It all began 11 years ago. Community Bank’s Linda Clair, Vice President & Loan Assistant Manager, was attending a dinner event when she watched a video of a woman explaining her struggles with homelessness – How she found housing and became employed, all with the help of a local organization, WISEPlace. Something about the way the woman spoke and the timing of the video resonated with Linda. She’s been actively involved ever since.
Financial Empowerment, Employment Assistance
WISEPlace states 1 in 4 homeless individuals is an unaccompanied woman. This is a population that is severely under-served and overlooked.
Unaccompanied meaning no partner, no children. The organization works with single women to help them develop skills, find employment and obtain housing. Essentially building a sustainable, financially sound, healthy life.
The Gala
Thursday, October 26th, was the 18th Annual, A Home for the Holidays gala. A record-breaking $68,000 was raised for the event.
A moment that stood out to Linda? “A past resident from WISEPlace spoke about her time there, being given the tools to become a productive member of our community. She has maintained her apartment and remained employed at the job she got while at WISEPlace for the last 5 years,” said Linda. Pictured above is Linda Clair and Alexis Kiely (Senior Credit Risk Officer Team Leader of Community Bank) attending the event.
What We’re Striving For
Linda summarizes her experience with the organization as such: “WISEPlace has expanded my compassion and willingness to reach out to someone living on the street. Little gestures of kindness and support can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Making a positive difference is what we all should be striving for.”