Speer Trust Awards WOLDE $30,000
01/10/08
In October WOLDE submitted a proposal to Speer Trust
for consideration to fund our Opportunity Knocks
Initiative aiming to bring e-learning opportunities
and computer literacy to to working poor women and
incarcerated women preparing to re-enter into
society. Today we received word that we have been
awarded the full amount requested of $30,000.
"This is a milestone for the organization on many levels" states Jennifer Rehm-Clark, Founder and Executive Director. "It is the first faith-based funding we have received to date, and we are happy that it comes from such a well-known and progressive philanthropic group. In addition to this first, we are now able to broaden our scope of services through launching our newest initiative - Project Next Step!. Through this program we will be able to to reach and serve another segment of our overall target market [working poor] - women inmates preparing to re-enter the workforce and society".
"This is a milestone for the organization on many levels" states Jennifer Rehm-Clark, Founder and Executive Director. "It is the first faith-based funding we have received to date, and we are happy that it comes from such a well-known and progressive philanthropic group. In addition to this first, we are now able to broaden our scope of services through launching our newest initiative - Project Next Step!. Through this program we will be able to to reach and serve another segment of our overall target market [working poor] - women inmates preparing to re-enter the workforce and society".
WOLDE's Opportunity Knocks initiative aims to reach
two specific target markets that fall under "working
poor". Specifically, Project Access! will extend
e-learning and complete career counseling support to
30 low-income women interested in obtaining Microsoft
Office training and credentials. The second component
called Project Next Step! will provide 20 women
inmates preparing to re-enter society with complete
computer literacy training and customized career
services aimed at increasing the chances for
successful engagement in the workforce thus reducing
the chances of recidivism.
Within the program includes two partnerships with the Women's Work Release Treatment Center (New Castle) and First and Central Presbyterian Church (Wilmington). "I am eager to begin working with our fantastic partners on this initiative. Both First & Central and the WWTRC are on board to directly assist and support those we will serve."
Specifically, First & Central's Women's Spirituality Group will extend their support through participating in WOLDE's Women's Mentoring Circle. WSG members will host monthly mentoring events that will make it possible for clients to receive advice and support from other women in an effort to increase their overall success. In addition to First & Central's support, WOLDE will work closely with the Women's Work Release Treatment Center in an attempt to provide inmates with the opportunity to gain critical computer skills that can make the difference between low-wage employment and living wage skills.
"We recognize that those coming out of the WWRTC face certain circumstances and barriers when attempting to secure employment that many of our other clients don't experience. Because of this, we will work closely with those at the WWRTC so that we can ensure a successful transition into today's workforce" explains Rehm-Clark. "While this is the main focus of the Project Next Step! initiative, we as an organization hope to make a larger impact on corrections by showing the value and necessity of extending computer literacy training to inmates serving time."
Within the program includes two partnerships with the Women's Work Release Treatment Center (New Castle) and First and Central Presbyterian Church (Wilmington). "I am eager to begin working with our fantastic partners on this initiative. Both First & Central and the WWTRC are on board to directly assist and support those we will serve."
Specifically, First & Central's Women's Spirituality Group will extend their support through participating in WOLDE's Women's Mentoring Circle. WSG members will host monthly mentoring events that will make it possible for clients to receive advice and support from other women in an effort to increase their overall success. In addition to First & Central's support, WOLDE will work closely with the Women's Work Release Treatment Center in an attempt to provide inmates with the opportunity to gain critical computer skills that can make the difference between low-wage employment and living wage skills.
"We recognize that those coming out of the WWRTC face certain circumstances and barriers when attempting to secure employment that many of our other clients don't experience. Because of this, we will work closely with those at the WWRTC so that we can ensure a successful transition into today's workforce" explains Rehm-Clark. "While this is the main focus of the Project Next Step! initiative, we as an organization hope to make a larger impact on corrections by showing the value and necessity of extending computer literacy training to inmates serving time."