LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A group of resilient women take their first steps towards a better future while celebrating a major success.

The Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles honors the achievements of 20 women who wanted to make a change in their lives and completed 300 hours of training to help them re-enter the workforce.

From making candles to running a boutique, the nonprofit organization helps women get off the streets and on their feet.

Alexandria Pineda completed the program three years ago after experiencing homelessness and is now the lead trainer.

“I was in the military and I think my military experience helped me through that part of my life because I treated it like a war zone,” Pineda said. “That’s what it felt like, anyway. That’s how I was able to survive it.”

Amy Turk, executive director of the Downtown Women’s Center, says that beyond training, the organization also helps women find jobs in the community or even hires them at the center.

“They were able to invest the time to build their resumes and regain their confidence to return to work,” Turk said.

Valencia Henning worked in the center’s donations department during her training. After her time as a homeless person, she leaves school with a new certificate and a plan.

“My plan is to get my family settled because my girls have finally come to me,” Henning said. “I go to school. I work. So my plan is to continue to be successful and show my girls that you can work your way up.”