NewsletterCHRISTIAN WOMEN’S JOB CORPS® OF LEE COUNTY, AL

www.cwjclc.comSpring 2019 - Session 24 - Issue 2

24th Pinning Held May 3

Neeley Caldwell,Executive Directorneeley@cwjclc.com

CWJC of Lee CountyThe Eagle Center 215 E. Thach Ave. Suite 101 Auburn, AL 36830 Office: 334-821-0591 Cell: 334-524-5529

Building Hope BanquetAugust 20 - 6:30 - 8:00 pmAUMC Epworth Center

Orientation - Sept. 4 @ 9amWeek 1 - Sept. 9 - 13 Week 2 - Sept. 16 - 20 Week 3 - Sept. 23 - 27 Week 4 - Sept. 30 - Oct. 4Week 5 - Oct. 7 - 11 Week 6 - Oct. 14 - 18 Week 7 - Oct. 21 - 25 Week 8 - Oct. 28 - Nov. 1 Week 9 - Nov. 4 - 8 Week 10 - Nov. 11 - 15

Pinning Celebration AUMC Epworth Center Friday, Nov. 15 at 10 am

FIND us and LIKE us!facebook.com/cwjcleecounty

Important Dates

On May 3, five local women were honored in a pinning ceremony marking the completion of 24 sessions and 140 graduates of Christian Women’s Job Corps® of Lee County. The five participants were “guided” by community volunteers Sandy Poe, Colleen Alsobrook, Amory Scott, Brenda Ramage, and Jane Huntley. The theme for this session was taken from Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” After nine weeks of classes, the participants completed internships provided by Arbor Springs, Auburn City School Transportation Department, Auburn Jr. High School, and City of Auburn Community Development. During the Pinning Ceremony Neeley Caldwell challenged the graduates that they are to live in a community supporting each other as they exemplify the three stands of a strong cord “not quickly broken.” Each graduate identified her “three strands” naming her own effort and support system as the first strand. The second strand included instructors, CWJC volunteers, and Guides. God’s power, love, and presence in their lives makes the essential third strand to forge a rope-like cord.

Here’s what some of the graduates had to say about their experiences at CWJC: “I have completed my resume, cover letter and my application. CWJC also gave me knowledge of interview tips and mock interview practices, which helped my understanding more about what to say and not to say at an interview… I believe that I am ready to start my career with all the confidence and skills I have gained at CWJC. I hope I can be successful and be a great role model for my children.”

For more information on becoming a participant, volunteer, or supporter of Christian Women’s Job Corps® of Lee County, contact Neeley Caldwell at 334-821-0591, 334-524-5529, or neeley@cwjclc.com.

Spring 2019 Graduates: Soonyoung, Nydia, Brandi, Amy and Young Jae

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2018/19 CWJC Board of Directors

Chair: Dr. Dennis Marple, Equipment and Technical Support

1st Vice Chair: Cathy Zevac, Celebration Ceremony and Reception

Secretary: Lynn Bell, Founder, Instructor, Recruiter, Interviewer

Treasurer: Starling Grisham

Gwen Price, Publicity

Dr. Charlotte Ward, Bible Study Leader, Parliamentarian

Toddy Savage, Instructor, Guide Recruiter/Trainer

Ed Crum, Facilities

Jan Thornton, Church Connections

Dr. John Saidla, Celebration Reception

Sally Sheehan, Hospitality

Dr. Addie Swinney, Curriculum

Jane Huntley, Guides

Latoya Gipson

Ex Officio: Neeley Caldwell, CWJC Executive Director

Jan Thornton, Church ConnectionsI first was introduced to CWJC by my mother. She was one of the founders of the CWJC of Madison County, Alabama, and served as a teacher, mentor and

board member. In the early years of their Circles luncheon, their annual fundraiser, I would help the CWJC with the preparation that goes with such an event. And, as I attended the luncheons each year, I became more and more aware of the tremendous impact that the CWJC made in women’s lives. I heard story after story of how the program had given them self-confidence and self-sufficiency, and hope for better circumstances for themselves and their families. In their words, the CWJC program was “life-changing.” When the

CWJC of Lee County was founded, I wanted to find a way to be a part of this wonderful program. I started by providing lunch for some of the sessions, and in 2015 was asked to join the Board.

My assigned area of responsibility on the Board is working with the Executive Director to inform local area churches about the program including ways the churches might be of support to the ministry; they might feel called to provide resources to the program, or be in a position to send women who might benefit from the program our way.

My undergraduate education is from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). I also have an M.B.A from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford. A licensed Alabama attorney, I am employed by Auburn University as the executive director of its Office of Innovation Advancement and Commercialization working with patents, technology licensing and intellectual property law. In my job with the university, we look for ways to commercialize the inventions that arise from the University’s research programs. We want the end result of research to be more than just a scientific and or scholarly paper – where possible, we want it to improve quality of life in some way.

As newlyweds 25 years ago, my husband Mark and I moved to Auburn for him to go back to school, and we discovered by the time he had finished his degree that we never wanted to leave. We have two sons, John who is 23, and Matthew, who is 16. For a while, our family’s “gospels” were complete in that Mark, John, Matthew and I had a dog named Luke. Now, our dog Coco and cat Callie rule the roost.

I love to cook, travel, read mysteries, and work puzzles of all sorts. I sing in the choir at my church, Auburn First Baptist Church, and teach youth Sunday School. My favorite vacation spots are Key West, Florida and the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

MEET THE cwjc BOARD

Session 24- May 14, 2019 - Page 3

Our Leader Continues Learning

H O P ECONFIDENCE STRENGTHFREEDOM

RENEWAL

LIFE

Neeley Caldwell, Director of CWJC, is currently receiving additional educational training through Christian Women’s Leadership Center through the WMU of the Baptist Church. This is designed for Christian women who desire personal leadership growth. The Christian Women’s Leadership certificate consists of nine four-week courses in the areas of Leadership Foundations, Leadership Formations, and Leadership Skills. Participants invest three to five hours each week to complete activities with a group of participants who watch short instructional videos, converse on lively forums, and complete online reflections, quizzes, discussions, and reading assignments. Neeley has currently completed the classes:

• A Sense of Call to Leadership• Leading with Integrity• The Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership• Follower Skills• Women Leaders of the Past• Leader Skills

She will continue to complete the rest of the nine classes by the end of the summer.

Neeley CaldwellCWJC Executive Director

Save the Date - Building Hope Banquet- August 20, 2019Make your plans to attend the ninth annual Building Hope Fundraising Banquet Tuesday August 20, 2019, at the Epworth Center of AUMC. From 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. you can enjoy a delicious meal provided by Ursula’s and served by the AU Championship Equestrian Team. Keynote speaker for the evening will be new AU Athletic Director Allen Greene. A table of 8 may be purchased for $500. Call Neeley at 334-821-0591 to reserve.

Keynote Speaker CWJC Building Hope Banquet Allen Greene, AU Athletic Director

“People don’t fail because they aim high and miss, but because they aim low and hit. CWJC is made up of difference-makers. Aim high; make a difference!” After completion of the 24th Pinning Ceremony on May 3, Neeley Caldwell, Executive Director of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County, honored local ministry volunteers with a luncheon

at the Epworth Center of Auburn United Methodist Church. Neeley commended the volunteers for another successful session of CWJC. Coach Butch Thompson relayed the story of Roger Bannister as he sought to break the four- minute mile in 1954. He was told it was impossible, but was convinced by two friends that he should go for it. “Know who you’re running with; don’t get slowed

down by the wrong people.

There will always be physical and mental barriers. Conquer the temptation to give up.”

Alabama WMU Representative Pat Ingram showed her appreciation to the volunteers. “There are twelve CWJC ministries in the state and we could not help these women make life-long change without our many volunteers.” A Spring 2019 Graduate said it at her Pinning, “I was inspired the most by the volunteers in their attitudes, positive thinking, good energy, humble service, passion, and spiritual lives.”

Spring 2019 Volunteer Luncheon

“But overall, I have learned and was inspired the most from the volunteers in a great deal-- their attitude, their positive thinking, their good efforts and energy, their humble ways of serving others, healthy mindsets, enthusiastic passion, and spiritual lives towards life made me reflect upon myself once again.”

Soonyoung An2019 Spring Graduate

Butch ThompsonAU Head Baseball CoachLuncheon Speaker

Denny Marple, CWJC Chair welcomes the volunteers

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As a relative newcomer to Lee County, Markeashas Cotton saw a billboard for CWJC and went for it and graduated in the Fall Session of

2017. In the past Markeashas had worked in daycare, customer service, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Now Markeashas is in her fourth year as a security officer in the Auburn and Opelika City Schools. “I love to see the students’ smiling faces each day.” Markeashas’ employer saw her dedication and enthusiasm, and now allows Markeashas to train new security officers while also working toward her GED. Her family has seen changes in Markeashas since her time in CWJC. “I’ve learned more about God and I have gained

such confidence. It is so worth it! The Budgeting class helped me so much and I love Ms. Lynn Bell and all she does!” Markeashas was even a guest speaker in this spring session. “I shared my journey with the ladies; we laughed and we cried together.” When asked what she would say to a woman who was “stuck”, Markeashas gave this advice: “Don’t just sit at home. Get out and make something out of your life. God has given us all talents and things to do!”

Where are they Now? Markeashas Cotton

“Don’t just sit at home. Get out and make something out of your life. God has given us all talents and things to do!”Advice Markeashas shared as a speaker in the recent session

Markeashas Cotton2017 Fall Graduate

Markeashas is employed as a Security Officer in Auburn and Opelika City Schools

Amy (2019 Spring Graduate) started a job last week with Dr. Le’s Chiropractic and Wellness.

Where are they Now? Jessica Butler

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On March 21, Jessica Butler (Spring 2014 CWJC Graduate) and her mother, Belinda, were in a terrible car accident where both of them were airlifted to UAB Hospital. Jessica had a broken back, broken left leg, and her left eye was cut. Belinda had a broken leg, broken hip, broken ribs, and bruised lungs. After many days in the hospital and Spain Rehab, both mother and daughter are home. Please continue to keep both of them in your prayers. Belinda and Jessica will be graduating from Titus Baptist Bible College on June 1st.

Belinda and Jessica Butler (2014 Spring Graduate)Mother and Daughter

Why We Do What We Do

Our Ministry Plan: “To provide a Christian context in which women in need are equipped for life and employment, and a missions context in which women help women.”

Our Vision Statement: "To give a better future, hope, education, and self -sufficiency to women in need."

Our Mission Statement: "To equip women through Bible Study and job readiness classes in a Christian environment that is conducive to change and growth from the inside out."

Please continue to pray that we are always mindful of why we do what we do.

The beautiful cake served at our recent Pinning Ceremony was designed and made by Latoya Gipson, newest CWJC Board Member and 2015 Fall Graduate