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New Start for Local Group of Women

Julie Bercik

Story Created: May 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 1, 2009 at 5:24 PM CDT

Helping women realize their true potential.
A local program reaches out to the community, providing job training and career development.
Friday morning, participants had a rather unusual lesson.
NBC 38's Julie Bercik has the story.
Imagine shopping a store where you're the only customer, that's exactly what happened for ten special women Friday morning. And to top it off their purchases were free of charge. "
Valerie flowers says green is her color.
"Feel good, I like the shirt,” said Flowers. “It's more business type, you know it's good."
And she should feel good. Since enrolling in the Innovative Work Solutions Program, she's become a different person.
"I think it's a step, and it's a step that's going to keep me going forward,” said Flowers.
"This is a 12 week training program. We call it a professional worker training program,” said Dr. Danna Gibson, Program Developer. “It's primarily for at risk individuals. They're at risk for unemployment or under employment."
Developed by CSU Professor, Dr. Danna Gibson, the program asks participants to really take a look at themselves for the first 10 weeks, improving the inside. Today they're working on the outside courtesy of JCPenny. Each received a $250 gift card and a fashion consultant.
"Now today is the fun part, they actually get to enjoy picking out some interview suits,” said Gibson.
Finding the right outfit was challenging for some, Flowers tried on several before she found her perfect fit.
'It makes me feel good and I feel better about myself,” she said.
With some potential job leads in the making, Flowers said she's more confident, thanks to IWS, and plans on perusing event planning.
"It helped a huge part of my life so it's good,” she said.
The ladies will also receive certificates from Columbus Tech next week at their graduation.
Columbus Tech, is one of several partners with Innovative Work Solutions.
Other partners include CSU and Good Will.