CONTACT:  Betsy Nowland-Curry, Executive Director
                     
Ann Ferrell, Project Manager                           (502) 330-8881 MOBILE
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2003
 

KENTUCKY COMMISSION ON WOMEN hosts discussion with WOMEN WORK!
 

Frankfort, KY— National and regional representatives from Women Work! The National Network for Women’s Employment met today with the Kentucky Commission on Women (KCW) and advocates from across the state to discuss the employment and training needs of Kentucky women.  Women Work! Deputy Director Thia Hamilton and North Carolina/Region IV Director Helen Smith Worrell spoke to more than 25 Kentucky advocates at today’s initial meeting.
 

For more than 20 years, Women Work! has served as a vital link between programs, agencies, and educational institutions nationwide that provide education, job training, and support services to millions of America’s displaced homemakers, single parents, and other women in transition.  The organization works to empower women from diverse backgrounds and help them achieve economic self-sufficiency through job readiness, education, training and employment.
 

“Some of the biggest challenges to Kentucky women’s economic success are the many obstacles that stand in the way of their ability to secure and keep quality employment,” said KCW Executive Director Betsy Nowland-Curry.  “The Women Work! national network and resources offers a model for KCW to consider as we continue our work with other advocates to improve the status of Kentucky women.”
 

Invitations to attend the meeting were sent to Ready-to-Work coordinators, rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs, non-profit agencies, and all female state legislators. Women Work! representatives facilitated what KCW hopes will be the first meeting of a strengthened network of advocates dedicated to improving the economic well being of Kentucky women and their families. 
 

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 The Kentucky Commission on Women works to improve the status of the women of Kentucky, educates the public about issues and challenges pertaining to women, and acts as an informational clearinghouse for women around the Commonwealth.