Meet Jeanette

Jeanette is an amazing woman, but she hasn’t always believed this to be true. When she came to TWB her self confidence was very low and she was unsure of herself. Through hard work and a lot of introspection, Jeanette began to see and believe in her worth. She is a dedicated mom who is working hard to be a great role model for her children. She still struggles at times, but is focused on the positive in her life. She is currently looking for employment and enjoys making jewelry to feed her creative side.

What circumstances brought you to where you were before you joined Together We Bake?

Jeanette: I was going from place to place and not having a stable environment. About 7 years ago, I left my husband, my best friend died. I started living with my father, but his wife did not like me so I was going place to place and could not find a stable home. So I decided to go to the shelter.

What inspired you to apply to Together We Bake?

Jeanette: My caseworker told me about the program. He told me it was therapeutic and there would be yoga.

How has Together We Bake changed your perspective on life?

Jeanette: Empowerment. I didn’t even know what that word was until I came here. I learned a lot about myself. I was just so sad and lonely and in a low place. TWB has really helped me. The groups really helped. They helped me realize that I am not the only one who feels that way.

Has someone at Together We Bake (a fellow participant, a volunteer, an instructor, etc.) had a particular influence on you?

Jeanette: Everyone. Especially Liz because she has always been there to listen to me when I need to talk. She gave me her business card and told me to call anytime. It was really big to me.

How would you describe Together We Bake?

Jeanette: I would describe it as an excellent empowerment program for women. Especially for people like me who need a second chance.

What do you feel is the most valuable thing Together We Bake does?

Jeanette: The group sessions. It is great to express ourselves and share our story, and know I am not the only one going through it.

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Together We Bake?

Jeanette: How to achieve my goals. Life and career goals. Being here has truly inspired me to take on the dreams that I want to pursue.

Do you have any specific memories of experiences at Together We Bake?

Jeanette: One day we were acting out customer service, and we all just started dying laughing because Dayo was so good. We only had 5 minutes to put it together, I had a really fun time doing it. It was good to let loose.

What was the most challenging thing about the program? How did you overcome that challenge?

Jeanette: Being in the kitchen. Balling the cooking dough was hard for me. Learning all the ways to bake and weighing our food.

What is something you are proud of that you achieved because of your participation in Together We Bake?

Jeanette: I’ve been having a hard time achieving my goals or setting goals. And they have helped me a lot with that. Especially with encouraging me to reach those goals.

What advice do you have for women considering applying to Together We Bake?

Jeanette: Take the chance to come here because you are going to learn so much. It’s so empowering. This program has changed my life. Two months ago I was in a whole other place in my life, and since I’ve joined here I feel different.