01.03.2011

CWJC 2010 Graduation

As “Pomp and Circumstance” began to play, one excited and nervous graduate waiting for her cue to enter exclaimed “We even get the graduation song!”

This proud graduate was one of 14 recognized on December 11 as the CWJC of Middle Tennessee hosted its second graduation ceremony for 2010. “This is the first time in our thirteen-year history we’ve had enough graduates to actually have two celebrations in one year,” said Executive Director Rebekah Sumrall. “It’s so exciting to see how this ministry is growing and meeting the needs of women and men in our community.”

Three graduates – each representing one of the Nashville area satellites – spoke about their journey as CWJC participants. A theme spoken by all three was not only the satisfaction of receiving their GEDs, but also the hope they had received from the volunteers and staff and the renewed confidence they had found within themselves.

“I had tried to get my GED three times before,” said graduate Florisela Martinez. “I didn’t think I could do it.”

Childcare was the saving grace for Martinez as she was able to leave her three small boys with volunteers who cared for them and even tutored them while she was in class. “I couldn’t have made it without the free child care,” she said.

All three also credited their mentors for encouraging them and helping them along their way. They all said that their mentors were always there when needed.

“Because my family wasn’t there for me, my mentor meant so much and showed commitment to me,” said one graduate.

Several of the graduates stated that their participation in CWJC had made an impact on their families as well. “Since I obtained my GED,” said one graduate, “my two sons who did not finish high school are making plans to get theirs. One has already enrolled in a GED class and the other is getting ready to.”

This year, 67 women have graduated from CWJC in the areas of GED, Life and Job Skills, Jobs for Life, and ESL.

Of the fourteen (14) who graduated in December, ten (10) of them no longer receive any sort of government assistance or social services, indicating they have reached a higher level of independence. Four (4) of these graduates have become employed since enrolling, and eight (8) of them have received salary increases during their CWJC enrollment time.

Their future goals include continuing education for jobs such as LPN, paralegal, medical assistant, social worker and business manager. Three are working on obtaining job skills so that they can secure employment that will meet the needs of their families.

“I am so proud of these women,” Sumrall added. “They came to us in darkness, with no hope and no confidence in themselves and their abilities. They have found the light and have transformed in the process. They are more confident, more self-sufficient, and more excited about the road that lies ahead of them.”

Those graduating were:
    Florisela Martinez
    Daysi Quijada
    Jennifer Faughender
    Mary Butler
    Karen Kimbrough
    Jennifer Puckett
    Shelly Lyle
    Rosalind Grant
    Michelle Head
    Hilda Zaragoza
    Libanessa Rivera
    Lupita Casillas
    Nancy Ramirez
    Aracely Romero