Like most ministries during the Pandemic, Christian Women’s Job Corps has had to re-tool and re-think. It was not possible to maintain the classroom model so we switched to a one-on-one mod-el. We had referrals from two agencies and worked with several women last spring with various levels of success.
Another outlet for ministry has been going to on site venues and holding workshops relevant to successfully getting jobs. Last summer we conducted a full day workshop for The Next Door. This is a half-way house for women who have been incarcerated and/or addictions. We look forward to working with this group again and hope to establish a relationship so we can minister to the women from there who choose to remain in Chattanooga. At the present time we are working with women from the Partnership for Women, Children, and adults. We have also scheduled a workshop for the clients at Catholic Charities.
This fall we have finally been able to start classes. Our enrollment is small but enthusiastic. Each lady has different needs and working with them is rewarding. One starts her new job this week! While we were not instrumental in getting that job for her, we had the resources to get the clothes required for her work. Another lady took advantage of our closet closet and was excited to take home three outfits. We make our clothes closet available to any social agency and our church’s shower ministry.
Because many of the women we work with need improving their computer skills, we are planning to offer Tech Goes Home to the community. That program teaches basic computer/internet skills. At the conclusion, each participant receives a Chrome tablet and internet access at a reduced fee. There will be no cost for the program.
Our churches have been magnificent providing the evening meal. Because of Covid restrictions, they have to prepare everything at home and wrap everything individually. They have worked hard and creatively providing the supper. We are so appreciative of the support we receive from them.
Please continue to pray for this ministry, for more mentors, and for the women God wants in the ministry. We welcome opportunities to speak to women’s groups at our associational churches.
