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The Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps held a graduation ceremony for five participants who completed the program Friday, August 26. Pictured are, from left, (front) CWJC Site Coordinator Shirley Smith, graduates Latoya Foster, Cassandra Cowart, Haley Owens, Kara Curry, CWJC Site Coordinator Judy Phillips; (back) mentors Christy Younce, Janet Bradley, Charlotte Hawkins, and Jennifer Cleland. Not pictured is graduate Katherine Thompson and mentor Shirley Flowers. (PHOTOS BY ZACK MAIO)

CWJC graduate Cassandra Cowart, center, is presented with her certificate of graduation by Judy Phillips, left, and Shirley Smith, right.

CWJC graduate Kara Curry, center, is presented with her certificate of graduation by Judy Phillips, left, and Shirley Smith, right.

CWJC graduate Latoya Foster, center, is presented with her certificate of graduation by Judy Phillips, left, and Shirley Smith, right.

CWJC graduate Haley Owens, center, is presented with her certificate of graduation by Judy Phillips, left, and Shirley Smith, right.

Driven by the Lord’s strength and guidance of their mentors, five ladies have a new outlook on life after completing the Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps program last week.

Cassandra Cowart, Kara Curry, Latoya Foster, Haley Owens, and Katherine Thompson represent Covington CWJC’s Class of 2022 as the first graduating class.

“These girls have shown the courage to conquer by climbing many bumps over these past six months to show by example through the song ‘God’s Love Lifted Me.’ They graduated with courage from Covington CWJC Friday, August 26, and graduated from the Crossover Ministry program Saturday, August 27. We are so proud of their success and wish them all the best,” Site Coordinators Judy Phillips and Shirley Smith said.

The purpose of Christian Women’s Job Corps, a compassionate ministry of the national Woman’s Missionary Union, 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 basic life skills necessary for sufficiency, which includes substantial employment, adequate income, housing, transportation, childcare, and medical care.

“One of the greatest joys of my ministry is to work with Christian Women’s Job Corps. We have sites across our state, and there are even sites across our country and internationally. These sites are filled with volunteers and those called by God to work with the lives of women who need a little help. There are several testimonies of women whose lives have been impacted through this ministry. It’s a ministry God uses along with our churches to help change lives, and I’m very thankful to be a part of it,” said Alabama WMU Missions and Ministry Consultant Pat Ingram.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national CWJC and the first year of completion for the Covington CWJC. “It’s an amazing anniversary on both of their parts to know that for 25 years, men and women have been helped. For a whole year, after many years of work, this ministry has reached this point and culminated with this ceremony to recognize these five ladies and their mentors today,” Ingram added.

The CWJC, which holds its classes at the Christian Service Center in Andalusia, is a unique ministry with two distinctive elements: Bible study and mentor relationship. Phillips and Smith first held Bible study and parenting classes in April before mentors met with the program’s participants for one-on-one sessions.

“Our mentors have been committed and dedicated from the start. We are blessed to have these ladies join us each week to meet with the participants and encourage them to set goals and to complete the program,” Phillips said.

All four graduates in attendance expressed their appreciation for the local organization. Thompson was unable to attend due to finalizing a housekeeping job with Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp.

“All glory goes to God because if it was not for Him, none of us would be standing here today. Christian Women’s Job Corps is definitely a blessing to women. This lovely group of ladies has dedicated their time, hearts, and ears mentoring to us and giving us the tools to prepare ourselves for life after rehab. CWJC is a wonderful program, and these women dedicate their time to doing just what they are called to do. They help women in need succeed in life and are doing this in a Godly way solely committed to their tasks,” Foster said. “CWJC has been a positive and inspirational experience. The tools and mentorship extended encourage women to reach their full potential while providing classes and training in a loving Christian environment,” Curry said.

Individuals and groups can help by volunteering as mentors or providing meals, treat bags, paper products, journals or devotion books, and backpacks with basic supplies.

“CWJC has been a life-changing experience. The tools they have equipped us with will be beneficial in so many ways. The program is a Christian influence that has impacted our lives and will continue to influence others after us,” Owens said. “I was at a bad time in my life until I came to this program. I am grateful for all the ladies at CWJC and Crossover Ministries. I couldn’t have done it without every one of you and am forever grateful for your love and support,” Cowart said.

To learn more about CWJC visit alabamawmu.org/cwjcsites or call Alabama WMU at 334-613-2226.

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

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