newhopewomens.org

Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries creates opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance.

The Women's Empowernment Program's (WEP) mission is to meet the specific needs of refugee and immigrant women. The WEP strives to help women become self- sufficient while also fostering community building. From decreasing social isolation and facilitating clients' achievement, to increasing English language skills and enhancing employability, WEP works in partnership with women to help empower their integration into mainstream US culture with respect to their traditions, culture, and religious beliefs.

About The Women's Empowerment Program

The Women's Empowerment Program was founded to meet the needs of women refugees, immigrants, and asylees. The program began in 2001 as one component of Interfaith. The overall purpose of the Women’s Program is to help equip refugee women with the tools to become more self-reliant, while also building community in their new home of Chicago. The Women’s Program works in partnership with refugee women to help them become more resourceful and integrate successfully into mainstream U.S. culture with respect to their traditions, culture and religious beliefs. Through regular activities refugee women are able to increase their social outlets and decrease social isolation and achieve their goals of learning English and other employable skill sets. In the spirit of fair trade, the women receive 50% of all items sold. For many of them, this is the first money they have ever received.

The Women’s Empowerment Program is supported by a staff of five individuals and the invaluable contribution of many volunteers. The program is free of charge for participants. The Women's Program includes 7 components:

	1.	Mentorship and Befriending. Individualized, one-on-one mentorship is invaluable. Volunteers and clients are matched and come together weekly to practice English, cook, chat, or help solve daily dilemmas. The connection achieved in these relationships is key to helping women find more grounding in their new homes.

	2.	English Classes. Specially designed for pre-to-low literate English learners, English Language Training (ELT) classes are offered in the Rogers Park neighborhood, offering a safe environment for women to practice their English.

	3.	Educational Workshops. Monthly workshops help teach important life skills and provide opportunities for women to create community. Recent workshop topics include HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence prevention, home safety and winterizing, and cooking and nutrition classes.

	4.	Fieldtrips. Monthly fieldtrips introduce women and their families to the Chicagoland area, and expose them to the how-to of life in the US. Recent fieldtrips have included the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, a World Music Concert on the Magnificent Mile, Ravinia Park, and the Garfield Park Conservatory on Chicago’s West Side.

	5.	'Basics of Sewing' Classes and New Hope Women's Sewing Cooperative. Sewing skills are taught in an interactive, hands-on way for women to build or enhance their employable skills. Women are able to make clothing for themselves and their family, which is affordable and empowering. The women who graduate from the sewing class and join the cooperative enjoy an additional income generating opportunity and practical lessons in entrepreneurship.

	6.	Family Strengthening Workshops. These are facilitated by a Family Coach who teaches ‘tools’ for improved communication and conflict resolution. The workshops present a forum for married couples and single refugees to engage in discussions on resolving specific communication problems.

	7.	A variety of craft classes are also offered by the WEP. Classes have included beading, scarf painting, charcoal and pastel drawing, memory box making, and painting. Crafts are a great way for our refugee clients to relax, create, and express themselves. Knitting classes are also offered weekly. The ladies have made scarves, hats, sweaters, gloves, blankets, and much more.