The Women\u2019s Empowerment Center (WEC) at the Hartford offices of the Community Renewal Team held its formal opening earlier this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\ncenter opened in May, and during its formal opening on July 11, CRT President Lena\nRodriguez talked about her vision for the center.<\/p>\n\n\n
The center will help direct women to any services they need \u2014 whether it\u2019s housing, employment, childcare, mental health or some other service, Rodriguez said. It will also provide a comfortable setting for conversations, book clubs, movie nights and other activities.<\/p>\n\n\n
“I can be my own boss.”<\/p>Karen Delgado, Magykal Moments <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Karen\nDelgado was able to open her own business with help from the empowerment\ncenter.<\/p>\n\n\n
Delgado,\nwho moved to Connecticut from Puerto Rico three years ago, saw a notice about a\nfree program to help women start their own business on Facebook. Delgado, who\nlives in the North End of Hartford, decided to enroll in the program offered by\nthe Women\u2019s Empowerment Center.<\/p>\n\n\n
Delgado,\nwhose son is autistic, saw it as an opportunity to earn a living while still\ntaking care of her son\u2019s needs including taking him to doctor and therapy\nappointments.<\/p>\n\n\n
Through\nthe program, Delgado was able to open her own business, Magykal Moments, a\nbaking and party decorating business.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cIt\nwas only an idea in my head, but I saw I could do it,\u201d she said. \u201cI can be my\nown boss and manage my own schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n