From Ordinary to Extraordinary is the direct path for survivors of domestic violence seeking lasting self-sufficiency and personal triumph.
We eliminate the barriers to stability by providing an integrated solution of accredited career training (in beauty, medical, and trades) and essential wraparound services, including transitional housing and holistic support.
Our program ensures graduates gain immediate economic stability and the self-reliance necessary to break the cycle of generational trauma and build an extraordinary future.
A Holistic Approach
Women who come to the beauty school and GMI receive far more than vocational training. For the women who call F.O.T.E. home, we provide a multifaceted approach that includes:
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A peer counselor is an exceptional student who has successfully went through our program and became employed through our apprenticeship program. They are driven to share similar experiences and tips that they used to better serve their situation as a parent and fulltime student towards self-sufficiency.
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We believe in the power of education to empower our efforts to thrive within society. We teach skilled trades that are geared towards multiple streams of income.
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We provide long term housing to pregnant moms fleeing domestic violence. Once a mom successfully completes our maternity home program, we provide a housing voucher with a fully furniture home.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior used by one intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over the other partner in the relationship. This pattern extends beyond physical harm and includes various tactics used to manipulate, intimidate, and control the victim.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) Advocates are available to chat 24/7.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
HOW TO GET HELP:
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Involves using physical force to harm, injure, or control the partner. Examples include hitting, slapping, shoving, biting, or pulling hair. It also includes depriving the partner of medical care or forcing them to use alcohol or drugs.
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Involves coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent. Examples include marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, forcing sex after physical violence, or treating the partner in a sexually demeaning manner.
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Involves undermining the victim's sense of self-worth or self-esteem. Examples include constant criticism, name-calling, diminishing their abilities, or damaging their relationship with their children.
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Involves controlling or restraining the victim's ability to acquire, use, or maintain economic resources. Examples include restricting access to money, assets, or credit; unfairly using the victim's financial resources; or forcing default on financial obligations.
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Involves actions intended to cause fear through intimidation and isolation. Examples include threatening physical harm (to the victim, self, children, or family), destruction of pets and property, or forcing isolation from friends, family, or work/school.
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Involves using any form of technology to harm, threaten, control, stalk, or monitor the victim. Examples include using internet-enabled devices, apps, location tracking, or online platforms to harass, exploit, impersonate, or track the victim.
OUR PROGRAMS
F.O.T.E. operates three distinct programs under its umbrella, each focused on a different aspect of support and skill-building for survivors:
Our Cosmetology and Barber School provides certified career training in high-demand skilled trades. This program is designed to empower individuals seeking to establish a solid foundation for self-sufficiency and create a sustainable, better financial road for themselves and their children.
Students who are eager to enter the medical field gain access through our specialized Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, and MRI programs. We leverage intense partnerships with medical professionals to ensure students are job-ready and positioned for secure employment in these crucial fields.
The Birth with Purpose program offers a safe, long-term transitional housing solution for pregnant domestic violence survivors. We provide residents with 6 to 12 months of stable housing while simultaneously supporting them as new parents and helping them establish a healthy life balance that leads to independence in their own apartments.
Meet our Founder
Dr. Antoria Gillon is a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to empowering survivors of domestic violence and childhood trauma.
DONATE
Invest in an Extraordinary Future.
Your gift empowers survivors of abuse by providing access to education, career training, supportive resources, and a safe workspace where they can heal, grow, and achieve lifelong self-sufficiency.
TESTIMONIALS
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![A woman smiling and holding a small baby, standing in front of a wall with the FOTE tree logo.]()
The maternity home taught me a different part of myself that helped me develop into a mother. This experience I will forever be grateful to have.
-Jada
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![A selfie photo of a woman with dark hair and a gold necklace with a pendant.]()
F.O.T.E helped me walk with firm steps and recognized adversities while overcoming challenges.
-Itzel
