Christian Women's & Men's Job Corps

In the spring of 2009 M-POWER's Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) program graduated six students, the first group from the Birmingham area in several years, according to Heather Chambers, director of CWJC for M-POWER.

 

CWJC, a ministry of WMU, provides a Christian context in which women in need are equipped for life and employment — with  a missions context in which women help women.

 

Marilyn Rogers, the honor graduate for the class, said: “There were people here who cared about me. We have become sisters in Christ.

 

“We were also taught that God still loves us, no matter what happens — and also to love our neighbors.”

 

Many who completed the 24 weeks of classes said they’d previously had difficulty finishing what they started, including school. CWJC can encourage women to pursue GEDs and other education.

 

Graduate Tamika Arrington said, “I have removed my stumbling blocks and replaced them with stepping stones.”

 

CWJC also helps develop family management skills.

 

“My life is more organized now. It helped me to take control of my household, by getting my children on a schedule, said Sharon Frazier at the graduation ceremony. “I have worked out a budget, and now I know where my money goes. God gives me patience, wisdom, and courage to handle my everyday life.”

 

The women went on a three-day retreat to Camp Dawson, a facility of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Each lady’s personal mentor helps her with Bible study, prayer, and personal goals, acting as a “Barnabas” to her student and continues to meet together for a year, said Heather.

 

Applications for new participants are now being received. Women attend 3 times a week for the 24 weeks of the class portion of the program.

 

Men’s program to be added

 

M-POWER is also adding WMU’s Christian Men’s Job Corps (CMJC) to its schedule for the fall. More applicants are being sought. They will probably have a twice-weekly schedule.

 

If you would like to know more about the CMJC or CWJC programs — including volunteer opportunities — please contact Heather Chambers at the M-POWER office: 595-5959. Additional information is available at mpowerministries.org/cwjc.