Grace Outreach Gives Women A Second Chance
By Patricia Lavelle
A true celebration of girl power ensued at the Grace Outreach Benefit, recently hosted at the Racquet & Tennis Club in New York City. The event celebrated the success of the organization since its founding in 2004, in empowering women to achieve success in both the academic and professional sphere. The evening’s events highlighted this work and included performances by the Vision Steppers and a touching personal testimonial from Grace Outreach student, Aisha McBride and leader student tutor, Derrian Robinson. According to McBride, College Outreach’s College Prep Program was exactly what she needed at this point in her life. While she previously struggled with her attempts to finish school, she feels completely prepared to attend college and pursue a degree in interior design because of the exposure and the support she has received through the college prep program.
The organization also honored Ann Shoket at the benefit. Shoket is the Editor in Chief of Seventeen Magazine since 2007, and since her arrival has made the magazine one of the top teen publications in the country. Through her work in this field, she has used her influence to inspire women of all ages to take hold of their futures and become the leaders this world needs. When she shared her experiences with Grace Outreach students, she captivated their minds and left them feeling like no goal was out of reach. Shoket underscored the unprecedented moment in history women are at right now. “Girls really are controlling the tools of power these days,” she said. All women must use these tools to be powerful and successful leaders.
The Grace Outreach provides extensive support for women from low-income backgrounds in their pursuits for higher education and employment. The organization initially was a GED/High School Equivalency education center and now offers multiple services to help these women achieve their academic and professional goals, including college preparation programs and a multitude of career services and events. Over 925 women have earned their GED/High School Equivalency.#
