Outstanding CWJC graduate receives Faye Dove Scholarship
By Tracey Gholson
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Martresse Ezell felt lost, unfulfilled and uncertain of her worth. As a mother of three and grandmother of four, Ezell had spent her life nurturing and advocating for others but had neglected her own growth. Past mistakes and poor decisions resulted in setbacks that left her feeling hopeless.
In the fall of 2024, Ezell was ready for change and enrolled in the high school equivalency program of the Madison Campus of Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee.
“Returning to education at 48 years young was tedious,” Ezell said. “The process was demanding, emotional and required discipline. I had to relearn. There were moments of doubt, fear and exhaustion. Yet through every challenge, Begin Anew provided not only academic instruction, but compassion, structure and belief in my ability to succeed – especially when I struggled to believe in myself.”
Andrea Waters, Madison Campus program manager, said although Ezell faced challenges in the program, she refused to quit.
“From transportation issues, problems at home and challenging work schedules, she faced everything with a determined, warrior spirit,” Waters said.
Ezell remained positive and even became a peer encourager when her classmates were discouraged.
In June 2025, Ezell earned her high school equivalency diploma. “That achievement represents far more than a diploma,” Ezell said. “It symbolizes healing, accountability, resilience and the courage to rewrite my story. Begin Anew gave me the space and support to transform my pain into purpose and to see my potential beyond my past.”
Ezell is this year’s recipient of the Faye Dove Scholarship from the WMU Foundation, a scholarship for women who have graduated from a CWJC program. The graduate must have demonstrated perseverance in achieving personal goals and plan for some type of continued education, whether academic, vocational or trade.
“Martresse is a shining example of allowing God to do a ‘new thing’ in your life,” said Waters. “After making poor decisions early in life, she has been determined to change the trajectory of her future, along with those of her family.”
Ezell works as a patient care technician at a local hospital. Her goal is to attend college and become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The Faye Dove Scholarship will enable her to pay for a prerequisite course that does not qualify for financial aid and pay for textbooks and required uniforms.
“Today, I walk forward with renewed confidence and direction,” Ezell said. “I am living proof that when individuals are given access to opportunity, support and second chances, real and lasting transformation is possible.”
The Sybil Bentley Dove endowment supports Christian Women’s Job Corps by providing scholarships to participants, program development grants for sites and a grant for Dove award recipients.
Visit wmufoundation.com to learn more or to support this endowment.
Outstanding CWJC graduate receives Dove Award
By Tracey Gholson
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Aaliyah Edwards was overwhelmed and uncertain how to move forward. She was a single mother who was unemployed, without childcare, and had never obtained her high school diploma or a driver’s license. But due to her strong work ethic, deep desire to improve her life and the transformative power of encouragement, her life was about to change.
When Edwards came to Caring Connections Ministry CWJC in Raleigh, N.C., she shared her hopes, dreams and goals with Director Cynthia Thelen. Together, they developed a clear action plan to help Edwards take manageable steps toward stability and independence.
“Over the past year, I have worked hard to build a better future for myself and my two children,” said Edwards. “As a single mother, I have faced many challenges, but I’ve also accomplished so much. I earned my high school diploma, obtained my driver’s license and secured steady employment, all while raising two children on my own, one of whom has autism. Each step I’ve taken has been motivated by my desire to create stability and opportunity for my family.”
Edwards and Thelen navigated challenges together. Edwards found a daycare accessible by a convenient bus route. She found employment as a healthcare assistant at a senior living center. She works third shift to be available to her children after school and to take her son to medical appointments and therapy.
Through Caring Connection’s local car partnership program, Edwards will be able to purchase a reliable vehicle for $660. Then, she plans to enroll in a local community college. Edwards made the decision to wait to enroll in college until she had transportation so she would not be limited to online courses.
“When I first met Aaliyah, she felt stuck and alone. With encouragement, guidance, and a clear path forward, she became motivated, confident and hopeful,” said Thelen. “Her journey reflects resilience, perseverance and the profound impact that support from a mentor can have on someone. She had the strength and skills within her the whole time, but needed someone to believe in her, motivate her, and offer words of hope.”
Thelen said that Edwards’ faith in God never faltered, even amid challenges. Instead, she leaned on God and knew He would carry her through this hard phase of life.
Edwards is this year’s recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award, which is presented annually to a current or former CWJC participant who has demonstrated the desire to improve herself through the acquisition of skills or academic pursuits which lead to self-reliant living. The award includes a cash disbursement to the recipient as well as a cash disbursement to the nominating CWJC site to further the site’s ministry.
Despite Edwards’ consistent employment, the high cost of living in her county makes it difficult for her to remain financially stable at times.
Edwards said the scholarship will be an incredible blessing that will help her continue to move forward. The scholarship will ease some of the financial burdens related to school, childcare and transportation, allowing her to focus on growing both personally and professionally.
“My faith has been my source of strength through every obstacle, and I am grateful to organizations like yours that support individuals who are striving to make a difference for their families,” Edwards said.
The Sybil Bentley Dove endowment supports Christian Women’s Job Corps by providing scholarships to participants, program development grants for sites, and a grant for Dove award recipients.
Visit wmufoundation.com to learn more or to support this endowment.
WMU Foundation supports and strengthens Christian Job Corps
By Tracey Gholson
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Three Christian Job Corps (CJC) sites will be able to advance their ministry efforts thanks to recent grants from the WMU Foundation.
Begin Anew CJC
Growing, expanding and uplifting. These words describe Begin Anew CJC in Franklin, Tenn. With the help of a site grant from the WMU Foundation, Begin Anew will support the salaries of a program manager and childcare coordinator who are essential for the continued success of the ministry.
Begin Anew CJC offers free high school equivalency classes, English language learning, and computer and job skills classes. Without free childcare offered at the site, many students would not be able to attend classes. Recently, the program manager added a second weekday morning class so students would have greater opportunities for mentorship, instruction and language practice.
“At the heart of the Franklin Campus is a thriving weekly community group that gathers for an hour before classes to foster deep connections between students and the dedicated volunteers who lead them,” said Pam Bryant, executive director of Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee. “This time of fellowship is more than just a meeting – it is a space for meaningful engagement, spiritual growth and mutual encouragement.”
During community group, students are invited to participate in guided discussions on biblical topics such as grace, mercy and prayer. Students share prayer requests and seek encouragement for the challenges they face. Time is devoted for Scripture reading, memorization, journaling and reflection to help students internalize God’s Word.
Bryant said, “Students and volunteers alike have expressed how uplifting and vital this time of connection has become.” Several students have even made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
The site grant from the WMU Foundation will enable the Franklin Campus of Begin Anew to continue to provide the leadership needed for the site to flourish.
Sisters Who Care Transformation Place CWJC
Sisters Who Care (SWC) Transformation Place in Chattanooga, Tenn., serves approximately 20 to 30 individuals each year. This CWJC site holds 11 to 12-week sessions twice a year. They offer a variety of life skills and job skills classes such as computer training, resume writing, interviewing, leadership, goal setting, conflict resolution, nutrition and parenting. “Bible study is included at the beginning of every session we have and is a part of any activity we do,” said Cynthia Brown, site coordinator.
The site grant they received from the WMU Foundation will enable SWC Transformation Place to sustain and grow their ministry. The grant will help the site purchase training materials such as books and other supplies and also enable them to provide honorariums for presenters and help with advertising and community outreach. In addition, the grant will provide meals during classes. Since classes are offered from 6-8 p.m., many participants and volunteers come to class immediately after work. The meals will help individuals be nourished, stay focused and learn.
CWJC of Greater Arlington
For more than 20 years, CWJC of Greater Arlington (Texas) has equipped women with job skills and life skills in a Christ-centered environment by offering free classes. Each student is paired with a journey partner for the duration of their program for weekly check-ins, prayer time, and sharing a meal at the site. Many graduates maintain these relationships beyond the conclusion of their program.
With the help of a program development grant from the WMU Foundation, CWJC of Greater Arlington plans to expand their program by purchasing software to assist them in providing quality high school equivalency instruction for their participants in English and Spanish.
“There is a gap in our community, and we take (and turn down) calls every day about GED,” said Carrie Wilkerson, executive director of CWJC of Greater Arlington. “Additionally, we have never required GED completion for our program, so we have dozens of graduates that can only achieve certain levels of employment without their GEDs. We’d love to be able to offer this program first to graduates so they can increase their marketability and pay rate.”
Wilkerson said the site’s goal is to triple the number of women they have historically served annually. They plan to achieve this goal by providing virtual classes as well as adding GED preparation classes.
Supporting this life-changing work
“The WMU Foundation is deeply grateful for the generosity of Faye Dove Wright, whose vision and foresight established this endowment in honor of her mother,” said Peggy Darby, president of the WMU Foundation. “Through her faithful investment, this endowment continues to provide meaningful support for the compassion ministries of WMU and the life-changing work of Christian Women’s Job Corps sites across the country. We are honored to help steward her legacy as these grants empower women, strengthen communities and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. The enduring influence of this ministry is a beautiful reflection of the purpose, faithfulness and generosity that inspired the creation of this endowment.”
Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps, a compassion ministry of WMU, equips women and men, in a Christian context, for life and employment. Through nearly 100 sites in the US and overseas, thousands of adults each year gain life skills and job skills, as well as hope for their future.
Funds from the CWJC/CMJC Site Grant are not restricted and sites can use funds for any area such as programming, development, salaries or overhead. Funds from the CWJC Program Development Grant are to be used for the program development areas that will further advance the education and/or career opportunities of the site’s participants such as curriculum or software.
Visit wmufoundation.com to learn more or to support this endowment.
