Local women make history every day

March is Women’s History Month and today is International Women’s Day. This global recognition allows us to reflect and celebrate the women who impact our lives every day.

As the CEO of The Open Door Network, a organization that serves women, children and families across Kern County, I have the privilege to witness many women who face unimaginable hardship and persist to become remarkable members of society.

The Open Door Network has more than 300 employees in Kern County.

More than half of our employees are currently or formerly homeless, or have been victims of abuse at some time in their life.

With that many employees comes a wide array of remarkable stories, especially by women, who have sought out a better life and succeed.

These women are making history every day.

There is the story of Theresa, who came to our domestic violence shelter many years ago.

After enduring years of violence by her partner, Theresa escaped her volatile relationship.

With no support — nowhere to go — Theresa ended up living on the streets. During her homelessness she was riddled with addiction and after some time finally sought help. When she joined the shelter, she was aggressive, protective and resistant to real support. When we asked her about her experiences, she expressed to us that she was not a victim, but “was an escort.”

Over time, she learned to trust and began to engage. She received therapy services to support her domestic violence recovery and made huge strides to find employment. After staying at the shelter for about a year, she was placed in housing. She found an employment home at the domestic violence shelter’s sister agency, the Bakersfield Homeless Center. As a role model who suffered years of hardship to achieving success in employment, Theresa excels as a case manager. To this day, her valor shines through and she is committed to her journey and giving back to our community. Teresa made her own history and broke the cycle that plagued her.

Another story is of an amazing mother who came to Bakersfield with her four children from another state. Jane was promised a place to stay by family, but quickly learned that the family was not welcoming. With little financial support and no stable income, Jane and her children turned to The Open Door Network for shelter. Shortly after entering our doors, Jane’s youngest son became ill, contracting RSV and ending up in the hospital.

During his hospital stay, Jane’s son was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disorder that would put him on pediatric hospice and require major open-heart surgeries. His pediatric hospice set-up was in one of the rooms at the homeless shelter, making logistics much more difficult and concern over contracting additional illness at an all-time high.

Between Jane’s passionate advocacy and The Open Door Network’s supportive staff, Jane’s youngest received regular doctors’ care.

Jane’s youngest son needed surgery to save his life.

To support Jane, her three other children and her youngest son, The Open Door Network staff decided it was in their best interest to travel to Madera with the family to assist with childcare.

Jane’s resilience and kindness allowed her to overcome significant setbacks and save her son’s life.

When her strength was present, her children benefited and the family unit’s bond became unbreakable.

Jane’s and Theresa’s inspiring stories highlight the reason why Women’s History Month was created. Despite tough odds, they survived.

Homelessness is a topic that can cause visceral reactions for some people, and for others it creates a deep sentiment of courage.

We, at the Open Door Network, want to share the real-life stories of those overcoming significant struggle and becoming valuable members of the community to build a more supportive society.

And yes, the son who underwent surgery survived, and like his mom, he fought with strength and continues to overcome when health problems get in his way.

During Women’s History Month and for International Women’s Day, it is important to shine light on those who have struggled and overcame.

We are encouraged by the women we serve at The Open Door Network, and we are honored to see them shine through darkness.

Names have been changed for privacy purposes.