committee on Computer Crimes
- The Association of Contingency Planners (ACP)
- The Mid-Atlantic Telecommuting Advisory Council (MATAC)
- Co-founded the North Texas Technology Council (NTTC)
- Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2006
- Advisory Board of Vitalia MedSpa

Cynthia de Lorenzi also writes the blog for Success in The City called “Powder Room Diaries”. A link to Ms. de Lorenzi's Blog is found in the right column of this page. You know I love that she is a blogger!!

I am so excited and would like to give a warm welcome and thank you to Cynthia de Lorenzi for partnering with Second Chance Employment Services.

Last Kiss of Summer IV Host Committee

2008-03-26T21:50:00.005-05:00

As I had reported before, the Second Chance annual Last Kiss of Summer gala in 2007 was a huge success! Above is a picture of the Host Committee. Here are just a few of the people in the above:

Front Row: Ludy Green (center in white), David Blanken (2007 gala chairman, right of Ludy in black), James Schenck (2006 gala chairman, left of Ludy in blue)

Back Row: Barbara Freedman (behind David Blankin in black), Stephanie Willson (left of Barbara), Joseph Green (far right in dark suit)

Thank you David for chairing this event and making it so memorable!

The Hershey Company Agrees To Job Partner with Second Chance Employment Services

2008-01-06T23:20:00.001-05:00

(Andre Goodlett, The Hershey Company)

In early November of 2007, The Hershey Company signed an agreement with Second Chance Employment Services to hire Second Chance's at-risk clients whose skills match Hershey jobs.

I met with Andre Goodlett, Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion of The Hershey Company's Human Resources Department, and put together the agreement on behalf of Second Chance Employment Services domestic violence victims seeking employment.

Thank you Andre Goodlett and The Hershey Company for helping to create the roadways to make a big difference in the lives of so many woman. Thank you for helping to break the silence and lend a helping hand for women becoming financially independent.

Ludy Green is nominated as Washingtonian of the Year!

2008-01-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

The Washingtonian selects men and women who make a difference in Washington as Washingtonian of the Year. Recently Ms. Ludy Green, President and CEO of Second Chance Employment Services was selected. The Washingtonian printed the following article regarding Ludy Green:

"Like too many children, Ludy Green grew up with domestic violence.

As a congressional intern , she helped with childcare at My Sister's Place, a woman's shelter. And as a human resources professional, she volunteered for women's and children's causes. She found that to escape abuse, women needed financial stability and the ability to achieve it.

In 2002, Green left the corporate world to start Second Chance Employment Services, which gets battered women that stability through well-paying jobs. It is, she believes, the only such placement agency in America.

Second Chance helps client write resumes, practice interviews, and find new suits, childcare, or transportation. Drawing on her contacts with employers from IBM to Marriott to hospitals and associations, Green has encouraged recruiters to look at her clients first. She's brought in career coaches, makeup consultants, and even a dentist and a surgeon who replaced one client's knocked-out teeth and repaired another's scars - at no cost.

So far Green has placed 473 abused women and helped more that 1,000 with legal aid, job training, psychological services, and more. With new offices in New York and LA, she is reaching even more women and employers.

'However long I live, I want to do this,' she says. 'I never wanted to see another woman who is financially trapped. I couldn't help my mom, but I always knew someday I would help other women.'"

Mario Lopez turns his back on Victims of Domestic Violence

2007-11-01T23:16:00.000-05:00

(Image Source: perezhilton.com)

Mario Lopez a NO SHOW, actor from Saved by the Bell and host of Dancing with the Stars, who was scheduled to attend a benefit for victims of domestic violence and their children in his hometown of Chula Vista (San Diego) on Saturday, October 27th

The 9th annual benefit raises money for children of Casas Seguras, a shelter for domestic violence victims.

Lopez had signed off on the event and was on all their promotional materials. Lopez claimed that he was unable to attend the event due to the local fires in California and displaced relatives due to the fires. However, Lopez was instead partying at the Playboy Mansion instead.

This story has been heard on the radio through out the country. From Washington DC's Mix 107.3 to St. Louis Movin 101.1.

(Image Source: movinstlouis.com)

I really don't know what sort of comment to leave to this story........speechless!

Second Chance Helps Women Become Independent

2007-10-30T17:55:00.001-05:00

Financial Abuse is one of the key ingredients in a domestic violence situation that keeps a woman trapped.

Signs of Economic or Financial Abuse (from the helpguide.org website):

Remember, an abuser’s goal is to control you, and he will frequently hurt you to do that. In addition to hurting you emotionally and physically, an abusive partner may also hurt you in the pocketbook. Economic of financial abuse includes:

Above is the Music Video by Destiny's Child called Independent Woman from the Charlie's Angels. Second Chance Employment Services is all about helping at-risk women become independent so that someday they may too be able to say these same verses about themselves and the children they care for:

Question: Tell me how you feel about this
Try to control me, boy, you get dismissed
Pay my own car note, and I pay my own bills
Always 50/50 in relationships

The shoes on my feet - I bought 'em
The clothes I'm wearing - I bought 'em
The rock I'm rockin' - I bought it
'Cause I depend on me
If I wanted
The watch I'm wearin' - I bought it
The house I live in - I bought it
The car I'm driving - I bought it
I depend on me

All the women who independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me, baby
All the mamas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me

The White House Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2007-10-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

President Bush proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 2003. I wanted to highlight some of the parts of his speech since we are in October and the awareness is needed just as much today as ever. I am only posting a few things the President stated in his address below. For the full article you can click on the title link above. There obviously needs to be a lot more work and awareness here, but I applaud and thank President Bush for helping to break the silence.

President Bush said the following about Domestic Violence:

A home, a family should be a place of support, should be a peaceful place -- not a place of cruelty and brutality. Domestic violence betrays the most basic duties of life, it violates the law, it's wrong, it is a crime that must be confronted by individuals, by communities and by government.

Too often its victims suffer in secret and in silence.

Domestic violence cuts across every line of geography and income.

Abuse is found in every community in our country -- every community -- and it must be fought in every community.

Hundreds of thousands of incidents of domestic violence are reported every year. The sad news is, many go unreported.

About a third of women murdered each year in America are killed by this type of violence. And nearly half the households where domestic violence occurs also has a child under 12 years old. There's more than one victim.

Women and children are facing dangers in this country, and they need strong allies.

Imagine what it would be like if you were an abused person trying to find help and you went from one place to another. With laws and police and all the rules of a regulations of a free society, it must be confusing and disheartening. The victim has been so traumatized, and then she has to tell her story over and over again, which repeats the trauma. There's a better way to do this. There's a better way to help people who need help in our society.

We have a moral obligation in our society to help relieve the suffering and to show that there is a better life.

May God bless those who are victims of domestic violence. And may God continue to bless our country. Thank you.

Domestic Violence Out of Control - In Many States

2007-10-17T21:51:00.001-05:00

In the news this evening, the article Domestic Violence Out of Control in SC by Katie Newingham of Charlston's ABC News 4. It is an article about an inept law enforcement, judicial, and social services unable or unwilling to assist an at-risk woman with fatal results.

Although this problem is not unique to South Carolina, this state "ranks seventh nationwide for domestic violence". The article makes several interesting points, such as:

"Attorney General Henry McMaster says domestic violence is the number one crime problem in South Carolina."

“More than 36,000 victims annually report a domestic violence incident to law enforcement agencies around the state,” As stated on the Attorney General’s Website.

“Over the past eight years, an average of 38 women have been killed each year by their intimate partner.”

I believe that these numbers are actually higher. Especially since the law, courts, medical, and psychologists have such a wide difference of opinion as to what is classified as domestic violence and what is simply ignored. Many states like South Carolina are frustratingly aiding the abuser and perpetuating abuse.

In the article Rebecca Williams, Communications Coordinator for The South Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, or The Coalition, spoke out.

Williams says of South Carolina "First of all, the issues of control and power, and the patriarchal system are historically very southern as far as women’s place. For a long time in South Carolina it was impossible to get anything passed, it’s not as stringent as other state laws."

Hauntingly Williams added that, "Control issues don’t stop just because the relationship ends."

Last Kiss of Summer Gala A Huge Success!!

2007-10-05T09:14:00.001-05:00

The Last Kiss of Summer Gala held on September 27th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown was a huge success!! The picture above is from last year's Gala event with Ludy Green (Black Suit), daughter Megan, Kathleen "Kassie" Brown (Brown Dress), and myself, Stephanie Willson (Burgundy Gown and Shawl).

The atmosphere was incredible. The silent auction was beautiful with many items that had been donated. Thank you to all our donors that helped to make the event possible: Stephanie Willson Jewelry , Borghese, Inc., Freed Photography & Videography , Green and Blue , Gregory Fine Portraits , JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes , Main Event Caterers , Marriott Wardman Park Hotel , Sassanova , The Family Groove , The SalesDoctor , The Studio Theatre , Tranquil Space Yoga , Lana Hamilton of Grace + Gumption, Washington Nationals , and many many more. Thank you, thank you for helping to break the silence!

The seated dinner was excellent! The Four Seasons started us off with salad, then salmon, and finally dessert. During that time we had speakers and introductions. A video was played with a woman silhouetted in the shadows as she spoke about her heart wrenching tale of desperately trying to survive her divorce with little resources and the humiliation of having to ask friends constantly for help. It's truly a shame that our court systems allow this sort of abuse to be perpetuated.

Another one of Second Chance's clients went on-stage and told her tearful tale, in Spanish - the only language she can speak. This woman spoke from her heart about her trials and tribulations in trying to get survive her situation and the loving help and support that she received from Second Chance in helping her with housing, food, child care, English training, and job placement. The English translation moved the room and it was difficult to hold back a tear.

Tanya Brown, internationally acclaimed domestic violence advocate, author, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson gave the keynote address. Tanya spoke from her heart and moved the room with her personal story and sharing the life of Nicole Brown Simpson. Tanya Brown gave a speech that penetrated and moved the room. It is truly a wonderful service that Tanya is doing by sharing her story as she delivers her message so powerfully in a way that many women wish they also could share. Thank you Tanya for breaking the silence!

The event had a live auction, which was made possible by many donors including German Embassy in Washington, DC and Toka Salon and Day Spa. Followed by dancing to a fantastic live band!

The event had many wonderful volunteers who made the event possible, such as Kathleen "Kassie" Brown and many other wonderful women. The incredible effort of many Second Chance staff made the event possible, such as Tawanna McCants and Judy.

Most of all, this organization would not even exist and women would never receive the services that are not found elsewhere if it were not for the incredible Founder and President of Second Chance Employment Services, Dr. Ludy Green, and her husband Joseph Green. Thank you Ludy and Joe for making it possible for all of us to break the silence together!

A Summer Kiss for the Last Kiss of Summer

2007-09-28T00:14:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, September 27, 2007 I attended the Last Kiss of Summer Gala last night. We had a great turn out and it was a lot of fun!!

I donated the necklace for the silent auction which is shown in the photograph above that I named Summer Kiss since the necklace was specially commissioned for this Gala event to help raise money for Second Chance Employment Services which is a non-profit that connects at-risk women with suitable employment. Summer Kiss is a hand-crafted, hand-wired triple strand necklace, approximately 22" in length. Summer Kiss is made of two (2) types of turquoise in chips and 8mm rondelles, 8mm freshwater pearls, Sterling Silver Wire, Sterling Silver O-Ring Clasp, and Seed beads.

Tanya Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson's sister was the guest speaker and I was honored to hear Tanya's heart-felt story and plea for helping at-risk women. It was earth moving to hear Tanya speak last night and she touched me and many others last night with her story. Thank you Tanya for protecting women and breaking the silence!

Toka Salon's Diva Night for Last Kiss of Summer!!

2007-08-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

Teresa Beaman Yurt, a beautiful petite blond, and her generous husband Nuri Yurt , owner and founder of Toka Salon, are donating a fabulous and exciting package to Second Chance Employment Services for the upcoming Gala on September 27th at the Georgetown Four Seasons - Last Kiss of Summer! Teresa Beaman Yurt, co-owner of the famed Toka Salon located in Georgetown and Penn Quarter, will be donating the ultimate spa package for that special get together of your dreams: Diva Night which is the ultimate spa and party package for 35 people valued at $6500.00!! This exciting item will be featured as one of Last Kiss of Summer's live auction items.

Toka Salon has been honored both with celebrity clients, such as First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush. Toka Salon has also featured in the media, such as Washingtonian, Washington Life, Home & Design, and Washington Flyer.

Here's an excerpt from the Washingtonian on Toka Salon :

First Lady Goes Glam
by Ann Limpert
February 2005:
Just after the 2005 inauguration, Mrs. Bush began seeing Nuri Yurt, owner of Georgetown's Toka Salon, who also styles twin daughters Jenna and Barbara. Looser layers and subtle highlights have given the First Lady her best look yet.

Thank you Nuri and Teresa Yurt for helping so many at-risk women become gainfully employed!

Special Thank You to Mr.George W. Koch

2007-08-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

Second Chance Employment Services held a very successful meeting tonight Wednesday, August 22nd at the law firm K&L Gates regarding the exciting upcoming, Last Kiss of Summer which will be held on September 22nd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Second Chance would like to take the opportunity to give special thank you to Mr. George W. Koch who is with the of law firm K&L Gates for his generosity in hosting our meeting for us.

Mr. Koch has also served in many top level positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc., Director of Federal Affairs for Sears, Roebuck & Company, and Associate Director of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.Mr. Koch is also a firm believer in giving back to the community, not only through Second Chance, but also has served in other Professional and Civic Activities for the Advisory Council of the International Executive Service Corps. (Board of Directors), Borden Chemicals & Plastics, Inc. (Board of Directors), 2004 Bryce Harlow Foundation’s Business & Government Relations Award recipient, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (Former member of the Board of Directors), McCormick & Company, Inc. (Former member of the Board of Directors), andWatchdogs of the Treasury (Board of Directors).

Thank you also to everyone who attended!!