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WICS [Women in Community Service]
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WICS [Women in Community Service]
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Records of the Office of National Service (Clinton Administration)
Richard C. (Rick) Allen's Files
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (2)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
National Service
Series/Staff Member:
Rick Allen
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
2149
FolderID:
Folder Title:
WICS [Women in Community Service]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
2
2
2
3/9 fane good in
consultants W.
- have qranr from kellogg F
1964 : JFK : Job Corps planning
for 29 yrs. coalition of 5
women (WICS) organ.
27m women
- through Dept of Labor contract,
provide suppor t survices for kids in
108 jobs corps Avairing
- 4 regional contracts - outreach
&
screening of
- staff 7 150 in 9 federal regions
- been Through strategic planning
process think coalition can
do more to assist disadvantaged
young women
Kellagg funding 3 pilots 5 life
shills pragrams - Boston/ding abouse
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
Portland / incarceration
Narhville / welfare jobs
many mislned Sasser (sen Sasser's wife) actively
4 components to life skills course:
1) training u life shills - nutrition,
finances, etc.
2) skills assessment
-
3) mento ing paymen
mentor an minders of organ.
plus members of The community-
good response
4) vol. oppor. for clients -
prlot is 3 yes, now abt 1½ yrs into it
Portlaud will pick up costs
WICS
- screening of vol or chients
- training
- find vol. oppor. - be The agent
to 8th people into The ught Alots
- home living a arrangement? for
whinteers
[look av evaluations of job corps program
wied + job corps Public (private renture
Jbivole as consultant; strategic planning,
fund devel, new initiatives, contract)
visibility
- concern about conditions for
disadvantaged youth
- Granden operations to other systems
Than job corps r other
communities where job corps
center don't list
From : CAPACITAS Goodin
PHONE No. : 202 244 0645
Feb. 23 1993 4:02PM P01
Goodin & Associates
GA
FAX
February 23, 1993
To
Susan Stroud
From:
Joan Goodin
It wac good to talk with you briefly by phone. As agreed,
were 13 8 very brief outline HH to why stephanie Clohesy thought
we should get together.
FIDS' nearly three years, I've boon consultant to Women in
Community Service (WICG), O. 28 year-old coalition of five major
national women's viganizations representing broad ranial and
religious diversity, with a total u[ 27 million members. WICS is
dedicated LU serving low income youth, particularly young women.
Since 1964, through contracts from the Departmentof Labor, WICS
has provided outreach, screening and support services to Job
Corps students. with funding from Kellogg. st is now piloting a
comprehensive program for disadvantaged young women in other
systems - welfare, drug abuse and corrections. All activities
are carried out by a staff of over 150 in nine regional offices
plus thousands of volunteers from coalition organizations and
others.
The bottom line is that the WICS network, which extends
throughout the country, would seen to be positioned to accipt
with the National Service initiative you are helping to create.
Such assistance might be useful isi as number of woys. from
volunteer resources to organizing community based participant
opportunities.
I would appreciate an opportunity lu meet with you to
explore possible future collaboration. Abi agreed, once you are
over the current hump, please call to schedule a mutually
convenient time (244-6008).
Meanwhile, many thanks fur your attention and interest.
-
and all best wishes !
Doo-Lood
3701 Harrison Street. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20015
(202) 244-6008
WICS
WOMENIN
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
A COALITION OF
March 24, 1993
American GI Forum Women
Church Women United
National Council of Catholic Women
Ms. Susan Stroud
National Council of Jewish Women
Office of National Service
National Council of Negro Women
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms. Stroud:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WICS Consultant Joan Goodin has told me about her recent meeting with you, so
VIRGINIA CASTRO, CO
President
I was particularly pleased to meet you at the Points of LIght Summit. We both very
much appreciate your time and attention.
GERTRUDE PEELE, FL
Vice President
CLAIRE WOLF, IL
As you suggested, I am forwarding additional information on WICS for your file.
Secretary
I have also enclosed a copy of my response to Eli Segal following his letter of
HELEN MERRITT, SC
March 11.
Treasurer
SHARON VAN SLYKE, ID
Thanks to our experience with the Department of Labor and Job Corps, and
Asst. Secretary
because of our national mission and structure, we believe WICS is uniquely
SYLVIA BENENSON, TX
positioned to contribute to the success of the national service program you are now
CHRISTINE CHAMBLISS, VA
designing.
HELEN CLAY, IN
MARGI FLANAGAN, WI
INEZ A. GALVAN, IL
We look forward to participating in the upcoming meetings mentioned in Mr.
BEVERLY K. GARRETT, TN
Segal's letter, and to keeping in touch with you.
SANDY GOLDBERG, CT
SAMANTHA KENDALL, MO
Please let me know whenever we can be helpful. Meanwhile, thank you again for
PATRICIA SMUCK, IL
your interest
OLLIE ZUNIGA, MI
Sincerely,
jina she pur "database
pls see on That
ANN B. GARVIN, KS
Ex-Officio
Ruth Herman
RUTH C. HERMAN
Executive Director
Executive Director
non- then is profits file in 5. existing file.
enc.
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 103
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 671-0500
FAX: (703) 671-4489
Wics
WOMENIN
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
March 24, 1993
A COALITION OF
Mr. Eli J. Segal
American GI Forum Women
Office of National Service
Church Women United
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
National Council of Catholic Women
Washingon, DC 20500
National Council of Jewish Women
National Council of Negro Women
Attn: Jack Lew, General Council
Dear Mr. Segal:
Thank you for your letter of March 11, advising that meetings are being planned
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
to discuss legislation aimed at establishing the President's national service program.
VIRGINIA CASTRO, CO
We are keenly interested in this initiative and ask to be included in such
President
deliberations.
GERTRUDE PEELE, FL
Vice President
Before commenting on your Discussion Outline,I should point out that WICS is a
CLAIRE WOLF, IL
28 year-old coalition of five major national women's organizations representing
Secretary
broad racial and religious diversity, with a total of 27 million members. Since
HELEN MERRITT, SC
1964, under contacts from the Department of Labor, we have provided outreach,
Treasurer
screening and support services to Job Corps students. Our commitment to
SHARON VAN SLYKE, ID
disadvantaged youth and to the concept of public-private partnership is, therefore,
Asst. Secretary
well demonstrated.
SYLVIA BENENSON, TX
CHRISTINE CHAMBLISS, VA
With regard to the discussion paper, we are in general agreement with the concepts
HELEN CLAY, IN
it contains. Also, we understand that "Outline" implies brevity. However, we
MARGI FLANAGAN, WI
INEZ A. GALVAN, IL
suggest a need for greater clarification of the role that private non-profit
BEVERLY K. GARRETT, TN
organization can play, particularly with regard to "Types of Placements" and
SANDY GOLDBERG, CT
"Building an Infrastructure." Given our long association with Job Corps, we believe
SAMANTHA KENDALL, MO
that national service could also serve to strengthen this type of on-going public-
PATRICIA SMUCK, IL
private partnership.
OLLIE ZUNIGA, MI
We also believe that for "Leveraging Nonfederal Funding," time contributed by
volunteer program staff should be included as in-kind contributions. Moreover,
thought should be given to the synergistic effect of combining national service
ANN B. GARVIN, KS
funding with that of another federal agency.
Ex-Officio
RUTH C. HERMAN
In summary, we at WICS are committed to the principles of national service and
Executive Director
to contributing to its success.
We look forward to an early opportunity to discuss this further with you and your
staff.
Ruth Sincerely, Nerman
Herman
Executive Director
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 103
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 671-0500
FAX: (703) 671-4489
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
WICS
WOMENIN
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
WICS is a coalition of:
AMERICAN
GI
ncnw
FORUM
CWU
IIIV
ncjw
Unity. A self ReLIance
church women united
commitment.
American GI
Church Women
National Council
National Council
National Council
Forum Women
United
of Catholic Women
of Jewish Women
of Negro Women
@@@@@@@@@
₫44444444
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
NATIONAL OFFICE:
Women in Community Service, Inc.
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 103
Alexandria, VA 22311-1723
(703) 671-0500
(800) 442-WICS
!ddddddddd
WOMEN IN COMMUNITY
WICS
SERVICE, INC.
1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 103
WOMEN IN
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 671-0500
1-800-442-WICS
RUTH HERMAN
Executive Director
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
This is
Fall '92
WICS
WOMEN IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
WICS Hosts Spanish Delegation
On
Sunday, October 18th
Chambliss, WICS board member
Director Ruth Herman. "We hope
Women In Community Service
and task force chairperson.
this is the first step in developing
welcomes a delegation of repre-
an international dialogue.
sentatives of The Women's
After initial briefings in Washing-
Institute of Catalonia, Spain and
ton, the group will split into two
WICS Volunteer coordinators
eight private Catalan women's
groups. One group, headed by
have arranged itineraries and
associations to the United States.
Regional Director Lyanne
organized everything from
Wassermann, will visit Boston,
transportation to receptions.
The Women's Institute of
MA; Nashville, TN and San
Special thanks to the following
Catalonia is an official branch of
Diego, CA. The second group
coordinators for all their hard
the Catalan Government dedicated
will travel to New York City, NY;
work. Estelle Szufnarowski
to creating strong, self-reliant
Chicago, IL and San Francisco,
(Boston), Beverly Garrett (Nash-
women's organizations in the
CA with WICS consultant Joan
ville), Peggy Moore (San Diego),
private sector.
Goodin.
Eva Daniel (New York), Pat
Smuck (Chicago) and Mary Ann
The 19-member delegation is
Both groups will return to Wash-
Schwab (San Francisco).
interested in learning first-hand
ington for a debriefing and attend
a reception hosted by WICS and
"We know that all of us will
how U.S. women's organizations
work. The Women's Institute
CAPACITAS International,
benefit and expand our under-
believes that the study tour will
facilitators of the 14-day study
standing of the diversity in which
allow participants to observe their
tour.
we operate," adds Ms.
counterparts in action and be an
Chambliss.
important opportunity for further
"Participants are very
learning.
enthusiastic about the
study tour," says
WICS will serve as hosts to these
WICS
representatives and take them
Executive
across the country to get a close-
up look at our programs, volun-
teers and coalition member
organizations.
"We look forward to introducing
these women to our member
organizations and WICS activities
all over the country," says Chris
This is WICS
The curriculum includes classes on goal set-
ting, budget management, career readiness and
Volunteer
The WICS Lifeskills program is a unique
approach to empowering "at-risk" women in
effective parenting. In addition to Thurston's
our communities. It gives them a second
curriculum, WICS, in collaboration with
National Council of Jewish Women, will offer
Opportunities
chance to succeed in society and offers them
valuable skills, hope and support during a dif-
eight additional workshops including volun-
ficult transitional period in their lives.
teerism, relationships, value systems, conflict
Lifeskills provides an opportunity for low-
resolution and work place etiquette.
income women, female offenders and women
Volunteers will
in recovery to benefit
serve as mentors to the
from support systems
Lifeskills participants
olunteers are an integral part of the
needed to enter the
and provide support,
Lifeskills program. They serve as mentors,
work force. The pro-
motivation and friend-
program facilitators, workshop presenters,
gram consists of four
ship for a minimum of
support group leaders, speakers and advi-
basic elements:
two hours per week for
sors. Their challenge is to motivate and
1. Job Skill Evaluation
a twelve month period.
inspire clients in their quest for self-suffi-
2. Lifeskills Training
All volunteers participate
ciency and economic independence.
3. Mentorship
in a comprehensive ori-
Volunteers help Lifeskills participants
4. Volunteer Internship
entation training pro-
overcome the barriers of poverty, victimiza-
Lifeskills
Program participants
gram. WICS provides
tion, drug abuse and
will be tested for apti-
monthly support groups
unemployment.
tude, vocational interest,
for both volunteers and
Volunteers must be ded-
learning style, tempera-
clients.
The final compo-
icated, positive role
ment, dexterity and
basic skill levels. The
models and relate well
nent of the Lifeskills
Job Evaluation comput-
program cultivates vol-
to disadvantaged popu-
er report will be an
lations.
unteerism by involving
instrumental tool in
the participants in a vol-
Two hours a
week CAN make a dif-
A program of
helping these women
unteer internship. A
Lifeskills
set goals and consider
workshop introduces the principles of volun-
ference. Being a WICS
Women In Community Service, Inc.
career exploration opportunities.
teerism and the importance of community ser-
Lifeskills mentor can
The heart of the Lifeskills program is the
vice giving. Clients are scheduled for a mini-
provide both the client and volunteer with a
Survival Skills for Women™ training. The core
mum of forty hours of community service and
mutually satisfying partnership. There is no
curriculum was developed by Dr. Linda
upon completion, will be awarded WICS
greater feeling than watching someone suc-
Volunteer Internship Certificates.
ceed - someone who might not have made
Wics
Thurston, behavioral psychologist, who has
extensively field tested her program in diverse
The goals for the WICS Lifeskills program
it without your help.
populations of at-risk women.
include increased self-esteem and motivation,
WOMEN IN
a desire to attain self-sufficiency and economic
COMMUNITY
independence and preparation for employ-
800-442-WICS
SERVICE
ment training, education or job placement.
About
Boston
skills
Nashville
Portland
Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Life
W
ICS has established a special part-
I
n Oregon, the Lifeskills program
C
lients entering the Lifeskills program
S
uccessfully preparing "at-risk"
nership with the Tennessee JOBS
focuses on assisting women inmates
in Boston are women recovering
young women for the work force is
program. JOBS (Job Opportunities
at the Columbia River Correctional
from substance abuse. treatment
a challenge that Women In
and Basic Skills), a federally funded
Institution (CRCI) being released to
works! is an effort to enhance the quality
Community Service (WICS) has man-
employment training initiative, provides
Clackamus, Multnomah and Washington
of publicly-funded substance abuse treat-
aged for decades.
Counties. The clientele are female offend-
With the support of a generous grant
education opportunities, employment
ment services being delivered in the city of
ers who are nearing sentence completion.
from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,
training and job placement.
Boston. Its primary goals are to afford
These women need direction, life plan-
WICS is opening doors to new opportu-
Approximately 97% of Tennessee
applicants easier access to the full range of
ning skills, and increased self-esteem. At
nities for women to become financially
welfare recipients are women with depen-
treatment programs and services, to train
the institution, Lifeskills will provide
secure and productive members of the
dent children. All welfare recipients auto-
and support a cadre of case managers dis-
work force.
skills assessment and empowerment train-
matically qualify for JOBS which offers
ing. Clients
persed through the program; and to devel-
WICS is a private, non-profit corpo-
clients addi-
will learn to
op an array of
ration
Nashville
tional ser-
Portland
set realistic
vices such as
Boston
community
goals and
"supporters"
About WICS
spon-
sored by
assistance in
develop a
which assist
a coali-
tion of
career explo-
Life Action
neighbor-
five
ration, resume development and support
Plan a vital survival tool during their
hoods in their
major national women's groups:
services.
year of parole. Volunteers begin their
efforts to promote drug-free living.
American G.I. Forum Women, Church
The welfare system provides medical
mentor relationship at CRCI, and main-
Office for Treatment Improvement
Women United, National Council of
assistance and a monthly living allotment
tain it for one year as the clients readjust
(OTI) is a federally funded agency which
Jewish Women, National Council of
to community living. They will also gain
to women and dependent children. JOBS
administers the grant. The Boston head-
Negro Women and National Council of
valuable work experience through their
supplements monthly income with free
quarters oversees, evaluates and monitors
Catholic Women. This coalition, repre-
volunteer internship placement.
all activities. A coalition of municipal,
senting a combined membership of
child care and transportation reimburse-
CRCI is a modern co-ed facility,
ment for program participants.
state and community agencies,
approximately 27 million women, is built
housing 150 women and 300 men.
Boston/OTI is collaborating with WICS to
on a profound respect for diversity, belief
Lifeskills training is an interactive
Approximately 200 women are transi-
provide empowerment training to women
in human potential, and commitment to
process. Clients bond with one another
tioned from prison back to the community
in recovery. The partnership goal is to help
quality personalized service.
and develop personal support systems.
annually. In the last decade, the female
Since 1964, WICS has worked in
Lifeskills will assess client strengths,
inmate population in Oregon has
them maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.
local communities across the county to
increased by more than 200%. A major
Lifeskills helps women in all stages of
aptitudes and vocational interests. The
improve the quality of life for women
contributing factor to this increase has
recovery set goals and create their own
goal for program completers is a higher
and youth in poverty, by providing prac-
level of confidence and motivation, mak-
been recidivism. Lifeskills training pro-
support systems. Mentors will provide
tical ancillary services that enhance the
ing them better candidates for employ-
vides clients with the necessary survival
additional support to women as they strive
outcome of training and education for the
tools to successfully readapt.
for recovery and independence.
job market.
ment training.
WICS Volunteers
American GI Forum Women is an association of
How to contact WICS
dedicated Hispanic community leaders, concerned
I would like to know more about WICS. Please
While WICS has a small permanent staff at its
with the education of youth and providing com-
For additional information about WICS, the Job
send me information about:
national headquarters near Washington, D.C. and
munities with deserving projects, for a better life
Corps, or WICS volunteer opportunities, mail the
Job Corps training programs.
at each of its ten regional centers, it relies on a
for all.
attached reply card, or contact one of these WICS
Becoming a WICS volunteer. Please contact me.
cadre of more than 3000 volunteers to implement
offices:
Church Women United is a national movement of
My business may have employment
its programs throughout the country. These indi-
viduals, representing religions, races, and ethnic
over 1800 local and state units of Protestant, Roman
TOLL-FREE INFORMATION
opportunities for Job Corps graduates. Please
groups as diverse as the youth they serve, assist Job
Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women
1-800-JOB-CORP (562-2677)
contact me.
Corps members with personal support and guid-
mobilized to work for the empowerment of
NATIONAL
ance, and continued friendship. Volunteer activi-
women and issues of peace with justice.
NEW YORK, NY 10014-4811
HEADQUARTERS
201 Varick Street
ties include interviewing, counseling, group lead-
National Council of Catholic Women is a nation-
Suite 103
Room 897
(Name)
ership, office management, public relations, letter
wide federation of over 8000 Catholic women's
1900 North Beauregard
1-800-666-WICS
writing, and community outreach.
organizations, united with women's groups
Street
Alexandria, VA 22311-1716
PHILADELPHIA, PA
(Area Code)
(Phone)
More volunteers are needed! To provide ongoing
throughout the world, addressing issues important
703-671-0500
19104-3309
services to Job Corps members and graduates in all
to the church and to society.
3535 Market Street, #2250
(Address & Street)
50 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, WICS
National Council of Jewish Women, with 100,000
ATLANTA, GA 30309
1-800-365-WICS
must continually add qualified individuals to its
Suite 328
members in 200 sections, is committed to commu-
1371 Peachtree Street, NE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
(City)
volunteer rosters. Demanding and responsible
nity service projects and advocacy efforts on
1-800-274-WICS
94105-2934
volunteer positions are available throughout the
behalf of all age groups in the total American
71 Stevenson Street
(State)
country for women and men who will commit a
society.
BOSTON, MA 02114-2021
10th Floor - 1015
share of their time, energies, and intellects to help
1 Congress Street
1-800-289-WICS
alleviate poverty in their own communities.
National Council of Negro Women is a coalition of
11th Floor
(Zip)
31 organizations in 42 states, dedicated to amelio-
1-800-666-WICS
SEATTLE, WA
The WICS Coalition
rating the problems of black women and their
98101-3212
families and to promoting their participation in the
CHICAGO, IL 60604
Room 960
Five major national women's organizations support
political, cultural, social, economic, and civic life of
220 S. State Street, #304
1111 Third Avenue
WICS by providing continuity, liaison with poten-
America.
1-312-427-3334
1-800-283-WICS
tial sources of volunteers, and committed and
CHICAGO, IL 60604
talented direction through the Board of Directors.
230 S. Dearborn Street
Suite 674
1-800-866-6493
DALLAS, TX 75202-4790
207 S. Houston Street
1-800-333-WICS
DENVER, CO 80294
Room 1680
1961 Stout Street
1-800-873-WICS
KANSAS CITY, MO
64106-2009
Suite 1112
911 Walnut Street
1-800-876-WICS
Introducing WICS
services, bricklaying, electrical, nursing, welding,
WICS-Women in Community Service, Inc.-is a
and computers. Trainees can earn high school
private, non-profit corporation sponsored by a
equivalency diplomas (GED) while in training, or
coalition of five major national women's groups.
continue with advanced training classes at another
Alexandria, VA 22312-9852
P.O. Box 11457
WICS works in local communities across the
center or in college.
country to improve the quality of life for women
Women In Community Service, Inc.
Postage will be paid by addressee
and youth in poverty, by providing opportunities
As a primary contractor for Job Corps, WICS
First Class Permit No. 3052 Alexandria, VA
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
in education, vocational training, employment
provides two essential services:
development, and dependent care, using the
Outreach and Screening: WICS actively seeks out
combined resources of volunteers and staff. Since
applicants for Job Corps by distributing informative
its founding in 1964, WICS has helped more than
materials, by publicity, and through personal con-
300,000 young people work their way out of
tact and word of mouth. WICS staff and volunteers
poverty, through Job Corps referral and support.
interview applicants to develop individual histories
and assess eligibility; obtain parental consent
About Job Corps
where necessary; arrange medical exams; and
Wics
Job Corps is a training and education program for
prepare applicants for travel to and life in a Job
economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 to 21.
Corps center.
Over 100 Job Corps centers provide free training
Support Services: WICS prepares eligible appli-
programs in trades such as automotive repair,
cants for success in Job Corps by motivating and
secretarial, plumbing, clerical, carpentry, food
maintaining their interest through group sessions,
and through written and telephone contacts. The
support continues while trainees are at a Job Corps
center, and then during job placement and re-
adjustment into community life.
WOMENIN
COMMUNITY
United States
In The
Mailed II
Necessary
No Postage
SERVICE
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINES
WICS - Volunteer Opportunities
CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE
YOU CAN HELP!
WICS
Job Corps Support
WOMEN IN
COMMUNITY
Mentoring
ERVICE
Training
Life Skills
1900 N. Beauregard St., Ste. 103
Career Counseling
Alexandria, VA 22311-1716
1-800-562-2677
Empowering Young Women to Face the Challenges of the Future.
shoh Curps Center
Women In Community Service
WICS
FACT SHEET
WICS
WOMEN I N
WOMENIN
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
SERVICE
WICS is a private, non-profit cor-
WICS has established a Lifeskills
poration sponsored by a coalition
program targeted for "at-risk"
of five major national women's
women in Boston, MA; Nash-
groups.
ville, TN; and Portland, OR. The
program is sponsored by a major
WICS was incorporated in 1964.
grant from the Kellogg Founda-
tion.
WICS, through a combined coali-
tion membership, represents ap-
WICS manages six contracts
proximately 27 million women.
throughout the country for the fed-
erally funded JOB CORPS pro-
WICS is one of the largest volun-
gram.
teer organizations in America.
WICS volunteers have provided
WICS volunteers come from vari-
assistance, counseling and guid-
ous faiths, ethnic origins and races.
ance to half a million young people
during and after their education
WICS volunteers and/or staff are
and training in JOB CORPS.
located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico
and the Virgin Islands.
WICS regional offices are located
WICS is dedicated to helping young,
in Denver, Seattle, San Francisco,
low-income women break the cycle
Dallas, New York City, Atlanta,
of poverty and empower them-
Kansas City, Philadelphia, Chi-
selves.
cago and Boston.
AMERICAN
nenw
GI
FORUM
CU
1
American GI
National Council
Church Women
National Council
National Council
Forum Women
of Catholic Women
United
of Jewish Women
of Negro Women
WICS National Headquarters
1900 North Beauregard Street #103, Alexandria, VA 22311-1742
(703) 671-0500 (800) 442-WICS
Women In Community Service, Inc.
Lifeskills Empowerment Program
Volunteer Opportunities
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 103, Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 671-0500 (800) 442-WICS FAX (703) 671-4489
WICS Lifeskills Empowerment Program
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Mentors---Advisors to WICS project clientele enrolled in the Lifeskills training initiative;
volunteers must be a positive role model, sensitive to the needs of at-risk women and have the
desire to help a young woman in transition turn her life around; mentors must be able to make
a one year commitment to work with client mentee, and to spend a minimum of two hours
weekly in a direct contact situation; volunteers will receive orientation and training from project
Training Coordinator and will be assigned to a monthly support group to meet with other
program mentors in an informal setting led by a support group leader.
Survival Skills Facilitators--Volunteers will be trained to be facilitators in the prescribed
program curriculum developed by Dr. Linda Thurston of Kansas State University; facilitators
will conduct segments of program, each of the 10 modules is three hours in length, classes (15
participants) meet three to four times each week; all facilitators must be trained by Dr. Thurston,
training for trainers is sponsored jointly by WICS/Partner Agency', volunteers must complete
a three (3) day certification program to qualify as trained facilitators.
Empowerment Workshop Presenters ---will lead large group (30-40 participants) workshops
for Lifeskills clientele; curriculum for the sessions will be provided by WICS program staff;
topics include: sexual harassment, male/female relationships, value systems, female
victimization, volunteerism, workplace etiquette, etc.; there will be at least a dozen workshops;
sessions are 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours in length; volunteers must be skilled in leading groups, able
to promote effective small group interaction and be able to motivate participants to share
personal experiences with group members.
Support Group Leaders---Volunteers will lead monthly sessions for 15-30 mentors; candidates
must possess strong leadership skills; Support Group Leaders will coordinate discussion group
sessions, examine issues of concern identified by mentors, and facilitate large and small group
discussions to address important issues; group leader will recruit guest speakers as needed to
schedule informational/educational sessions for mentors on relevant social topics (e.g. substance
abuse, domestic violence, effective parenting).
Mentor Advisors--Will provide counseling or crisis intervention to mentors upon need/request;
Advisors will be available by telephone to support or assist mentors between monthly support
group sessions; Advisors will be well versed in the scope of community services available to
support WICS clientele and be able to access them when crisis intervention is needed; Advisors
will be invited to attend mentor monthly support group meetings.
.
Partner Agencies: The State of Tennessee, Department of Human Services (JOBS) -
AFDC Women
Boston Office for Treatment Improvement treatment works! -
Women In Recovery
Oregon Department of Corrections - Female Offenders
Field Coordinators (for the Volunteer Internship program)---Candidates will help facilitate
placement of WICS clientele into volunteer internship positions; Field Coordinators will make
contacts with social service agencies, volunteer groups and charitable organizations at the
community level to determine those that are in need of volunteers and which have the capacity
to supervise interns; interns will be required to perform a minimum of 40 hours of community
service; Coordinators will serve as liaison to project staff and intern placement site supervisors;
coordinators will also develop resource directory of volunteer placement opportunities.
Special Events Coordinators---Will plan all aspects of special programming; events may include
Survival Skills graduation ceremonies, pot luck dinners, mentor banquets, job fairs, seminars,
etc.; activities may include planning meals and refreshments, flyer distribution, scheduling
speakers, identifying space, developing program agenda, identifying special needs (equipment,
visual aides), contacting local press/media to promote event.
Advisory Group Representatives---Coalition members and community leaders will form a
WICS Advisory committee to meet quarterly; members will be charged with assessing progress
and/or identifying problems in the scope of managing project activities, making recommendations
to staff to assist in program development areas, and serving as a steering committee as the
project unfolds; identifying/providing resources to enhance the implementation process at the
local level; devising strategies to promote awareness of the program through an on-going media
campaign at the local and state levels.
Resource Developers---Compile and assimilate information about community services,
organizational support agencies, emergency services (housing, shelters for homeless or victims
of domestic violence, restraining orders, medical, rape counseling) that are available to WICS
clients; prepare resource directory of services for distribution to clients and WICS mentors.
Volunteer Coordinators---Will assist in the implementation and management of systems which
track the various WICS volunteer opportunities utilized in the Lifeskills initiative; assist in the
development of job descriptions; provide advice and counsel to WICS volunteers regarding their
responsibilities and job performance; facilitate volunteer matches based upon stated interests and
skills of individual applicants.
Office Volunteers---Perform various office duties and routines typing, filing, answering
phones, processing client job assessment profiles.
Volunteer Speaker's Bureau---1. Presenters for the Lifeskills initiative with expertise in a
designated area (relationships, sexual harassment, job training, child/sexual abuse or related
topic) who would conduct workshops or seminars for training WICS mentors/clientele; 2.
Volunteers willing to serve as spokespersons for Lifeskills at the local level by appearing at
community events speakers would be well versed in all areas of program development and able
to field audience questions.
2
Helping Women and Youth in Poverty
W
omen in Community Service Inc.
or continue with
(WICS) is a private non profit cor-
advanced training
poration sponsored by a coalition of five
classes at another
major national women's groups: Church
center or in college.
Women United, National Council of
WICS staff and vol-
Catholic Women, National Council of
unteers interview
Jewish Women, National Council of
applicants to devel-
Negro Women and the American G.I.
op individual histo-
Forum Women (Hispanic community
ries and access eli-
leaders). Nationally headquartered in
gibility for admit-
Alexandria, WICS has ten regional cen-
tance to the pro-
ters, and relies on a cadre of more than
gram; obtain
3,000 volunteers to implement its pro-
parental consent
grams throughout the country.
where necessary;
Volunteers work in local communities to
arrange medical
through enhanced personal living skills,
improve the quality of life for women
examines; and prepare applicants for life
work place literacy, aptitude testing,
and youth in poverty, by providing
in a Jobs Corps center.
empowerment opportunities and men-
opportunities in education, vocational
You can contribute as a volunteer
toring. Such basic skills as personal
training and employment develoment.
by assisting with interviewing. counsel-
hygiene and job interviewing are taught.
Founded in 1964, WICS has helped
ing, group leadership, office manage-
To carry out this program, WICS will
more than 300,000 young people work
ment, public relations, advocacy and
reach out to young women in variety of
their way out of poverty through Job
community out-reach. Demanding and
community based systems, such as
Corps referral and support. Job Corps, a
responsible volunteer positions are
schools, correctional institutions and
training and educational program for
available for men and women who will
welfare programs.
economically disadvantaged youth age
commit their time, energies and intel-
Anyone interested in volunteering
16-21, provides free training programs
lects to help alleviate poverty in their
his or her energy to assist impoverished
in trades such as automotive repair, sec-
own community.
youth and women should contact
retarial, plumbing, carpentry, food ser-
WICS has most recently created
Women in Community Service, Inc.,
vices. nursing, construction and comput-
new programs that respond to the urgent
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Ste. 103.
ers. Trainees can earn high school
needs of young, disadvantaged women
Alexandria, VA 22311, Phone: 703/671-
equivalency diplomas while in training,
by preparing them for the work place
0500.
Associations, Volunteers, and You
Volunteering doesn't cost you anything. But it does reap big
rewards. As a volunteer, I can tell you from firsthand participation what
T
he Greater Washington area is in need of indi-
a wonderful experience it is to help people. And, it's one of those things
viduals to volunteer their time and support more
you can't adequately explain, rather you have to do it.
than ever. The association community is rising to
The Community Service Committee is currently developing a
meet this challenge. GWSAE members are finding
Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) Program. VIP is a core group of people
both the time and inclination to volunteer their tal-
who are willing to donate their time to helping those in need. There are
ents to community service projects.
never enough volunteers. When you see GWSAE Community Service
The 25 members of the Community Service
Committee members at a monthly luncheon asking for your help. or you
Committee have already participated in six events during this program
see a form at your monthly luncheon table requesting your help, please
year. 1991 events included a Christmas Party for children ages 3-12 in
stop for a moment and give us your name.
several local Boys and Girls Clubs. two outings for homeless children to
In return, we promise you will:
get to help someone in need: a child,
Wolf Trap and to an Orioles baseball game, and an AIDSWALK. Since
an adult, a community project
get to feel good about yourself for giving
January, the committee also sponsored a trip to see a Bullets basketball
back to the community
bring a smile to someone's face
make a dif-
game for a group of homeless children and a children's book drive for
ference. Thanks.
distribution around the metropolitan area. The next community service
project is a food drive to benefit those in need throughout our region.
Pamela Williams, CAE, Chair, GWSAE Community Service Committee
2
THE SECOND QUARTER CENTURY:
UNIQUE WICS COALITION CONTINUES
TO SERVE YOUNG WOMEN
Women in Community Service
funded by a grant from Philip Morris,
coalition. NCJW Sections will have an
(WICS) united diverse women's sorgani-
which will bring together national and
opportunity to submit stories of current
zations more than 25 years ago to ad-
local leaders of WICS coalition groups
and past WICS volunteers and clients
vance the war on poverty by assisting
to hear experts and explore a range of
who have overcome major obstacles
young people to enter the Job Corps.
community-based anti-hunger projects
and/or performed extraordinary work
Today, Job Corps-related functions of
to be carried out through collaborative
for their community.
WICS continue but strong and exciting
action.
The new directions of WICS not
new programs, focused on the needs of
Local units of the coalition will be
only keep the organization focused on
disadvantaged young women in their
eligible to apply for ten mini-grants of
areas of current need but also offer
own communities, present new chal-
$5,000 to be administered by WICS,
opportunities for NCJW Sections to find
lenges for NCJW and its partners in
designed to advance public knowledge
a niche in the continuation of a strong
WICS, the National Council of Catho-
and concern with nutrition as a factor of
tradition.
lic Women, National Council of Negro
employability.
Women, Church Women United and
Kate Rand Lloyd, editor emeritus of
For further information, please contact
American G.I. Forum Women.
Working Woman magazine, is the chair
Ruth Herman, Executive Director, WICS
of WICS' new advisory council. The
1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 103
Empowerment/Lifeskills
council, composed of leaders from gov-
Alexandria, VA 22311
Programs
ernment, labor,
703-671-0500
education, busi-
A WICS volunteer assisting a young client in the early 1960' S.
With major funding from the W.K.
ness, media and
Kellogg Foundation, WICS is design-
the non-profitse
ing an Empowerment/Lifeskills Pro-
tor, will provide
gram to move disadvantaged women
expertise, re-
into the world of work through enhanced
sources and tech-
personal living skills, workplace liter-
nical assistance
acy, aptitude testing, empowerment
for the Lifeskills
15
opportunities and mentoring.
program and ex-
In implementing the program, WICS
pand WICS' out-
will reach out to young women in com-
reach.
munity-based systems such as schools,
As one of its
correctional institutions and welfare-
first tasks, the
related programs. Local NCJW Sec-
council will de-
tions as well as local units of other
sign and promote
coalition partners will be involved in
an awards pro-
various communities.
gram and gala
event to honor
National Program on Hunger as
volunteer service.
Related to Employability
Nominations for
the awards will
WICS also plans a National Sympo-
come from mem-
sium on Hunger and Employability,
bers of the WICS
4
INSIGHT
B12 TUESDAY. DECEMBER 8, 1992
THE WASHINGTON POST
COLMAN McCARTHY
The Work Program That Works
CLEVELAND
It deserves to be. Factually, a recent evaluation
n its day, the Tudor Arms Hotel-12 stories of
found that 81 percent of the program's alumni
regal architecture and roomy elegance in the
secured work, returned to school or joined the
University Circle area of town-was the
military. In cost-effectiveness, one exhaustive study
Waldorf Astoria of Cleveland. It indulged the
reported that for every dollar invested in Job
well-heeled and well-born with all creature
Corps, $1.46 was returned by way of taxes paid by
comforts great and small. These days, the building
graduates, and decreased welfare payments.
has a worthier mission: It is a Job Corps center.
On the waste and fraud front, the department's
Rich people of a different stripe are served now:
office of inspector general reports that less than
young women and men wealthy with drive and
one-half of 1 percent of more than $1 billion in
hope, of a kind that has made Job Corps all but
recent Job Corps expenditures contained
unmatched among federal vocational, education and
disallowable costs. If Pentagon programs could
social-skills programs. In the 28 years since Job
claim that, the $4 trillion national debt might be
Corps was launched, along with Head Start, Legal
replaced in a matter of years.
Services, Upward Bound and other successful
The puzzle about Job Corps is why its success at
Great Society programs, more than 1.5 million poor
the bottom is not acclaimed at the top. During the
and marginalized young people-the average age is
presidential debates, each of the three major
18-have been cared for.
candidates spoke of their plans for job training
At first, the word care might sound a bit soft, a
programs, yet none mentioned Job Corps. A
too-tender phrase held over from the '60s. At the
campaigning George Bush visited a center in Missouri
Cleveland center, one of 106 nationally in 42
in September but the staged event flopped when the
states, administrators are proud to see themselves
local media reported that the president tried to ax the
as carers, and probably the first ones that many of
program by 46 percent in his 1990 budget.
the 530 enrollees ever had. A typical profile of a
In their campaign book "Putting People First,"
Job Corps student includes a seventh-grade reading
Bill Clinton and Albert Gore Jr. pledged to "train
level, a family income under $6,000, a high school
non-college bound youth for high-wage, high-quality
dropout, a minority, and never employed full time.
jobs through a national apprenticeship-style
"We do all one-on-one training and teaching,"
program that will pool the expertise of schools,
says Joyce Jackson, the Cleveland director and in
local businesses and unions." Sounds like a
the program for 15 years. "They never had that
description of Job Corps.
before. I hired an ex-principal from a Cleveland
If it is in the nature of politicians to push on to
high school a year ago. He's our director of training
create their own programs that may or may not
and education, and he keeps meeting students here
work rather than expand old programs that do,
that were given up on in his high school. He's seen
some self-restraint is in order from the coming
the changes and says, 'I can't believe this is the
Clinton administration. Some 62,000 students are
same student.'
enrolled in Job Corps, all of them receiving
Incredulity has been a common reaction to Job
comprehensive round-the-clock care found in no
Corps since the day in 1964 when Lyndon B.
other federal program. Less than 5 percent of the
Johnson said the program would be "drawn from
nation's 16- to 21-year-olds who are eligible for Job
those whose background, health and education
Corps are in it. The unserved should be the focus of
make them least fit for useful work." The prevailing
the next secretary of labor.
perception-one of borderline despair-is that
Friends of Job Corps in Congress, as well as such
those growing up amid poverty and unemployment
groups as the National Association of Home
are destined for welfare, prison, drug needles or
Builders and the Children's Defense Fund, are
the streets and not much can reverse the
endorsing an expansion plan that would add 50 new
preordained slide.
centers to serve 50 percent more students in the
Not much, if you exclude Job Corps, a major
next decade. Arkansas has three Job Corps centers,
success story of the past three decades. It's been
Tennessee two. It is not as if the two new fellows
well-run and well-received but just not well-known.
need to travel far to be sold on the idea.