State welfare reform succeeds through heartfelt giving
Christian Women's Job Corp helping Kentucky women in need
From Kentucky Citizen Digest, July, 1999

Long before welfare reform hit the radar screen, many Christians recognized the shortcomings of a system that provided only physical sustenance for those in need.

They asserted that government provisions, while well intentioned, interfere with the flow of charity and compassion between neighbors and within communities.Mere handouts, they suggested, neglect spiritual and emotional needs for thosetrapped in poverty.But before the Welfare Reform Act of 1995, changing the system seemed unlikely. 

Then came the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC).After touring the Appalachia region in 1994, a dedicated group of Christians with the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) were moved to help women trapped in poverty.And since over 90 percent of households in poverty are headed by women, their focus was naturally on them.

After much prayer and evaluation, the idea of a Christian-based mentoring program gelled, and by 1996 four pilot programs began around the country to determine the feasibility of the idea.Now, hundreds of volunteers are working to start programs in 45 states.

CWJC is now active in 24 states and has 100 active job sites across the nation.CWJC programs are developing in five Kentucky locations, including Lookout, Cadiz, Georgetown, Louisville and Florence.

“Not only will we be changing their living environment, but also their spiritual lives,” said Sue Rich, project coordinator for Trigg County and one of five active CWJC site coordinators throughout Kentucky.Before Sue took on the task of project coordinator, she worked for Northrup-Grumman, known for making B-2 bombers.Now Sue is building relationships with women who are hoping for a better future.Our mission is “to provide a Christian context for women in need, who need help,” said Rich. 

What makes CWJC unique is that a long-term, one-on-one mentoring relationship is developed between the client and volunteer mentor.Clients are required to attend a weekly Bible study, and mentors, who undergo extensive training, closely assist their client with everything from transportation to arranging for childcare.The mentor also helps the client network within the community to meet others who may help them when needed.But most of all, the mentor eventually becomes a friend and confidant — something government programs are incapable of achieving.

“When I first started getting calls about mentoring programs back in 1997, I didn’t know where to go,” said Judy Bridges, caseworker for the welfare department in Trigg County.Now she does.

Bridges works closely with Rich and is excited about the prospects of changing lives for the better.Bridges serves on the local CWJC advisory council, which consists of business leaders, public school personnel, pastors and extension workers.Bridges actively encourages her clients to participate in the mentoring program and recently sent out a special letter to her 13 remaining welfare recipients, down from a high of nearly 200 in 1997. “I feel that the private sector has been really good to cooperate with.Employers call in looking for workers, and community leaders want to help as well,” said Bridges.

The community-wide effort differentiates CWJC from other programs.In Trigg County close to 30 volunteers have stepped forward to assist the program in various ways. And the efforts transcend denominational boundaries.

Denise Jones, Kentucky WMU associate and CWJC state liaison, is excited about the prospects of changing lives in Kentucky as well. “I’ve talked to people in other states, and they are so excited with the results,” said Jones.“Many women have renewed their faith and made commitments to faith in Christ. ... Just to see how God has worked in their lives has been phenomenal!”
 

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander, Executive Director Martin Cothran, Senior Associate Policy Analyst