Help 80 Women Find Jobs & Financial Independence

2020-21 Summary

The Women’s Employment Network (WEN) is grateful to all our supporters who contributed via GlobalGiving for being there for women during one of the most challenging times in recent history. As women navigated the difficult road back to employment while juggling multiple family responsibilities, you were a beacon of hope. We want to provide you a summary of the difference your gift made in the lives of women during this turbulent time.

WEN Signature Programming

Virtual programming replaced face-to-face classes with extraordinary results. Staff was able to pivot to program delivery through virtual workshops and one-on-one support. They modified processes to ensure a seamless transition. Another notable achievement was the ability to support women as they needed help making decisions about work schedules, child care, and other important considerations during the pandemic. With the number of women working in service jobs, the hardest hit sector, case management and one-on-one support was crucial to finding financial stability.

The following outcome results demonstrate the importance of your gift to WEN clients.

• Outcome 1: We served 1040 clients through our signature programming, including workshops and individualized services.
• Outcome 2: Increased the financial stability and security of our clients by providing one-on-one Financial Coaching to 189 clients using the FOC model.
• Outcome 3: Made 426 referrals with 106 jobs reported in with a full-time hourly wage averaging $16.36.

WEN received referrals from multiple community organizations, including homeless shelters, domestic violence organizations, and social service nonprofits. While our partnerships are numerous, a sample of partners include : City Union Mission, The Whole Person, Empower Missouri, State of Kansas, Jewish Vocational Services, Catholic Charities of Greater Kansas City, Community Health Council of Wyandotte, Convoy of Hope, Johnson County Department of Corrections, Johnson County Library, Metropolitan Community College, The Grooming Project, Workforce Partnership, Family & Child Development Center, Rosebrooks, Jackson County CASA, Jewish Family Services, Kansas City Center for Inclusion, Kansas City Rescue Mission, MOCSA, The Family Conservancy, The Single Mom KC, Salvation Army, Operation Breakthrough, reStart, Synergy Services, and many more. 

 Here is how one client describes her WEN experience:

“I was working in the hospitality industry and immediately experienced the impact of the pandemic; I was furloughed at the end of March. I was concerned about how I was going to make ends meet and my next steps during this time of uncertainty.  A co-worker and WEN graduate encouraged me to connect with WEN for support.

Not sure what to expect, I decided to join WEN's virtual workshop "Silencing Your Inner Critic" presented by WEN's case manager. At the end of the workshop, the attendees were invited to participate in job search, financial coaching, or support creating a plan for managing during the pandemic. I reached out to Kim and received resource information for rent, utilities, and food. I talked with each staff member about my needs and goals and each recommended workshop that helped me find my footing. I had weekly phone conversations to make sure I stayed on track and on task, which made me feel connected.

I updated my resume, participated in mock interviews and followed up on the job leads received from WEN. Even though I got discouraged by not getting a job offer, I knew I would be supported and motivated by the WEN team to keep on task because something would come through. Fortunately, I was able to return to work.

WEN's support helped me focus on what I did have, what I could do, and kept me looking forward and open to the possibilities of what might be ahead.  I am grateful to be back at work and know that I am always connected to WEN.”

Sheila-