Less than a year ago, Vicky Williams was released from prison. Taking baby steps out of confinement and into the outside world for the first time in 32 years, Vicky heard the snarl comment of an officer who muttered, "You'll be back here in 90 days." Immediately after release, Vicky took refuge in the many programs offered by Connections to Success, all of which aim to fill the gaps between poverty and economic independence by providing job skills, professional attire, financial education, and a community of mentors, which engage and support each individual from initial program participation and throughout their entire lifetime. Due to Connections to Success programming, Vicky has obtained permanent employment at a livable wage, her very own transportation, safe housing and the momentum to transcend her life and the lives of other women in similar situations. She has accomplished all of this in under 12 months.

To Vicky, spousal abuse was a 'normal' part of married life. Her mother survived a lifetime of domestic violence, and by her early twenties, Vicky found herself in a mirror image of her upbringing with two small children and an abusive husband, Gil Williams. When Gil was found dead, Vicky was arrested for 'conspiracy to murder', a charge in which she still maintains her innocence. After she was released from prison in late 2010, her appearance advertised the physical and emotional stress that she endured over the course of 32 years behind bars.

Dr. Simo was excited to be part of the makeover team. Vicky received a Browlift, Blepharoplasty (eyes) and Platysmatplasty (neck), as well as skin care treatments and a make up class from Spaderma.

Before	After

Vicky's dream is to finish her education at a local university, become a social worker and advocate against domestic violence. In order to prepare Vicky for her bright future in public speaking and advocacy, local St. Louis businesses and organizations have teamed up to award Vicky an extensive makeover, allowing her to boost her confidence, realize her full potential and support her efforts in ending the cycle of domestic violence by acting as the face of this hidden epidemic.

Makeover Details:
Connections to Success
Nonprofit organization, which aims to end the cycle of poverty Services: Job skills, life skills, professional dress attire, mentoring, ongoing support

Thomas Matthes, DDS
Prosthodontist
Procedures: Complete upper and lower removable bridges

Frank Simo, MD
Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Procedures: Facelift with liposuction, brow-lifting and upper eyelid surgery

Be Salon and Hair Restoration
Lilibet Iken, Owner and Katie Turipin, Master Stylist
Services: Color, cut and style

Norman Bein, MD, FACS
Vein Specialist
Procedures: Leg Vein Treatments, Tatoo Removal

Nancy Nix-Rice
Image & Wardrobe Consultant (Shopping and Stylist)
Store: Macy's Department Store

Spaderma
Inez Bixler, Medical Esthetician and Nance Oldfield, Medical Esthetician