Join me for the 8th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala that benefits Women’s Empowerment, a Sacramento nonprofit helping homeless women find homes and jobs so they can support their families. The event, which honors the group’s most recent graduates, will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. on Oct. 1 at The Grand, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, and will feature a formal dinner, live auction, live music, and presentations from the graduates and local community leaders. President pro-tem Darrell Steinberg is honorary chair of this year’s event. Tickets are $65 each. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307.

Women’s Empowerment has graduated more than 560 homeless women, with 84 percent of them finding permanent housing, and 69 percent finding financial stability, despite the current economy. Because 89 percent of participants have experienced domestic violence, this unique program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is the only job-readiness program exclusively serving homeless women in the greater Sacramento region and was recently named Nonprofit of the Year. For more information, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.