Help Women Persevere Through Change

Although it feels as if the darkest days of the pandemic have passed, women continue to be disproportionately impacted by its effects. A March 2022 study by the Pan American Health Organization showed that women in healthcare jobs were more likely than men to contract Covid (72% of all cases) and more likely to feel the physical and emotional burdens of the pandemic outside of work. Women across the Americas were at increased risk of domestic violence (hotline calls increased 40%), were less able to protect themselves from the virus (women were diagnosed later than men and, once diagnosed, they died earlier), and, with resources redirected to pandemic response efforts, encountered barriers to family planning and healthcare services.

Carissa F. Etienne, PAHO Director, said it beautifully: "This report underscores that gender inequality is an ongoing social, economic, political and health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic; but it also highlights where we need to work harder to create a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future."

With support from generous donors like you, Women’s Employment Network is meeting the need in our community by providing women with no-cost access to employment preparation and financial coaching. Below are program outcomes achieved during our 2021-22 operating year (ended 6/30/22).

• WEN served 1,876 unduplicated clients (including 1,549 new clients) through workshops, customized individual services, and financial coaching.
• 127 WEN workshops welcomed 2,485 attendees.
• 189 unduplicated clients received financial coaching.
• WEN provided employment referrals for 231 positions.
• 79 women reported that they started a new job.
• The average reported hourly full-time wage of WEN clients was $19.10.
• Over a six-month period, 27 WEN clients increased their monthly net income; 27 decreased their debt; and 34 increased their credit score.

 Women have had these things to say about their experience with WEN:

I have faced my fears and I’m winning my inner game. My next job will propel my career in human resources. I will influence and help propel the careers of others. (Tiffany, Class #307)

I have learned at WEN that my job never determined my worth or my value, but that my character is worth its weight in gold. I have learned about who I am and who I have yet to become. I didn’t lose my job my job lost ME. (Gracelynn, Class #297)

What will I take away from WEN? I take ME! I will take new confidence, a well-written resume, new interview skills, greater awareness in the workplace, and the peace of mind that the perfect-for-me job is coming. I now have two children that know they have a strong and courageous mom and they are reaping the rewards of all I take away from WEN. (Stephanie, Class #294)

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• Annual Report (PDF)