The WCEC Women's Business Center received grant funding to help combat recidivism through entrepreneurial training for returning citizens.
CHATHAM, N.J., June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The WCEC Women's Business Center was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections: Local, Empowered, Accountable, and Determined (LEAD) Reentry Initiative to serve as a community partner, providing technical assistance and entrepreneurial education to women exiting the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women and other criminal justice institutes.
Finding steady and gainful employment after release from prison can be difficult and a lack of support and career training can contribute to unsuccessful community reintegration. Entrepreneurship is an excellent match as those exiting the justice system often have difficulty finding employment. The WCEC will work with women returning to the community, providing eCommerce education to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency, allowing returning citizens to compete in today's economy and combat recidivism.
"The WCEC believes in empowering women leaving the prison system through entrepreneurial education; we will provide the tools to rebuild their lives, regain their independence, and rewrite their narratives. By investing in their potential, we pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient society, where every woman's journey is met with support, opportunity, and the belief that she can thrive beyond her past," Rana Shanawani, Executive Director, WCEC Women's Business Center.
"We are proud to have the WCEC Women's Business Center support women exiting the prison system with entrepreneurial education. Our NJ LEAD partners provide transformational experiences for those returning to their communities from incarceration. True transformation happens when we provide the tools for self-sufficiency, and through the WCEC and all of our NJ LEAD-funded partners, we are providing hope, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that will uplift not only these women but also our entire community," Selma Morris, Director, Center for Effective Reentry Initiatives.
Businesses commonly started by the formerly incarcerated are in the trucking, cleaning, and landscaping industries. We aim to expand the online capabilities of these businesses. Whether it is simply by learning how to accept electronic payments, creating a Google Business Profile, or building an eCommerce website where products or services are sold, the WCEC provides live webinars to help each step of the way.
About Women's Center for Entrepreneurship Corp.
The Women's Center for Entrepreneurship Corp. (WCEC) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit. As a resource partner for the U.S. Small Business Administration, the WCEC's mission is to empower women to invest in themselves via entrepreneurship by providing necessary resources for women to successfully start, own, operate, & grow their businesses. The WCEC works with women and BIPOC-owned businesses at the start up stage and existing small businesses looking to scale up by providing educational resources, business counseling, and technical assistance. For more information, visit http://www.wcecnj.org/wbc
Media Contact
Rana Shanawani, WCEC Women's Business Center, 973-507-9700, [email protected]
SOURCE WCEC Women's Business Center
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