GALLERY: Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps graduates seven from second class

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, February 22, 2023

By Zack Maio

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The Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps held their second graduation ceremony with seven ladies completing the program at the Covington Baptist Association on Friday, Feb. 17.

The 2023 graduates are Carrie Bass of Kinston, Aimee Cooley of Andalusia, Dawn Doak of Enterprise, Ashley Andrews Headley of Opp, Delene James of Opp, Ashley Smith of Andalusia, and Courtney Williams of Red Level.

“This class of seven young women from all walks of life came together as a group and learned the value of being in a healthy small group setting. It will be easier for them to get into a local church and Sunday school class because of this experience,” Site Co-Coordinator Judy Phillips said.

Following their ceremony Friday, all seven women graduated from the Crossover Ministry program Saturday, Feb. 18.

Phillips added that she saw growth in each woman. “The expressions on their faces show they are beginning to believe in who they are in Christ. Prayer, Bible study, parenting classes, and life skills experienced during this five-month period have provided them a great foundation on which to walk forward as they transition into society again.”

“Our second class of CWJC graduates has been such a blessing. It is wonderful to see the growth in these ladies in five short months. We are looking forward to the next class. If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor or would like to help in this ministry, please contact us,” Site Co-Coordinator Shirley Smith said.

The purpose of Christian Women’s Job Corps, a compassionate ministry of the national Woman’s Missionary Union and Covington Baptist Association, is to provide a Christian context in which women in need are equipped for life. The CWJC’s purpose is fulfilled when a woman has the basic life skills necessary for sufficiency, which includes substantial employment, adequate income, housing, transportation, childcare, and medical care.

Since April 15, 2022, CCWJC has met every Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Christian Service Center in Andalusia. The organization currently shares a room with the food distribution ministry and is included in the CBA’s annual budget. This year’s class began on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Similar to the first class, the topics taught were Bible study, a parenting class, and life skills.

The second session completed a Bible study titled “Courage to Conquer” and a parenting class known as “Raising Kingdom Kids.” Further, additional Bible study known as “The Search for Self-Significance” was utilized. Mentors spent one-on-one time with their students and helped them set both short-term and long-term goals. This year’s class learned life skills such as preparing a resume, learning how to dress appropriately for jobs, interviewing, budgeting, and balancing a checkbook. Classes were taught by field experts from the local community.

Bass was grateful for her time with the program. “Thank you, God, for the privilege of being a part of Crossover and CWJC.”

Cooley paid tribute to her peers who helped her become a stronger woman. “I’m looking forward to being a blessing to many other women in my future the same way the women of this program have been to me.”

Doak added that she would not have completed the program without the Lord’s strength. “I thank God for Crossover and Christian Women’s Job Corps. With this program, it has shown me how to get a job and help show me how to be the mother I want to be. I really thank God for my mentor, Ms. Charlotte Hawkins. She has helped me on my worst days. Thank y’all and love you so much.”

Headley stated it was a blessing and privilege to have wonderful leadership. “It has been an honor to be led and loved by such a remarkable group of Christian women. Thank you to each and every lady who made this experience possible.”

James had several takeaways from the program. “I have learned how to love myself and others, how to be a true friend, to open up and rely on God, to have confidence, and most of all, to always put God first.”

Smith felt she became more spiritual following her graduation. “During my time at Christian Women’s Job Corps, I’ve experienced an even deeper knowledge of who God is. His abilities and never-ending love have been so beneficial to me.”

Williams attributed her journey to those responsible for leading the program along with her mentor. “I’m so thankful for CWJC and extremely thankful for the wonderful people who have taught us and the joy of Jesus in their hearts. I had an amazing experience and had such an amazing mentor, Ms. Charlotte Hawkins. Thank you, Ms. Charlotte! I love you! Luke 1:37 says, ‘With god, nothing is impossible.’ I have God to thank for my strength and God, thank you for never leaving my side.”

The third session will begin on April 7, which coincides with this year’s Good Friday holiday. According to Phillips, assistance is needed in order for the program to remain successful.

“We need your help in the way of prayer warriors for these young ladies, mentors, and folks who will provide a meal each Friday for the group. Mentoring requires about an hour of training, so we can also set you up for that. You can contribute financially to the cost of meals or groups of folks like your Sunday school class, or WMU can provide meals as a group. I can’t say enough about the many volunteers who have already stepped up to the plate to be a mentor, pray for us, provide a meal for us, or make a financial donation to CCWJC.”

Individuals interested in volunteering for the CCWJC may contact Phillips at jujaphillips@gmail.com or 850-228-5020 and Smith at shirley213214@gmail.com or 334-488-4715.

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