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In the United States, our WIN program provides an opportunity for women in crisis to “get back on their feet. In the nine-month program, they gain necessary skills and education to enter the work force and support themselves and their families. The WIN program has assisted 24 women and their 35 children, and has a 100% success rate for locating jobs or schooling for the women upon graduation. Prior to entering the program all the women were on welfare. Now, they no longer need this assistance, and have gained a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.
The WIN domestic program is based out of Vancouver, Washington. We arrange “work mentor” relationships with U.S. business managers and owners who agree to give work to the women in our care. Local businesses where women in the WIN program work include: Landerholm Law offices, New Heights Medical clinic, New Life Church and The Legacy House.
Women in the WIN Domestic program work in a part-time, paid internship position. The average internship takes up to 9 months at 20 hours per week and is divided into three phases:
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Phase I: Women receive initial training in basic office procedures, software programs, and phone systems. The intern is acclimated to the idea of working and providing for her family. Interns learn to deal with issues such as childcare and transportation, learning stress and time management and personal responsibility. |
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Phase II: The intern is placed with one of our partner companies for 10 of the required 20 hours per week. SHI provides their salary, and the partnering company provides additional training and experience. |
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Phase III: This is the final 3 months of the internship. At this stage we support the intern in her job search by helping her with her resume, practicing for job interviews, and giving her time to find a job for which she has been prepared. |
The WIN Domestic program currently provides for 3 interns at any one time.
How to Apply: Women are referred to the WIN program through friends, previous WIN interns and local church or business relationships. Women desiring to apply must fill out an application form and go through two interviews before a final decision is made. Most women are also required to volunteer for six hours throughout the interview process to ensure that they are ready to commit to the nine-month work readiness program.
For more information, to
be considered for the program,
or to recommend someone,
contact Patricia Jones at
Patricia@sharedhope.org,
or call 1-866-HER-LIFE
Lisa found herself facing a crisis pregnancy with hardly any marketable job skills. After deciding that marrying the father was not an option, she was determined to become self-reliant. Pregnancy Resource Center referred her to the WIN Program at Shared Hope International.
“Since the first day of my internship,” says Lisa, “I have been surrounded by support and encouragement.” Lisa gained hands-on experience, learning computer and office skills. But more importantly, she says, “I gained the confidence I needed to believe I really would be able to support my daughter and myself. Being part of an organization that rescues women around the world-while at the same time becoming better equipped for a career-has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Lisa says she is now much more prepared to get the type of job she needs. “I am back in college and plan to finish my degree within a year. None of this would be possible if it hadn't been for the (WIN) intern program. Shared Hope exists to rescue women. These are powerful words, and to women in the WIN Program they are life changing.”
Lisa recently married a wonderful young man. When Lisa drops in at the office, she seems confident and positive. She continually thanks her friends at SHI for their support and encouragement. We are thankful for Lisa and the example she presents to others.
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