SALEM — The EMBER Project is celebrating the success of its recent fashion show fundraiser, which raised more than $7,000, with over $4,000 remaining after expenses to directly support programs for local women and families.

The event brought together community members, local businesses, volunteers, models, sponsors and supporters for an afternoon focused on empowerment, resilience and opportunity for young mothers in our region.

Thanks to the success of community fundraising efforts, along with a generous grant from the Salem Community Foundation and an Impact Builder Grant from the Women & Children’s Fund of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, The EMBER Project will launch its new Family Pathways Workshop Series this summer.

The Family Pathways Workshop Series will provide practical life and career development support for women and mothers through workshops focused on financial literacy, employment readiness, budgeting, meal planning, goal setting, and overcoming barriers to long term success.

Registration is now open for the Family Pathways Workshop Series, which begins June 23. Registration is required, as free meals and childcare will be provided for participants during each session.

Additionally, fundraising efforts and support from Salem Rotary are helping fund The EMBER Project’s new Childcare FUEL Fund. The Childcare FUEL Fund is designed to help remove childcare barriers that often prevent women from pursuing education or employment opportunities. Assistance may include childcare copay support for students, help with initial childcare costs when starting a new job, and emergency childcare assistance during temporary hardships.

“The fashion show was about so much more than an event,” said Susan Sutton, founder and executive director of The EMBER Project. “It was a reminder that when a community believes in women and invests in their future, real change happens. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and business sponsorship is helping create opportunities for mothers to build stability and long term success for their families.”

The EMBER Project would like to thank all sponsors, volunteers, boutiques, donors, models, vendors, and attendees who helped make the event a success.

To learn more about The EMBER Project, register for the Family Pathways Workshop Series, or support the organization’s mission, please visit www.theemberproject.org.