Overview
What Makes Us Unique
CWU is a social service provider, a think tank and a grassroots advocacy organization—all in one. Each arm of the organization informs and intersects with the others, fostering a flexible, dynamic and creative environment that produces measurable results. CWU applies this unique, holistic approach to working with its clients, connecting them to a network of resources and accompanying them on their journey to economic independence.
Who we serve
We serve approximately 1,400 low-income individuals annually, including women and their families, teens, and young adults.
Our Direct Service Programs
- Career Family Opportunity — A five-year, pilot program that helps single parents build the foundation essential to achieving economic independence through mobility mentoring™, peer group support, cash incentives, matched savings, education and career counseling, and life skills training.
- Economic Mobility Institute – A cafeteria-style curriculum of trainings that provide the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve family stability and economic independence. It includes Woman to Woman, a 12-week computer training and career development course.
- GED – A secondary-level education program that includes life skills, work skills, and computer training for young men and women.
- Emergency, Transitional, and Supporitve Housing – CWU's housing programs serve approximately 420 families a year. This includes emergency and transitional shelters and supportive housing services for formerly homeless families living in permanent housing. CWU is one of the largest providers of family shelter in Massachusetts.
- Boston Neighborhoods Healthy Families – A home-based program that provides first-time parents under 21 years old with education and parenting and life skills in order to prevent child abuse and promote economic independence.
Our Research Department
CWU conducts research into the economic, political, and social barriers disadvantaged women face and continually evaluates its programs. CWU translates its research into web-based tools to equip low-income families with information and resources.
- Economic Independence Calculator allows web visitors to determine how much they need to earn to cover basic living expenses, by region, in Massachusetts.
- Hot Jobs provides job descriptions, education and training requirements, and links to schools for 11 high-in-demand occupations that take less than two years of training and pay family-sustaining wages.
Our Advocacy Department
CWU advocates for public policy and legislative initiatives to assist low-income women in attaining economic self-sufficiency.
- Voices Advocacy Council educates legislators and testifies at public hearings.
- Voices Advocacy Network alerts members to latest issues and pending legislation.
- Voices Project Blog provides a forum for clients to reach policy makers, researchers, and other women who share similar life circumstances.
Our Locations
Administrative
One Washington MallBoston, MA 02108
Tel: 617.259.2900
Programming
10 Perthshire RoadBrighton, MA 02135
Tel: 617.782.7600
Additional sites: Cambridge, Dorchester, Mattapan, and South Boston
Our Operations
- President/CEO Elisabeth D. Babcock, MCRP, PhD
- 120 employees
- $10.5 million operating budget in FY10 (70% government contracts; 30% private philanthropy)
