Three Christian Job Corps (CJC) sites will be able to advance their ministry efforts thanks to recent grants from the WMU Foundation.

Begin Anew CJC

Growing, expanding and uplifting. These words describe Begin Anew CJC in Franklin, Tennessee. With the help of a site grant from the WMU Foundation, Begin Anew will support the salaries of a program manager and childcare coordinator who are essential for the continued success of the ministry. 

Begin Anew CJC offers free high school equivalency classes, English language learning, and computer and job skills classes. Without free childcare offered at the site, many students would not be able to attend classes. Recently, the program manager added a second weekday morning class so students would have greater opportunities for mentorship, instruction and language practice. 

“At the heart of the Franklin Campus is a thriving weekly community group that gathers for an hour before classes to foster deep connections between students and the dedicated volunteers who lead them,” said Pam Bryant, executive director of Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee. “This time of fellowship is more than just a meeting — it is a space for meaningful engagement, spiritual growth and mutual encouragement.”

During community group, students are invited to participate in guided discussions on biblical topics such as grace, mercy and prayer. Students share prayer requests and seek encouragement for the challenges they face. Time is devoted for Scripture reading, memorization, journaling and reflection to help students internalize God’s Word. 

Bryant said, “Students and volunteers alike have expressed how uplifting and vital this time of connection has become.” Several students have even made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The site grant from the WMU Foundation will enable the Franklin Campus of Begin Anew to continue to provide the leadership needed for the site to flourish.

Sisters Who Care Transformation Place CWJC

Sisters Who Care (SWC) Transformation Place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serves approximately 20 to 30 individuals each year. This CWJC site holds 11- to 12-week sessions twice a year. They offer a variety of life skills and job skills classes such as computer training, resume writing, interviewing, leadership, goal setting, conflict resolution, nutrition and parenting. “Bible study is included at the beginning of every session we have and is a part of any activity we do,” said Cynthia Brown, site coordinator. 

The site grant they received from the WMU Foundation will enable SWC Transformation Place to sustain and grow their ministry. The grant will help the site purchase training materials such as books and other supplies and also enable them to provide honorariums for presenters and help with advertising and community outreach. In addition, the grant will provide meals during classes. Since classes are offered from 6–8 p.m., many participants and volunteers come to class immediately after work. The meals will help individuals be nourished, stay focused and learn.

CWJC of Greater Arlington

For more than 20 years, CWJC of Greater Arlington (Texas) has equipped women with job skills and life skills in a Christ-centered environment by offering free classes. Each student is paired with a journey partner for the duration of their program for weekly check-ins, prayertime, and sharing a meal at the site. Many graduates maintain these relationships beyond the conclusion of their program.

With the help of a program development grant from the WMU Foundation, CWJC of Greater Arlington plans to expand their program by purchasing software to assist them in providing quality high school equivalency instruction for their participants in English and Spanish. 

“There is a gap in our community, and we take (and turn down) calls every day about GED,” said Carrie Wilkerson, executive director of CWJC of Greater Arlington. “Additionally, we have never required GED completion for our program, so we have dozens of graduates that can only achieve certain levels of employment without their GEDs. We’d love to be able to offer this program first to graduates so they can increase their marketability and pay rate.”

Wilkerson said the site’s goal is to triple the number of women they have historically served annually. They plan to achieve this goal by providing virtual classes as well as adding GED preparation classes.

Supporting this Life-Changing Work

“The WMU Foundation is deeply grateful for the generosity of Faye Dove Wright, whose vision and foresight established this endowment in honor of her mother,” said Peggy Darby, president of the WMU Foundation. “Through her faithful investment, this endowment continues to provide meaningful support for the compassion ministries of WMU and the life-changing work of Christian Women’s Job Corps sites across the country. We are honored to help steward her legacy as these grants empower women, strengthen communities and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. The enduring influence of this ministry is a beautiful reflection of the purpose, faithfulness and generosity that inspired the creation of this endowment.”

Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps, a compassion ministry of WMU, equips women and men, in a Christian context, for life and employment. Through nearly 100 sites in the US and overseas, thousands of adults each year gain life skills and job skills, as well as hope for their future. 

Funds from the CWJC/CMJC Site Grant are not restricted and sites can use funds for any area such as programming, development, salaries or overhead. Funds from the CWJC Program Development Grant are to be used for the program development areas that will further advance the education and/or career opportunities of the site’s participants such as curriculum or software.

Visit wmufoundation.com to learn more or to support this endowment.

by Tracey Gholson