Bridge of Hope program serves under-employed women in Northwest Georgia
Unemployed and under-employed women in northwest Georgia have new opportunities to develop life skills and enhance their careers because of the formation of the Bridge of Hope Northwest Georgia Christian Women’s Job Corps. The Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) is a national, womenled, faith-based nonprofit organization that assists women in transitioning from welfare to work by equipping them with the skills necessary to improve their lives.
“The idea behind this organization is that real life change can take place when women help women,” said Ginger Mathis, president of the board of directors. “We owe much to the example and legacy of the national CWJC and especially the Chattanooga chapter for helping us form and launch this ministry in northwest Georgia. Jane Everett’s experience in Chattanooga and her heart for women here in Catoosa County prompted her to serve as a founding member of our board and as site coordinator for the new chapter.”
The program consists of 12 weekly classes, held Thursday evenings at Ringgold First Baptist Church. The curriculum includes topics such as goal setting, decision making, moving past your past, interview skills, writing resumes, interview skills, dress for
success, positive first impressions, find my strengths, educational opportunities, money management and communication skills. Each week a respected female professional from the community is invited as a guest speaker to keynote the primary topic for the night.
“One key to success is that each participant is assigned a mentor to walk alongside them through the program,” Everett said. “I think it makes a huge difference to have a friend, a partner, to help them stay on track and assist them in reviewing, understanding and applying the material we cover.”
There is no charge for the program and it also offers free childcare during each class.
“An important aspect of this program is helping our women to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ,” Everett said. “Each week we have a Bible study and prayer time to strengthen the ladies for the week ahead and help prepare them for their ongoing roles at home and on the job.”
Mathis said Bridge of Hope is always in need of volunteers to serve as mentors and instructors.
“Each of these precious ladies want to make a change for the better in their life circumstances,” she said. “God is using our volunteers as servant leaders who are pouring their hearts and talents into this work to change lives. Our students will reap the benefits of their hard work with job and life skills for today, and the impacts will be felt for generations to come.”
Everett said the most notable outcome is enhanced selfconfidence.
“Some of our clients entering the program don’t even want to make eye contact in a social or business setting, but learn through our classes and practice that they have every reason to hold their heads up and speak with ease and confidence to their prospective employers.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or registering to participate in a future class may contact Jane Everett at 706-861-4584 or Ginger Mathis at 423902-3090.