Welcome to the Table: Hour Working Women Program

Hour Working Women Program (HWWP) has been through a period of transition. Throughout all of it the participants have been committed to the workshops and classes, their professional futures, and, as always, have been the driving force in the success of the program. This fall, HWWP opened its doors once again to the community, offering a range of new classes. Many of our new members come from Community Health Network, a longtime partner of Hour Children offering primary and behavioral healthcare, dental, nutrition, wellness, and support services.

“My favorite thing about the program is Hour direct services and being helpful in whatever way we can be helpful,” says Program Coordinator Deb Rigano. “We look at each person individually and work on what they need from us.”

Stressed at the start of the pandemic, digital literacy has become an essential skill. To support them in their new classes, workshops, and jobs, we began offering more extensive computer classes such as Grow with Google, a computer basics class, and typing class. Our digital literacy workshop teaches participants how to use phones, computers, tablets, and other technology.

As the community returns to more and more in-person activities, we are beginning to resume Hour in-person workshops. In order to apply for jobs and gain employment, Hour Children participants and community members are offered English classes, GED prep, resume building support, and mock interviews. HWWP supports participants at every stage in their professional careers. On Mondays and Fridays, participants are encouraged to do internships, complete applications, and schedule interviews. Program participants put together an impressive boutique filled with clothing, shoes, jewelry, and makeup for people in the program. In addition to the in-person workshops and classes, participants engage in various Coursera classes online.

We offer a social capital workshop where instructor and participants engage in conversation about voting, politics, news, and any questions they may have about local, national or international events. In the financial literacy class, people learn about budgeting, how to maintain or improve their credit scores, and other relevant topics. Every Wednesday, program coordinators have a “Power Hour” to hold a space for conversation, questions, and any suggestions regarding HWWP.

Self-care is an equally important part of the journey to gaining employment and being successful. HWWP offers yoga therapy and Zumba classes through Community Healthcare Network. Writing also acts as a form of self-care. Participants engage in a creative writing workshop with Prison Writes, who also donate writing materials to HWWP.

“My goal is to see everyone happy and engaged at whatever level is comfortable for them,” says Employment Services Counselor Kamelita Mathura.

An amazing piece of Hour transitions is HWWP’s move into a new space in January 2021, equipped with a computer lab, conference room, workspace, and kitchen area. We are excited and honored to have many new participants and look forward to supporting their professional development and futures.