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‘Women at Work’: new referral-based program helps Harvey-impacted women

Posted at 3:02 PM, Jul 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-17 16:02:22-04

There is a new program in the Coastal Bend designed to help women who were impacted or displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The program is called, ‘Women at Work,’ and helps women get back into the workforce.

Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend is partnering with several local organizations for the newly-launched program. The program aims to provide resources for women to help them with the job search. Resources include counseling, interview skills, job training, and resume building. Other unique support services are also offered, like help with buying the necessities for a child.

Adriana McKinnon is a non-residential services manager who works at The Purple Door. It’s one of the three organizations that refers women to the program. McKinnon, who works directly with clients, says hurricane Harvey made a bad situation worse for many of her clients.

"A lot of our clients, they already left abusive relationships," McKinnon said. "And so they are already finding a struggle trying to secure a job and providing for their children," she added.

However a program like ‘Women at Work’ could be the answer for clients like hers.

"We can provide hope to anyone that walks in the door, and that’s important to us," said Monika De La Garza, the Public Relations Manager for Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. "If we can change someone lives, one person at at time and improve their quality of life, then we’ve done our job," she added.

The Salvation Army and Community Action Corporation of South Texas are two other organizations that refer women to the program.

To be eligible for the program, woman must live in one of the six disaster-declared counties, including Aransas, Bee, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio County.

Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, The Purple Door, The Salvation Army and Community Action Corporation of South Texas also offers numerous other resources to those who are not eligible for the ‘Women at Work’ Program.