Program Overview

AWEE provides a number of programs and services to women and men who want to improve their current employment opportunities. Our participants may be currently employed or re-entering the workforce. Whatever the need, we have a proven track record of effective, quality programs that lead to new jobs, advanced careers and dreams fulfilled.

We offer every participant:

Case Management & Support Services
AWEE’s case managers and community employment specialists meet one-on-one with participants to assess each individual's career interest, skills and abilities. Once it has been determined that the individual is ready and able to commit to the program, AWEE then provides guidance to develop a personal success plan. Additional support activities include counseling, child care and transportation assistance, and referral services when needed.

Through AWEE’s Clothing Bank, participants have access to a large selection of suits, skirts, blouses and other attire to be prepared for job interviews and other career activities.

Training Workshops & Educational Guidance
AWEE workshops, grouped in three tracks - life skills, job readiness and financial literacy - are designed to match the highest standards of educational excellence, and enjoy a proven track record of success. AWEE retains professionally certified trainers who help students emerge ready to meet challenges in both their personal and professional lives, and contribute to healthier workplaces and communities.

Employment Assistance
Job coaching, peer support groups and professional mentoring, as well as job placement assistance are just a sampling of the critical services AWEE provides its participants. Whatever the need, AWEE’s case managers and trainers connect participants with valuable skills or resources to make certain they’ll be bringing home a paycheck soon.

Post-Program Support
AWEE remains in contact with each program participant for two years after completion of her/his program to provide moral support, encouragement and help assure long-term financial independence and well-being. It’s the extra step that pays dividends – for the participants and the employer - and sets AWEE apart from other job readiness programs. Employers love AWEE!

Reentry Services
Women Living Free (WLF) was AWEE's comprehensive reentry program for nonviolent female prisoners transitioning from the Arizona State Prison System. The program goals were to provide necessary services for women and their families to support an optimal return to society, healthy/sober lifestyles, career advancement, and to reduce the incidence of recidivism (women returning to prison). The program offered pre-release programs for incarcerated women such as career and basic skills assessment, transition planning, life skills development, grief and loss support, domestic violence education, family reunification preparation, and co-case management shared between AWEE and Arizona Department of Corrections staff. Post-release services included home-based family reunification support, transitional housing through partnerships with local housing programs, substance abuse treatment/relapse prevention and other support services, in addition to access to AWEE's comprehensive education and career development programs. Comprehensive pre- and post-release services were delivered in Maricopa County. Job Readiness workshops were delivered to incarcerated women in Pima County, with subsequent (post-release) education and employment assistance available through AWEE partner agency Project for Homemakers in Arizona Seeking Employment (PHASE). AWEE is currently seeking new financial resources to begin providing this imperative program which, upon completion of its initial phase, resulted in a recidivism rate of under one percent. The national average within two years of release is over 30%.

AWEE's Paths to Living Free (PLF) program provides a multitude of services tailored to the needs and interests of ex-felons who want help with successful transition from prison to employment, family, and community.

Services include -- but aren’t limited to -- job readiness workshops; mentoring; help with family relationships; help with job-related expenses (such as tools, uniforms, and exam fees); education referrals; basic supportive services (bus passes, gas cards, food boxes) and much more!

PLF Eligibility Requirements: You must enroll in PLF within six months of your release. Violent offenders and sex offenders are not eligible to participate. (This encompasses your entire criminal history, not just your current term.)

AWEE also offers special assistance for ex-felons age 18-29 years through the Choices for Changed Lives (CCL) program. This program offers clients with choices in the types of services received, including some that are of a religious nature. This program starts in late October, and has limited seats available. If interested, follow the instructions below.

CCL Eligibility Requirements: You must enroll in CCL within 60 days of your release. Violent offenders are eligible to participate. Sex offenders are not eligible. (This encompasses your entire criminal history, not just your current term).

Both programs serve women and men, last about one year and require you to participate in monthly activities. These programs are 100% supported through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more information please write to AWEE at 640 N. 1st Avenue,
Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Click here if you'd like to enroll in a program or find a job.

Click here to access our Community Resource Guide.

Click here if you are an employer seeking well trained and highly motivated employees or would like information about our Personal and Career Agility Workshop Service.