This spring, Warren Village launched a new partnership with the Center for Work, Education and Employment (CWEE).
Eight of our residents just crossed their first finish line: they completed CWEE’s four-week career readiness program!
For three days a week the group met to build the skills, confidence, and connections they’ll need in the job market. Over the course of the program, participants worked on:
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Professional presentation
- Career planning
All the while, they juggled the everyday demands of single parenthood.
“In a Much Better Place”
At a graduation ceremony held at Warren Village, CWEE instructors and advisors took turns celebrating each participant individually, calling out the specific ways each woman showed up, grew, and made the group stronger.
The themes that emerged were consistent: community, confidence, and the courage it takes to start something and see it through.
One participant reflected that she’d come into the program “all over the place,” unsure whether she had the capacity to do it. By graduation day, she described feeling “in a much better place — emotionally, mentally.”
Another shared that she’d always considered herself a loner, someone who didn’t make friends easily. “I’m glad that I made new friends,” she said. “I’ve never really had that before.”
Several participants described the unexpected gift of sisterhood. One noted that what struck her most was “the kindness and genuineness of everybody — it didn’t feel like something done for a specific gain. You guys care for us.” Another said she’d come in as a self-described introvert, certain she wouldn’t make friends — and left with a group she plans to carry forward.
Going Forward
CWEE instructors were equally moved. One told the group: “When I did my gratitude this morning, instead of three things I was grateful for, I listed each one of you.” Another reflected on the cohort’s rare cohesion: “It was the easiest time I’ve ever had with a cohort. You made it so I could do all the fun things I enjoy doing.”
The group’s career goals span healthcare, early childhood education, dental assisting, and beyond. One participant is pursuing a nail technician certification. Another already holds a phlebotomy certificate and impressed a CWEE board member so much during a mock interview that the board member said, “We’ve got to get her a job — she’s ready.”
Warren Village is proud to have partnered with CWEE to bring this program to our residents. We look forward to continuing and expanding this partnership in the months ahead.
Congratulations to all eight graduates. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
