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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Employment Preparation & Procurement, Job Training, Vocational Counseling

Mission: The mission of Washington Women's Employment & Education is to assist low-income individuals gain the skills, the knowledge and the courage to be self-supporting. WWEE envisions a robust community that empowers all its members to achieve meaningful careers that are both self-sustaining and self-actualizing. WWEE furthers this vision by providing job-readiness and computer training, by administering individualized follow-up support with employment consultants and by offering basic support services. Combined, these programs are designed to help our participants, the majority of whom are mothers receiving welfare, gain a career at a wage sufficient to support a single-parent family. The agency has program locations in both King and Pierce counties and over its 25-year history has assisted 12,000 families in their quest to successfully gain independence from welfare.

Programs: Reach plus tm: enhances the employability of low-income and welfare dependent individuals through focused job training, including computer skills, work habits and attitudes, financial literacy training, consultation on barriers to employment, and wrap-around supportive services. These services combine to form a holistic program which empowers clients to gain permanent self-reliance through living wage employment. Clients served last year: 354

housing: the goal of courage360's housing program is to assist low-income families in achieving stable housing, employment and economic self-sufficiency. Working with homeless families, courage360 provides rental assistance, training and support to help stabilize their home and life circumstances. Clients served last year: 89

community jobs (cj): cj program participants receive training in job skills, work habits and ethics in addition to gaining valuable work experience and access to support services. Courage360 staff has established collaborative relationships with many local employers, offering cj interns a wide variety of positions and worksites. Participation in the cj program qualifies participating individuals for the advanced earned income tax credit. Clients served last year: 62

Community Stories

6 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Client Served

Rating: 5

While I was on welfare, I attended a class at WWEE twice. The first time, I honestly didn't take it too seriously. But the second time...I realized that the class could change my life. And it did. Before the classes, I was very unsure of myself, both personally and in a professional sense. I opened my eyes to the fact that I am more then what other think I am. They helped my to find my self worth amoung many valuable work skill.

Thank you WWEE

2

Board Member

Rating: 5

In its 30 years, WWEE has served over 15000 families. Through our powerful 5-week course, low-income individuals find the skills, knowledge and courage to pursue their highest potential. They learn the complete suite of Office products, but also ongoing housing, job-readiness and work experience internship programs. They learn skills such as interviewing, resume preparation, financial literacy and professional dress but also essential life coping strategies such as goal-setting, problem-solving, self-esteem building and conflict resolution . WWEE also provides at least 2 years of follow-up support after graduation, as well as help pursuing employment and/or higher education. Our clients say the ultimate benefit of the program is gaining the confidence to believe in themselves. WWEE truly helps its participants tranform their lives from the inside out.

10

Board Member

Rating: 5

I have just completed nine years on the Board of WWEE. WWEE helps low income women gain the skills and courage to become self sufficient. For little more than $1500 per person it helps women transition from welfare to work. It changes their lives and the lives of their children. I have gained respect for women who recover from lives shattered by domestic violence, substance abuse and low self esteem. I have learned that you don't get to pick your parents and that I was very fortunate to have intelligent, hard working middle class parents who passed on their values to me. Not everyone is so fortunate. WWEE helps women make up for years of bad luck and bad decisions and helps them transform their lives and the lives of their children. During the years I served on the board WWEE has transitioned from being mostly dependent on government grants to being almonst 50% funded by foundations and private donations. Though no longer able to serve on the board I will continue to be involved in helping bring the WWEE methodology to other organizations who can bring the same success to more women in Washington and throughout the nation.

10

Volunteer

Rating: 5

For the last 6 years I've been a volunteer for WWEE in their Kent location. After being introduced to the clothing boutique, I was hooked because of how empowering every aspect of the program is for participants! I also volunteer in the classroom discussing first impressions and how to feel great and look professional for interviews and work and then let them shop the boutique. The best part about the program extends beyond what I do as a volunteer - there are so many volunteers and the amazing staff that make the program so great. WWEE keeps tabs on all participants to see how they achieve their goals and put to use the skills they've learned while in the program. The 2 years of follow up services provide a network for participants to call on as they need it while establishing their careers and earning a livable wage.

5

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Volunteering in the Clothing Boutique has been an extremely rewarding experience. I help sort through donations to pick-out the most professional items. I then assist our low-income clients in finding the perfect outfit for their interviews or new jobs. Dressing for success really helps our clients feel confident. Volunteering in the Clothing Boutique is both fun and gratifying.

3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I am a volunteer at WWEE and I cannot praise it highly enough. The work that they do is truly amazing. As I interact with clients over the course of each five-week REACH Plus Program, I witness their transformation. They leave the program not only with new skills but also with a new-found confidence in their ability to succeed. I have interviewed several graduates of the program who have nothing but glowing reviews of the organization. In addition, the staff and volunteers are wonderful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with such talented and committed individuals. I have learned so much by volunteering here, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to help others reach their full potential.