Cici's Story of Resilience

"When I was young, I was tricked into a brothel by a friend. When I heard about our partner center and the opportunities they provided, I decided to work there. I am a single mom and I live in the shelter now. I have some background in handling raw materials because I used to help manage a materials store. At the center, my job is to manage all the raw materials and to attend business trips with suppliers. It always makes me really happy when the materials we order come in with no quality problems! I have learned so much through working here at the partner center. Everyone is different, and I believe learning to accept other people’s flaws is very important. I love that everyone gets along with each other, and that I work well with my coworkers. If I have any problems, I feel comfortable seeking their guidance. My coworkers at the center are kind, help each other grow, and give me sisterly advice! I am currently studying English! I am taking classes in administration now through Wall Street English training. My goal is to complete all 4 levels of the certification tests through the Wall Street English training."

Rhinestone Starfish Necklace

Cici works in one of our partner centers that provide dignified employment for women like her.
One of their handcrafted creations is this beautiful necklace. This starfish pendant necklace glistens with a bounty of rhinestones to evoke summertime memories and keep them with you all year long. Backlit in silver color, many round, brilliant-shape rhinestone accents sparkle with a fanciful touch.

Story The Starfish Story: Making a Difference (adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley) 

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” The man laughed to himself and said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”

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