A Dream Come True - Christian Women's Job Corps

by Margaret Scales December 2005 In May 1999 a dream was born as I became aware of a newly piloted program developed by the Women’s Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Church.  Hearing about lives being transformed kindled in me a burning desire to bring this life changing ministry to Wichita Falls.

Now, a short 6 and ½ years later, the dream has come true.  Thanks to God’s guidance, unceasing prayers, the hard work of many persons, the partnership of Interfaith Ministries with Wichita-Archer-Clay Baptist Association along with the support of many local social service agencies, Wichita-Archer-Clay Christian Women’s Job Corps is thriving, growing, and looking forward to its fourth year of service. 

CWJC programs are open at no charge, to all women seeking the skills and encouragement needed to move from dependence to self-sufficiency.  The aim of Christian Women’s Job Corps is to utilize the gifts of women to help equip other women for the challenges of life and work.  Specifically, CWJC endeavors to help women who are welfare-dependent to become self-sufficient working women.

Many women who are poverty stricken do not have the self-esteem, life skills, education, child care, support system, or basic transportation necessary to break free of the cycle of poverty.  They may be widowed, disabled, victims of domestic violence, and/or dealing with substance abuse. 

Current statistics show that 22% of all persons in our area live in a financial environment that is below the poverty level established by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and that the vast majority of low-income households consist of women and children. 

Few organizations are able to address every aspect – physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual – that threatens to overwhelm a woman in need.  Christian Women’s Job Corps is one of the few organizations that can, and successfully does, minister to the whole woman.

CWJC Changes Lives

Local participants consistently give witness to the power of God’s transforming grace through the ministry of CWJC.  Following are examples of that witness in three participants’ own words:

“My faith has been strengthened by my experiences with Christian Women’s Job Corps and my daily Bible studies and other studies there.  I was brought to CWJC through a women’s shelter after a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, and I am ever so grateful to CWJC for the help they have given me in that area.  I have also been inspired to be a college student again in January at Vernon College where I will study medical transcription.”  -- Deneane Krebs

“I know I am a better woman than I was.  Learning is fun and the commitment I have made by coming to class makes me feel good and important.  It has kept me on a straight path.  I am very grateful to CWJC because of all they’re doing.  I do not know where I would be if it weren’t for CWJC.  Truly you have been teaching me the tools I need to better myself and face the world.  I believe God sent me here for your help.  You all have given me so much.”  -- Nancy Driver

“I came into the CWJC program because I lacked the skills necessary to gain employment.  I hoped to sharpen my computer skills, type faster, get a better set of boundaries, become a better employee, a better speller, manage money wiser, make good Christian friends, walk closer with God, and change my life!  But I have received much more.  …Thanks to the money management class and its techniques I can actually see myself owning my own home someday, yeah that’s right I said owning a home not renting. …CWJC has helped me not only to discover my dreams, but has given me a way to achieve them.  And I couldn’t have done any of this without my mentor, Mrs. Lee.  She is always there for me and has become a great friend.”  -- Laurie Robinson

The nationally stated purpose of Christian Women’s Job Corps is to provide a Christian context in which women in need are equipped for life and employment, to the point of complete self-sufficiency and a mission context in which women help women. Self-sufficiency, as defined by the National CWJC, is when a woman can provide safe and affordable housing for herself and her family, is not dependent on financial assistance or entitlements, has safe and reliable transportation with the ability to maintain that transportation, has safe and dependable child care when needed, has a healthy support network, has the necessary life skills to maintain job and personal responsibilities, and has sustained employment with benefits for at least six months. 

The local CWJC mission statement is: Partnering for a better tomorrow, Wichita-Archer-Clay Christian Women’s Job Corps seeks to help poverty stricken women move from dependence to self-sufficiency through a ministry of women helping women.

The success of CWJC across our country and particularly in Texas, during its relatively brief 8-year history, includes countless participants successfully completing the program, securing employment, and utilizing life skills for maintaining self-sufficiency.  Graduates are then encouraged to “pay it forward” by becoming a CWJC volunteer.  In that way, they are able to help continue the process, in the context of a loving Christian community, of  offering a “hand up” rather than a hand out to women in need. 

Is your heart stirring yet?  Have you caught the spark like I did back in 1999?  You can make a difference.  Yes, you.  First and foremost, you can support this life giving ministry with your prayers.  You can volunteer as a mentor, as an instructor, as an Advisory Council member, or by providing lunch for the participants on one of the class days.  You can also help this ministry grow and thrive by supporting it financially. 

As the close of 2005 comes, please consider prayerfully how you will respond and then call 940-687-0601 to find out how you can join this ministry and help change the face of poverty in our community, one woman at a time.

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