Tammy Herrington speaks during the Christian Women's Job Corps of Lindale graduation at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Lindale, Texas, on Thursday, May 3, 2018. The women learned communication, computer and business skills to get them ready for the workforce through the 12-week job readiness program. (Chelsea Purgahn/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Seven women sat at the front of the sanctuary in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, clad in bright red caps and gowns, ready to celebrate a milestone they’d worked 12 weeks to achieve.

Six of these women spent the past few months with Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lindale (CWJC), refining their communication, computer and business skills to get them ready for the workforce through the job readiness program. One woman finished the program the previous session but was not able to participate in that graduation and thus joined the spring graduation.

This is the third session of classes made possible by Lindale’s CWJC. The organization started in spring 2017 with help from Tyler’s chapter, and have since become their own 501(c)3 nonprofit. The group, ranging in age from early 30s to late 60s, will join 14 others in becoming CWJC graduates.

“These women come in with no hope, thinking that’s how it’s going to be forever, but they find out it can be different,” said Vicki Osborn, CWJC co-site coordinator.

Each day of the program starts out with an hour-long Bible study, followed by computer class based on each girl’s ability. In the afternoon, they focus on different modules within the theme “jobs for life,” which can be anything from how to build relationships with coworkers and bosses to how to use email effectively.

Many of the women said the computer classes were extremely helpful in increasing their knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. 

“I haven’t worked in about 15 years so I wanted to get computer skills,” said Jana Watts, who plans to pursue starting a charity for children who are aging out of foster care. 

The students also get a chance to practice their interview skills in mock interviews as well as participate in an employer roundtable to hear what employers are looking for in a resume and in an interview. 

After weeks of rigorous training, the students and teachers gather together on the last day and share communion. Six others did not make it through the end of the program for either health reasons or they had succeeded in getting a job before the program was finished.

“They come in not knowing each other and leave best friends forever,” Osborn said. “It’s fun to watch as they progress through the 12 weeks from sometimes being quiet to growing and getting more comfortable and supporting one another.”

Jessica Bryant experienced that firsthand.

“Building a support group is very important to me — you have to have one as a single parent,” Bryant said. “This program has helped me better myself for my daughter so I can find a better job and support her.”

Dozens and dozens of family members and friends attended the graduation, which featured a slideshow of favorite moments during the program and a presentation of certificates and special awards of children’s books that best described each student’s personality.

Former CWJC student Tammy Herrington gave the keynote address. She spoke about how she had once been a successful businesswoman but lost herself in meth addiction, which led to a year in jail.

In that year, she grew in her relationship with God, and talked about the many “but God” moments she had in which He showed her how to put her faith in Him. Herrington has since gone on to graduate the program and has a job, and said she wants everyone to not give up hope when times are rough, and know there is a way to better days.

Each graduate also had a chance to speak before receiving their certificates and awards. Stacey Soumare talked about her struggle with her walk with God and how she grew in her faith because of the program: “I came here looking for computer skills and help finding a job, and I left with life abundant,” she said.

The next session will begin late August and wrap up before Thanksgiving. CWJC also has started offering GED classes in partnership with the Lillie Russell Memorial Library in Lindale and the Literacy Council of Tyler.

“There is a real need based on the demographic info we had, because there is a very large percentage in the greater Lindale area that do not have a high school diploma,” Osborn said.

To enroll in the job readiness program or the GED classes, contact Becky Foote at 903-316-6696 or becky.foote@cwjclindale.org.

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