2019 Kickball for a Cause donations are supporting Pennsylvania Women Work and their mission to transform women’s lives through empowerment, employment and economic independence.
Meet Pennsylvania Women Work:
Whether it’s a single mom struggling to provide for her family; a woman re-entering the workforce after 20 years; an immigrant adjusting to a new life; or someone faced with a challenging career transition; Pennsylvania Women Work is here to help lead individuals toward brighter futures.
By empowering women – and men – with job search and interview skills, opportunities to build their confidence, and guidance setting and achieving both professional and personal goals, PA Women Work helps individuals find lasting employment that pays a family-sustaining wage through unique and life-changing programs.
Deputy Director Kristin Ioannou explains the impact of their organization, “We are passionate about supporting women and helping them to attain success for themselves and for their families. Our doors are open to anyone who is in the process of making a career change.” All of PA Women Work’s programs and classes are free to clients.
PA Women Work’s New Choices class – its flagship program – serves a wide range of clients and helps them overcome barriers to employment. The organization also offers one-on-one career mentoring through 3 Cups of Coffee®, a program designed to provide social capital to clients who have few professional contacts. Mentors provide a wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections to help mentees land, and succeed in the professional workplace.
Additionally, PA Women Work offers job counseling, support for refugees and immigrants, customer service classes, job interview opportunities, computer classes, and more.
Why We’re Important to Young Pittsburgh:
Over the last 25 years, PA Women Work has made a difference in the lives of more than 65,000 Pennsylvanians. They serve some 700 individuals each year in Allegheny County alone – 81 percent of whom are female. Low-income single mothers raising children comprise about 25 percent of the organization’s total clientele.
“We are here to help clients achieve better lives for themselves and for their families. Our programs help women discover their goals and we work with them to make sure they attain them,” says Abby Swalga, Communications Manager at PA Women Work and a member of PUMP. She explains how these life changes reach beyond the client. “When our clients find employment and are able to support themselves, it changes not just their lives, but their families’ lives, as well.”
Aside from that, PA Women Work is a resource for young Pittsburghers who might be unemployed or looking for a career transition themselves. Anyone who is in need of assistance in advancing their career or determining their goals should reach out.
Get Involved:
Funds from Kickball for a Cause will keep existing programs, like 3 Cups of Coffee ® and New Choices, free to clients and enable PA Women Work to focus on ways to expand.
Even if you are unable to attend this year’s event, you can still donate to Kickball for a Cause to support PA Women Work and their efforts here in the community.
Additionally, those looking to volunteer are encouraged to sign up as a mentor or consider joining the organization’s Corporate Advisory Committee, where volunteers have opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, potential employees and change lives of local women.
There are many ways for you to get involved with the organization. Follow PA Women Work on Facebook and Twitter for updates and information. Visit https://www.pawomenwork.org/get-involved.html to find a way to volunteer.