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In 1995, State Comptroller John Sharp initiated Family Pathfinders, a statewide project in which volunteers
from religious and civic groups work with welfare recipients to help them find jobs, become self-sufficient, and
move from public assistance to the work force. A liaison with the Texas Department of Human Services was established.
Under Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander, the Family Pathfinders staff moved to the TDHS headquarters.
In rural Smiley, population 500, a group of caring and concerned women decided to empower low-income women in the
area through classes in life skills, computer basics, parenting, and money management.
The state Family Pathfinder staff came to train the Smiley core group. This group became a Family Pathfinder team,
which enlisted the cooperation of the Smiley United Methodist Church pastor and the United Methodist Women. Five
young women were recruited. They completed a ten-session Survival Skills course created by the psychology department
of the University of Kansas. Within a few months, two participants moved out of the local housing authority into
rental houses. Four upgraded their job positions. The fifth uses her office skills to assist her self-employed
husband.
Based on these results, the team was awarded a TDHS innovation grant in the fall of 1999. Smiley's submission became
one of five chosen from a hundred applicants throughout the state. The team focused on three target groups: unemployed
young women, teens at risk of becoming dropouts or pregnant, and anyone in need of literacy instruction.
The grant provided funds from the TDHS for:
- GED and computer classes in the Gonzales Learning & Career Center.
- Transportation costs to the classes.
- Child care during the Survival Skills classes.
- Bookkeeping services by a local accountant.
- One-time car repair assistance for any participant with an emergency need.
- Survival Skills for Youth facilitator training.
The Family Pathfinder team provided for:
- A ten-session Survival Skills course.
- Lunches at these sessions prepared by the Methodist churchwomen.
- Luncheon speakers representing professions in the area.
- A graduation event attended by family members.
- Transportation coordination to all classes.
- Follow-up sessions for bonding and networking.
- Literacy tutoring.
All nine participants finished the Survival Skills course. Seven completed computer skills classes at the Gonzales
Learning & Career Center. Before the women enrolled, only two were employed. Four more acquired jobs within
a few months after graduation. As of 2002, seven women have jobs with potential for advancement, and the other
two are homemakers.
The Smiley project, implemented by a group of women over 55, can be adapted to meet the needs of any community.
The concept is ideal for church outreach because it connects people who mentor with those who want to grow in self-worth
and independence.
For additional information contact Pastor Joe McManus at the address or link below.
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