11.07.2011

Madison Graduates

Women from all walks of life are a part of CWJC’s Madison campus. In the few years the Madison campus has served the community new programs have started, bringing along with it new faces and new lives that are impacted. By offering GED classes and Jobs for Life, CWJC changes the lives of women every day. Here are three stories of lives changed, initiated by CWJC.

Jessica:
Jessica heard about the Jobs for Life program while attending services at Madison Church of Christ, and quickly decided it was the right program for her.

“In Jobs for Life, we learn about how to choose the right job that uses the talents God has given us,” she said. “It was great to learn about the things we need to perform that job best.”

Jobs for Life is a nine-month program that offers training in job skills such as computer competence and interviewing techniques, as well as financial education. Participants set goals for themselves, take an aptitude test, and work toward the results of that test.

Jessica graduated from Jobs for Life in May, and actually found a full-time job before she was finished with the program.

“I love my job and it’s a great fit for me,” she said. “I would encourage anyone considering the Jobs for Life program to go for it! It truly is life changing. There are so many people to help you, there’s no reason not to give it a shot!”

Katie:
While she knew she needed to complete her GED, Katie wasn’t quite sure how to go about it, until a friend at another local nonprofit organization told her about CWJC.

“I was talking with a friend from the Hendersonville Crisis Pregnancy Center, and she mentioned the GED classes to me,” Katie shared. “She somehow had all the information and gave me the number.”

Katie called to check on the classes right away, and after a short waiting period, she was part of one of the first groups of ladies to enter the GED program at the Madison campus.

“I really don’t have the words for what this program has done for me!” Katie exclaimed.  “It has given me friendships; I have gained confidence in myself.  “My mentor is a real blessing,” she continued. “My kids love the childcare. Michelle is always helpful and Dawn’s bible study is great.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, and there have been times when it wasn’t easy. But I’m here to get my GED regardless!”

Althea:
After seeing her husband and children obtain college degrees, Althea knew it was her time.

A native of an island nation in South America, Althea came to the United States to provide a better life for her family. She worked to save the money to bring her husband and children to America, and to send them to college. After four years of working in New York City, she was able to do that and the family settled in Tennessee.

Althea was driving by Madison Church of Christ when she saw the information about CWJC’s GED classes on the church sign. She enrolled in the classes and passed her GED test six months later.  Now she is participating in the Jobs for Life program to best determine her life’s work.

To succeed at CWJC in any of the programs, Althea recommended three things to all students:
“Focus,” she advised. “We’re all grown women. It’s up to you to succeed. Second, ask questions. How are you going to know if you don’t ask? And third, use the tutors. They are never in a hurry to leave and will always help.”

And now that she is well on her way to her dream job, Althea continues to appreciate CWJC.
“Christian Women’s Job Corps put me on the right track to achieving my goals,” Althea said. “It was wonderful for me.”