The Women's Opportunity Center in Syracuse offers free services to support women on their journey to employment.

Programs are centered around skills like computer literacy and retail training teach both men and women basic skills, but staff say the message is more than typing and sales.

The center teaches holistically, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment as a core principle of success. Alumnae of the programs have gone on to start businesses and return to teach.

Kiki White, the center's director, started as a client, and more than 20 years later, she still sees herself in the women who walk through the door.

"I was right in their seat, right in their position, right where they were," White said. "They really have to take the time to find where they wanna be."

The center also has a closet where men and women can come get professionally appropriate clothing free of charge.