Empowering Women Through Traditional Crafts

Help us to make a decision.

Paola del Prado — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:06:01 +0000

Meet Aleksandra! She will be helping me to implement the project in Dominican Republic

Paola del Prado — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:14:55 +0000

My name is Aleksandra Brzoza, I’m 22 years old and I come from Poland. Currently I’m a junior, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Elizabeth. I’m majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Spanish and Business Management. My dream is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Great Britain in one of the most prestigious schools in Europe. I’m hoping for a great career in an international company that will give me an opportunity to travel around the world as well as grow as a professional. In the future I want to be successful in my profession but I would also like to continue giving back to community by being involved in volunteering services. I would also like to be an inspiration and advocate for students and especially for young women in my home country who have dreams to study abroad and pursue degree in a foreign country. My long term goals include having a family and being successful as a mother and caregiver. I feel very honored and lucky to be able to participate in such wonderful project. I decided to join the trip in order to follow my passion and help make a difference in the world. I’m also eager to see a different way of life and new places as well as meet new people and learn about their culture. My goal for that trip is to teach other people and at the same learn from them. I think it would be a great opportunity for me to practice my Spanish. I am anxious and excited at the same time and since it’s only once in a lifetime opportunity I will try to make the best out of it.

THANK YOU to all who supported our First Fundraiser Dinner!

Paola del Prado — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:21:15 +0000

Empowering Women Through Traditional Crafts, would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all the people and businesses who helped us host a successful fundraising dinner.

Yes! because of your generosity and support. We were able to raise $2,330 during our first fundraiser dinner and silent auction. In addition, the Emily C. Specchio Foundation will match every dollar raised with two dollars from the foundation. In other words, thanks to the foundation we NOW have a total of $6,990!

Thanks to everyone for helping us–in our attempt to eradicate poverty and to empower
impoverished women from Batey San Joaquin in the Dominican Republic. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Emily C. Specchio Foundation, who supported our vision from the beginning!

Click to view slideshow.

SAVE THE DATE!

Paola del Prado — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:59:58 +0000

E-MAIL ME : pdelprado@cse.edu

PROJECT UPDATE!

Paola del Prado — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:05:31 +0000

Today was good day! My little sister (Cynthia) and I—stopped by a couple of businesses in the Morristown area. And some of these businesses donated items for the silent auction. =) To make things even better…. more people e-mailed me, and confirmed their attendance to the fundraising dinner! (By, the way.. don’t forget to RSVP… the dinner will be taking place in only two more weeks. ) And I sincerely cannot wait to see you all there!

We will all have a great time and most importantly.. we will be able to help the people from Batey-San Joaquin! =)

Don’t forget about our fundrising dinner!

Paola del Prado — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:55:13 +0000

JOIN US AT BENSI RESTAURANT AND ENJOY GREAT FOOD, BEER AND WINE FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Entrance: $50.00 which includes: Unlimited Beer, Wine and Sangria (Heineken, Yuengling, Miller Light, Red Merlot or White Pinot Grigio wines). A three meal course with an entrée choice of: Chicken Marsala, Penne with Vodka Sauce, Baked Lasagna or a Grilled Vegetable Platter. (All gratuities and tips are included)

Date: August 19^th 2011

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Location: Bensi Restaurant 1930 State Route 57, Mansfield NJ

To RSVP: E-mail pdelprado@cse.edu

*A silent Auction will highlight the event with 100% proceeds going to the development of the project “Empowering women through traditional Crafts”.

“Empowering Women Through Traditional Crafts”, is a project whose main goal is to alleviate the quality of life of struggling women in the Dominican Republic by providing the training and tools necessary for the production of handmade jewelry that will be marketed and sold in the United States. This project will allow these women to become self-sufficient so they may provide for their children by having the opportunity of launching a business of their own.

This event is hosted by Paola del Prado [recipient of the Emily C. Specchio Foundation Ambassador Grant] and co-sponsored by the Emily C. Specchio Foundation.The Emily C. Specchio Foundation is a 501 (C ) (3) registered non-profit. All donations are tax deductible. Please, make checks payable to the Emily C. Specchio Foundation and mail them to either 113 Cynthia Drive Hackettstown N.J or Emily C. Specchio Foundation c/o David A. Lewis, Esq. 52 Maple Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960. Thank You for your support!

Project Update

Paola del Prado — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:33:32 +0000

On May 2nd I was awarded the Emily C. Speechio Ambassador Grant. This grant will allow me to jumpstart the project.

The Women from Batey-San Joaquin

Paola del Prado — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:02:10 +0000

Most of the women from Batey San Joaquin, are unemployed and have limited access to land, water, capital and education and other social services which have lead to illiteracy, malnutrition, disease, high infant mortality and low life expectancy. Despite these disadvantages these women shoulder heavy responsibilities, such as processing foods, collecting water and firewood, cleaning the home and looking after their children. And although they work hard, the productivity of these women is diminished by the lack of credit, technology and extension services, which could ease their burdens and socio-cultural restraints.