Mississippi Woman Recognized as Outstanding CWJC Graduate

Bobbi Leath is one step closer to realizing her dream of opening a day care for children with special needs thanks to her participation in Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) of Rankin County, Miss.

Leath herself is a mother of two children with physical challenges; her son has cerebral palsy and her daughter has epilepsy. She knew in order to open a center to help other parents who have children with special needs, she would need to obtain her GED and a college education. Initially, help with obtaining her GED is what brought Leath to CWJC, but she found so much more.

“The Job Corps was like being with a room full of sisters,” Leath reflected. “The ladies were uplifting and seemed interested in the vision I was dreaming. They helped me see God has His hands in this dream and that I am just a vessel for His hands to work.”

Leath said that while all the women in the program were influential on her journey, Mary Callahan, director of CWJC of Rankin County, had an impact on her the first time they met when Leath interviewed for the program.

“I sat and told her my story,” Leath shared. “With her uplifting spirit, I knew deep down that I was in the right place.”

Debbie Boykin, Leath’s mentor in CWJC, said she is determined to reach her goals and never complains about anything.

“Bobbi has a passion and feels called to help other families that are facing the same challenges she has had to deal with” Boykin said. “I am so proud of her accomplishments so far and know she will reach all her goals.”

Leath said her life has changed in “big ways” since coming to CWJC. In addition to earning her GED, she has greater confidence in herself and a stronger relationship with God. “He is forever changing and molding me into the person He intended,” Leath shared. “I have completely let Him take the reigns to guide me to do His work.”

Since graduating from CWJC, Leath has enrolled at a local community college and is pursuing a degree in child development and child care. She obtained a 3.538 GPA for her first semester and is looking forward to her second.

Jean Roberson, national WMU ministry consultant who oversees the CWJC/CMJC ministry, presented Leath the Sybil Bentley Dove Award on Aug. 18 at the Mississippi WMU annual meeting. This award is given annually to a current or former CWJC participant who advances herself through life skills, academic development, and faith in God. The award comes with a grant to help further Leath’s education and dream.

CWJC was started by national WMU in 1997 to help women change their lives for the better by empowering them with biblical nourishment, a mentor for encouragement and accountability, and training opportunities to help them attain education, gainful employment, and self-sufficiency.

Kristin Easterling is a senior at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. She is serving as an intern this summer at national WMU on the Corporate Communications Team.