Empowering Women, Strengthening Families: Digna’s Story & the Fight for HWRC Funding
- Sofia Rosa
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 1
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. As we highlight Women’s History Month, we also recognize the vital role that Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers (HWRCs) play in uplifting women and families in our communities. This month, as the FY26 budget season in New Jersey is in full swing, the Latino Action Network Foundation (LANF) is advocating for continued and increased funding for HWRCs—because stories like Digna’s show just how life-changing these resources are.
Digna’s Journey: A Story of Hope and Support
Digna, a recent client of the HWRC, came to the program in search of help finding a job. Like many immigrant women, she faced significant challenges—without a work permit, securing employment seemed nearly impossible. To make matters more difficult, both she and her husband were out of work, and with a one-year-old child to care for, the need for support was urgent.
Through the HWRC, Digna found more than just job assistance—she found a community ready to help. The center provided her with essential resources, including:
✔ Resume Assistance – Helping her prepare for future job opportunities.
✔ Healthcare Support – Scheduling doctor’s appointments for her baby.
✔ Basic Needs Assistance – Providing food, clothing, and diapers for her family.
Digna expressed her deep gratitude for the services, sharing that she feels truly welcomed and supported by the HWRC. This kind of holistic assistance is what makes HWRCs a critical resource for women and families across New Jersey.
Why Budget Advocacy for HWRCs Matters
Digna’s story is just one of many. Every day, HWRCs provide critical services to women facing economic insecurity, immigration barriers, and family hardships. But these programs rely on state funding to continue their work. As New Jersey’s FY26 budget is being decided, LANF is actively advocating for sustained and increased funding for HWRCs to ensure that more women like Digna can access the support they need.
Investing in HWRCs is an investment in families, in communities, and in a more equitable future for all. We urge policymakers to prioritize funding for these essential programs.
Below is our official budget testimony advocating for continued support for HWRCs. Together, we can ensure that every woman has the resources she needs to thrive.
Read LANF's FY26 Budget Testimony:
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