Alabama hosts first Men’s Job Corps training

The first-ever national training for Christian Men’s Job Corps (CMJC) was held in Montgomery Nov. 10–12. The three-day training, hosted by Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union, was held in conjunction with a training event for Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC).
   
CWJC and CMJC, ministries of Alabama WMU and National WMU, are job-readiness and life skills programs combining job training, mentoring and Bible study to help men and women develop skills and self-confidence in a supportive Christian environment.
   
Alabama WMU has partnered with the SBOM office of associational and cooperative missions to bring CMJC to Alabama. Richard Alford, an associate in the office of associational and cooperative missions, will head the effort for Alabama. 
   
The November training event launched Alabama’s first three CMJC pilot sites which will be located in Marshall, Calhoun and Etowah associations. A fourth site is anticipated in Montgomery.
   
“People in Marshall Association are very excited there will be help for the poor and hurting sons, husbands and brothers in our area,” said Randall Stoner, director of missions for Marshall Association. “This is the perfect time for Christian Men’s Job Corps to come to Alabama, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.”
   
Stoner participated in the three-day training along with 19 CWJC and CMJC site coordinators from across the United States. “This is an exciting time in the life of Alabama Baptists and the Alabama WMU. We have such a great opportunity in front of us,” said Stoner.
   
CWJC has been making an impact in Alabama for the past seven years. According to Alabama WMU’s CWJC coordinator Linda Henry, there are currently 11 CWJC sites throughout the state.
   
“CWJC is a stepping stone for reaching out to so many hurting people,” said Millicent Monk, CWJC site coordinator for Calhoun Association. “This program crosses cultural boundaries, allowing us to reach those in need.”
   
For more information about CMJC or CWJC in Alabama, visit www.thealabamabaptist.org. For the CWJC contact, call Linda Henry at 256-891-4533 or e-mail at cwjc217@charter.net. For the CMJC contact, call Richard Alford at 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 220. (Alabama WMU)