Local nonprofit Women of Endurance provides resources to families experiencing hardships

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — A local nonprofit is pulling women out of unimaginable hardships and getting them back on their feet.

Women of Endurance specializes in giving much needed resources to those who have fallen between the cracks and have nowhere else to turn.

“I birthed Women of Endurance out of those gaps that I saw in a lot of systems in the state of Virginia. It was birthed out of, you know, somewhat of turning my pain into purpose,” said executive director and founder NaQuetta Mitchell.

The organization Mitchell founded is based in the City of Hopewell and serves the Tri-Cities. Mitchell is a survivor of domestic violence, and her organization serves women and families in the Tri-Cities area by filling in the gaps.

“A lot of people have no idea where to begin to find the help that they need,” Mitchell said.

Her group is responsible for providing resources including eviction assistance, meal support, counseling and transportation to families who have experienced gun violence and other life-threatening emergencies.

“People don’t know what they don’t know. And in the Tri-Cities we don’t have a resource issue. We have a research issue,” Mitchell said.

Josephine Patterson was a client of Women of Endurance and received support from the group for several months until she was back on her feet. Now, she volunteers her time and energy to give back to the community that helped her so much.

“I was going through a sad situation, and then I lost my job. So, it was like my house situation was…it was kind of all over the place. It was just a sincere program, you know. They check on you on a daily basis. Hey, here’s who is hiring. I spoke to this person for you. They wanted to see you get out of this situation,” Patterson said.

Women of Endurance does not yet have a brick-and-mortar location, but Mitchell says not having a permanent building won’t hinder them from helping.

“So, this is the community that we love, and we cherish. So, to be able to pour back into them, what we desire for every family that we encounter is to educate and empower,” Mitchell said.

Women of Endurance is updating its website to expand its services to better aid current clients and help potential new clients. They will be able to help new clients in need of their resources on Sunday, Sept. 1.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.