Raleigh woman receives top CWJC honor
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by Courtney Simpson
Through her involvement with Christian Women’s Job Corps in Raleigh, N.C., Shandale Hodges said she learned perseverance—and that when one door closes, God always opens another one.
Hodges entered Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) in 2008 discouraged from a background of drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and financial difficulties. She was tired of living each day not knowing where she would be the next, so she joined CWJC to rebuild her life.
“Before CWJC, my life was full of chaos and I didn’t know where to turn for help,” Hodges explained. “Being involved in CWJC has been a blessing because I have gained a new family, my life is more organized, and I have a better relationship with God.”
Pat Bryan, site coordinator of Raleigh CWJC and Hodges’ mentor, said that Hodges finances were in disarray when they met, so they immediately began setting up a budget. As Hodges listed her bills, she quickly realized she had to make some decisions, and cancelled her cable and internet services.
“I admire Shandale’s courage to stand against her family who has sought to sabotage her efforts to move forward,” Bryan commended. “Through Bible study, she grew spiritually and began to believe God had a better plan for her life. She is a great inspiration to me and exemplifies what CWJC is all about.”
CWJC was started by national WMU in 1997 to help women change their lives for the better by empowering them with biblical nourishment, a mentor for encouragement and accountability, and training opportunities to help them attain education, gainful employment, and self-sufficiency.
“The most influential person in CWJC was my mentor, Mrs. Pat, because she became a part of my family and provided my children and me with a new outlook on life,” Hodges reflected. “My life has changed a lot since CWJC. I now have the tools to budget my money, be a better mother to my kids, be a more mature Christian, and most of all become a better person inside.”
Hodges is this year’s recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award, which is given annually to a current or former CWJC participant who advances herself through life skills, academic development, and faith in God. Hodges plans to use the grant that accompanies the award to help fund her college education as she seeks a career as a drug abuse counselor.
“I want to use my knowledge and experience to help others who may be struggling as well,” explained Hodges. “I want to be able to reach out and encourage others that may be hopeless, letting them know that there is hope. No matter what the struggle may be, it can be overcome.”
Hodges said that CWJC has also directly impacted her two children. “I enjoy teaching them the things that I’ve learned through CWJC,” she said. “The program has opened new experiences for us that we never would have explored without them. All of this will give them tools to pass on in generations to come.”
To learn more about opportunities through CWJC or to find a CWJC site in your area, www.wmu.com/getinvolved.
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