WACS (WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUCCEEDING)
Women and Children Succeeding is a college support program for low-income parents with children. Our goal is to transition the families we serve toward an independent, self-sufficient, and successful life.
To remove the economic barriers that face mothers who are seeking post-secondary education, we assist with the costs of childcare, transportation, education, and emergency events. Participants are able to come into our office to have a peaceful environment to do schoolwork and also utilize materials such as computers and printers. We stock cleaning supplies, diapers, feminine products, and other goods that are not available for purchase through SNAP. The items that we house are free to program participants.
There are additional barriers that we help our clients address and overcome through encouraging financial, personal, and professional development. We provide financial consultations and assign a caseworker to collaborate with participants. This, along with the peer support that they receive, enhances their accountability and encourages them to achieve their goals. Through these channels, and also through the advice of their mentors, participants are better informed and are provided with the tools needed to reduce the time (and money) that they spend in school and build assets for themselves and their families. Program participants are required to attend Life Skills meetings, where they learn techniques to improve their lives and their job readiness. In addition to this, participants must pursue outside training in at least four life-learning activities per program year. In order to pay forward the assistance that they receive, participants must dedicate five hours each month to volunteerism.
We are also invested in the development of our clients' children. In addition to partnering with quality childcare agencies, we provide assistance so that kids may engage in extracurricular activities. Parents in our program may receive assistance in providing school supplies, clothing, and other necessities for their children. Through our intentional efforts to support child development, we hope to break the cycle of generational poverty and invest in the future well-being of our community as a whole.
For more information, go to our WACS website: WACSProgram.org
