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Crittenton Women's Union http://www.LiveWorkThrive.org

Crittenton Women's Union

One Washington Mall

Floor 2

Boston, MA 02108Map this

Crittenton Women's Union, a Boston-based nonprofit organization, combines direct service programs, independent research and public policy advocacy in its mission to transform the course of low-income women's lives so that they can attain economic independence and create better futures for...

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For more information:

Name: Kirsten Blocker
Position: Coordinator of Marketing & Communications
Email: kblocker@liveworkthrive.org
Phone: 617-259-2962
Fax: 617-247-8826

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Woman to WomanWoman to Woman provides computer and career/life skills training to low-income women between the ages of 18 and 55 who live in Greater Boston. Each program cycle offers 12 weeks of intensive training (five days a week from 9:30am - 4:30 pm) that includes computer and professional skill-building workshops.
AdvocacyAs part of an organization-wide approach, the Crittenton Women's Union Advocacy Department is leading an educational campaign across all CWU programs and services to ensure that each of our clients has the opportunity to voice individual needs, influence public policy, and address larger system change. CWU is dedicated to bringing participants’ voices to the center of our policy work and leads an educational campaign across all CWU programs that encourages participants to become involved in creating policy change that will positively impact their lives. CWU’s Advocacy staff provides advocacy training to clients and staff, empowering them to become effective advocates for themselves and their families.
CHANCESFor more than 40 years, CHANCES has ensured that pregnant teens would not fall behind academically while waiting to give birth. The goal of the program is to help students continue their academic studies in a safe and supportive environment, providing intensive case management and supporting these young women in making a successful transition to motherhood. All students attending CHANCES must be enrolled in a Boston Public School, with many referred by their school. Others are referred by a hospital, clinic, friends or family members. Students wishing to participate in CHANCES must be enrolled in a Boston Public School. Students come from neighborhoods throughout Boston, with the majority from the neighborhoods of Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury. Each year, the program serves 40-60 teenaged girls.

Supported causes

Elementary & Secondary
Youth GED ProgramThe Youth GED Program is an alternative to a traditional school setting that provides students with the intensive and supportive services they need to succeed. The holistic approach treats each student as an individual and a whole person, focusing equally on academics, support, and preparation for the future, as well as by celebrating the successes of the students. The program is open to Boston residents, male and female, between 16 and 21 years old, who have dropped out of school but are interested in pursuing their GED, as well as college and career goals. Program hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM. By providing free transportation, breakfast and lunch for all students, the program addresses some of the most common barriers to school success.

Supported causes

Elementary & Secondary
FLASHFLASH is a replication program of The Parent Child Home Program (PCHP), a national program that began in 1965. Recognizing the need to strengthen literacy skills of adults and children and the positive results from the PCHP programs in Massachusetts and around the country, the Massachusetts state legislature appropriated money for this program. The program is offered to low-income families in their homes, as well as to homeless families served by Crittenton Women's Union. The FLASH program addresses the gap in language, literacy and school-readiness experienced by young, low-income or homeless children. These skills are necessary for academic success, and if not addressed in the early stages of children's development, require costly interventions during later school years.

Supported causes

Healthy FamiliesHealthy Families is a statewide program that is funded and administered by the Children's Trust Fund (CTF), a Boston-based child advocacy group, and is based on the national model of Healthy Families America. The program, which serves approximately 140 teen and first-time parents each year, is free to participants. The goals of the program are to: - Prevent child abuse and neglect - Achieve optimal health, growth, and development in infancy and early childhood - Encourage educational attainment and economic self-sufficiency among parents - Prevent repeat pregnancies during the teen years The program is unique because it approaches its work with families from a strengths-based perspective as opposed to a deficit model. It is a family-centered, community-conscious, culturally sensitive service. It is also a parent-driven program, providing intensive home visiting, beginning with once a week and moving toward once a month as the participant becomes more self-sufficient.
Transitional HousingCrittenton Women's Union provides transitional housing for more than 350 families each year, making us the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless mothers and their families in Massachusetts. Loacted at various locations througout the city of Boston, each program assists homeless families to secure and maintain permanent housing. The housing search component is combined with case management, clinical and mental health services, career development assistance, a wellness and fitness program, family literacy, medical services through a homeless healthcare provider, volunteer playgroup services, and transportation aid.
Research and InnovationA three-pronged approach differentiates R&I from similar policy and research centers. First, R&I focuses on the client "voice" as a vehicle to create innovative products and public policy recommendations. Second, R&I capitalizes on interdisciplinary research-including psychology, sociology, business, education, and health-to inform its approach and recommendations. Third, R&I leverages its talent in organizational development to foster a collaborative evaluation environment and to nurture inquiry and "intrapreneurship" across the organization. The Research and Innovation (R&I) department was launched in 2002 to complement our direct service and policy programs. The purpose of Research and Innovation is to enhance understanding of what it takes to reach economic self-sufficiency, and to use that knowledge to inform program design and advocacy efforts.
Career Family Opportunity (CFO)Career Family Opportunity (CFO) is a pilot program of Crittenton Womenâ??s Union that helps single parents build the foundation essential to achieving economic independence. This five-year program allows participantsâ??called Career Family Organizers or CFOsâ?? to proceed at their own pace as they gain the skills, knowledge and habits of a stable future. CFOs achieve: * A career path leading to a family-supporting job * A savings account with three monthsâ?? worth of living expenses -- How CFO works -- Career Family Opportunity takes an innovative, comprehensive and personalized approach. We recognize each person brings a unique set of experiences, accomplishments, needs, and challenges to his or her journey to economic self-sufficiency. CFOs map out their individual education, career, and financial goals. Along the way, the program provides ongoing support and financial incentives and connects participants to the resources and professional help they need. -- How to become a CFO -- You may be eligible to be a CFO, if youâ??re a * Resident of Old Colony, West Broadway or Mary Ellen McCormack housing developments. * Single parent (male or female, 18 years or older) with children or legal dependents living with you. * High school graduate or GED recipient. * Legally eligible to work in the U.S. Find out more at www.LiveWorkThrive.org !
Woman to Woman MentorsFriday, April 25, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009The mentoring relationship is at the heart of our Woman to Woman program. WtW mentors are professional women who are individually paired with a participant for at least one year. The responsibilities of a WtW mentor are to: * Help the participant establish realistic career goals * Model independence, responsibility and professionalism * Offer support and guidance with professional challenges * Support the participant's career development and growth * Teach problem solving skills * Network professionally for Woman to Woman Some requirements include: * 1-2 hours per week with participant (flexible schedule) * Some telephone availability * Attendance at mentor support workshops Mentors can expect to work with participants in a variety of ways: * Assist the participant with her resume and interview skills * Provide job shadowing opportunities * Assist with college research and application process
Advocacy/Public Policy InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009The Advocacy/Public Policy department works with clients and staff to implement system change in the state of Massachusetts. Intern duties will include: Assisting with the Massachusetts Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Project; correspondence to statewide partners; help coordinate presentations. Providing research and drafting of position papers, testimony and correspondence as needed. Designing and implementing staff and client “Advocacy 101” training sessions Assist Department with mailings; general administrative tasks. Knowledge and Skills Required Candidates should be interested in learning more about public policy, economic issues and regulations impacting low-income women and their families.
Human Resources InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009Position Description: The Human Resources Intern will assist the Human Resources Director and Human Resources Generalist in carrying out human resource functions. Will assist with many of the human resource related matters, including, but not limited to: personnel policies and procedures; employee benefits; employee relations; payroll affirmative action; staff orientation and training. The goal of the internship is to learn general office administrative processes of the human resources department. This will be accomplished by the following tasks: reviewing and auditing personnel files, Assist with training preparations; participate in preparing for new-employee orientation and packets; Update job descriptions; assists with position data clean-up.
Administrative Office InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009The Administrative Office Intern will assist the Executive Assistant and other Administrative Staff in carrying out administration functions. Intern duties will include: - Provide administrative assistance by performing the following tasks: copying, filing, and organizing of materials - Answer telephones as necessary - Prepare documents in Microsoft Word and Excel Knowledge and Skills Required: - Experience working with Microsoft Word - Ability to work in a professional office environment - Organizational skills - Experience working with diverse populations
Healthy Families InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009Healthy Families is a program designed to provide parenting skills to first-time mothers under the age of 21. Home visitors provide in home training and support to clients through their pregnancy up until the child's third birthday. Intern Duties: - Administrative work including mailings, filing, tracking immunization records and more as appropriate - Administering and analyzing surveys and focus groups to receive client feedback - Plan and execute organized groups and fields trips to various educational places throughout the city Knowledge and Skills Required: - Ability to multitask and perform in an office setting - Use of discretion and sensitive to the needs of diverse populations - Desire to work and learn in a unique way - Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
FLASH InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009The FLASH (Family Literacy Acquisition Skills at Home) home visiting program offers in home support for parents of young children including low-income, homeless and first time parents. These programs focus on preparing young children for school success and healthy development and build upon client's strengths to enhance their parenting abilities. Intern Duties: - Assist with general office work; - Maintain and update program materials as needed; - Assist home visitors with follow up calls, research and other duties; and - Complete special projects. Knowledge and Skills Required: - Ability to multitask and perform in an office setting - Use of discretion and sensitive to the needs of diverse populations - Desire to work and learn in a unique way - Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Marketing / Communications InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009The Marketing & Communications Department is looking for an intern to work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications, assisting with the organization's efforts to convey a clear and consistent image, to position Crittenton Women's Union as the “go-to” organization for women, and to build positive public recognition and support of Crittenton Women's Union. This is an exciting time to be involved with this forward-looking organization, and an intern would gain valuable experience in the marketing/communications area. Intern duties would include: - Assist in Marketing/Communications with press and media follow-up, list updates, brochures and newsletter, website, general writing assignments and events - Interact with departments throughout the organization to gather information about various programs for materials and projects - Intern would work on “real” projects, building a professional portfolio
Finance InternFriday, August 22, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009Intern will receive exposure to a broad range of accounting activity including Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and Assets, helping the student to evaluate a career in finance and accounting. Intern duties will include: - Daily Cash Management - Prepare deposits from billings and our Development department. Maintain Excel tracking sheet. Post to Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipt Sub Ledgers. - Accounts Payable - Learn how to make entries, file invoices and retrieve invoices. - General Ledger - Learn how to make entries, and analyze the General Ledger detail for several audit worksheets like pre-paid expenses and accruals. - Reconciliation - Reconcile Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable sub legers to the General Ledger. - Assets - Help to prepare the assets schedule for asset tracking and calculation of depreciation. Prepare supporting documentation. - Other Projects - May include such things as unanticipated analysis and reporting requests as assigned.
In-kind Donations to CWUCrittenton Women's Union is a 501(c)(3) organization. For all in-kind donation inquires, please contact Lucy Seagraves at 617-259-2921 or lseagraves@liveworkthrive.org
The Working Poor Families ProjectLaunched in 2002, the Working Poor Families Project (WPFP) is a national initiative focused on state workforce development policies involving: 1) education and skills training for adults; 2) economic development; and 3) income and work supports. The WPFP supports nonprofit groups in 20 states to assess and improve the economic conditions and policies affecting working poor families in those states. Crittenton Women's Union is the Massachusetts partner for the Working Poor Families Project. As part of this initiative, CWU released the new policy brief, “Unlocking the Doors to Higher Education and Training for Massachusetts' Working Poor Families,” detailing policy recommendations to help low-income adults complete post-secondary education and training to secure employment at self-sufficiency level wages. Click the "Article Link" to learn more!
Suze Orman pledges $50,000 to CWUBoston, April 11, 2008-Suze Orman spontaneously pledged $50,000 Friday to Crittenton Women’s Union (CWU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income women attain economic independence, as she accepted the organization’s 24th Amelia Earhart Award, bringing the total raised at the event to more than $400,000. Moved by the organization’s mission and by the speeches given by two CWU program participants who recounted their successful journeys to economic self-sufficiency, Orman wowed the crowd by announcing her unplanned pledge during her acceptance speech. She will donate $10,000 a year to the organization for the next five years. Click the article link to read more…
CWU is Named Finalist for Nonprofit Collaboration PrizeJanuary 14, 2009. Boston - Crittenton Women's Union has been named one of eight finalists for The Collaboration Prize, a national cash award of $250,000 presented to an outstanding model of nonprofit collaboration. The Lodestar Foundation, in association with the Arizona-Indiana-Michigan (AIM) Alliance, created The Collaboration Prize in an effort to demonstrate how nonprofit resources can be used more effectively to create greater impact. Crittenton Women's Union was selected as a finalist from a competitive pool of over 644 U.S.-based nominations. The Collaboration Prize winner will be announced on March 5, 2009. \"We consider it an honor and a testament to the outstanding success of our merger to be a finalist for The Collaboration Prize,\" said Pamela A. Murray, chair of Crittenton Women's Union and principal, Bessemer Trust Company. \"When we embarked on the merger of two historic Boston nonprofits - Crittenton and The Women's Union - our goal was to build on their complementary strengths to create an innovative organization that effects real change in the lives of low-income families, and we have.\" Crittenton and The Women's Union merged operations in 2006 to form Crittenton Women's Union with the goal of furthering their shared commitment to helping low-income families attain economic self-sufficiency. Combining Crittenton's extensive programming with The Women's Union highly developed research and advocacy areas has positioned CWU to become a laboratory for social change. Today, CWU provides a continuum of services to foster a woman's journey from homelessness to a family-supporting job, conducts independent research into the obstacles the people it serves face, and advocates for policy changes to remove those obstacles. Read more on our website: http://www.LiveWorkThrive.org
Lappen Auto Supply CEO and Harvard Vanguard physicianCrittenton Women's Union (CWU), a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income women attain economic independence, recently elected Edward Lappen, CEO of Lappen Auto Supply, Inc., and Dr. Anne F. St. Goar, a physician with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, to its board of directors. Lappen, who has headed up Lappen Auto Supply for the past 27 years, and St. Goar, a physician with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Watertown, Mass., and a staff member at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Mass., were voted unanimously to the CWU Board of Directors in March. â??Both Ed and Anne bring particular areas of strength to our board and we welcome their talents,â?? said Pamela A. Murray, CWU chair and principal, Bessemer Trust Company. â??Ed combines a legal background with 30 years as a successful businessman. Having employed more than 400 workers, he understands the economic obstacles employers face in providing their workers with benefits and a family-sustaining wage and, at the same time, knows how imperative it is to create opportunities for people to get ahead and achieve the American dream. ... Read more at http://liveworkthrive.org/press_releases.php
Residential House Staff (Housing Services)House Staff to work full-time and part-time positions, days, overnights, evenings, or weekends with homeless families in shelter program. Staff will provide supervision guidance to residents in their daily activities. Experience working with homeless population and/or education related services preferred. This position requires a CORI check.

Supported causes

Housing & Shelter
Driver / Food Services AssistantFull-Time (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) & Part-Time (Saturday, Sunday, Monday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.) Responsibilities include: * food preparation and delivery of meals; * receives, stores, and stocks food supplies; and * maintains and cleans all kitchen areas / rooms and equipments. Must have MASS Driver's License, clean driving record, CORI record check, and strong customer service skills. Experience working in hospitality and/or restaurant setting a plus.
Housing SpecialistAdvocate for and assist guests/clients of Crittenton Women's Union to obtain and/or maintain sustainable housing. Performs a variety of office and field activities to identify housing options and stabilization resources in Massachusetts, with a focus on the Boston/Metro Boston regions. Please visit the career section of our website for a full description: http://liveworkthrive.org/careers

Supported causes

Housing & Shelter
TeacherDepartment: Education & Workforce Development Program: Youth GED Supervisor: Education Coordinator Scope: Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating daily educational activities to promote the growth and development of clients. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: classroom management, program operations, and program development. The goal of this position is to ensure high quality education in accordance with program and organizational goals and objectives; also, to meet all Curriculum Frameworks Guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary Secondary Education. The ideal candidate should be able to teach all GED subjects, however, science and social studies background is preferred. View the rest of the description on our website: http://www.LiveWorkThrive.org
Stabilization WorkerI. General Summary of Duties: The Stabilization Worker provides intervention and support services to maintain families in permanent housing for up to 18 months. II. Supervisor: Asst. Director of Stabilization Services III. Essential Duties of the Job: 1.Works with family as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop an economic and stabilization plan to best meet each family's housing, economic, and stabilization needs. 2. Conducts home visits to support and assist families in implementing their stabilization plan. Provides interventions to assist families with problem solving, including family meetings when appropriate. 3. Assists families with all aspects of managing tenancy, including collaboration with housing team and landlords. Provides advocacy, consumer education, and crisis management when necessary to prevent housing disruption. 4. Develops relationships with community organizations and resources in order to strengthen referral base for families entering sustainable housing. 5. Helps families establish residential stability and connections to the neighborhood. 6. Helps families connect or strengthen connections to schools, medical providers, employment services and other resources as needed. Connects family with mainstream benefits as appropriate. 7. Monitors families progress and provides regular documentation and reporting. 8. Participates in all staff and team meetings. 9. Participates in supervision and professional development. 10. Assumes other responsibilities as requested by supervisor. IV. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 1. Ability to effectively communicate. 2. Ability to drive and have a valid Mass license. 3. Strong mediation, negotiation, oral, and written skills. 4. Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary. V. Educational and Other Requirements: BA with experience in social services. Demonstrated ability to work in office and field-based settings with a diverse, homeless population. Bi-lingual strongly preferred. Use of car and MA. license required. Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours. Hours to be determined with flexibility to best meet family needs. Some evening/weekend availability required.

Supported causes

Housing & Shelter
Program Coordinator, CFO ProgramThe Career Family Opportunity (CFO) Program Coordinator will provide leadership in the development of the CFO pilot program. This position is responsible for working with various constituencies within CWU as well as community resources. The Coordinator will assist all stakeholders in problem solving and planning and aiding woman toward self-sufficiency. * Duties of the Job: 1. Oversee the start-up of a very creative new pilot program designed to help low-income families attain economic independence. 2. Train and supervise 2 case managers and other staff as needed. 3. Recruit, select, and enroll families for program. 4. Help design and implement program policies and procedures including training curriculum, incentive systems, asset-building program, and data collection. 5. Coordinate program partnership with external and internal partners such as program evaluator, housing authority, employers, funders, and internal CWU programs/resources. 6. Work directly with participant families to help them achieve their goals. 7. Participate as a member of the CFO Advisory Committee to help evolve program design. 8. Publicly promote and educate others about the program. 9. Assist in obtaining financial support for the program. 10. Performs other duties as required or requested. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Ability to work in collaborative efforts to effectively engage all stakeholders. 2. Interest in innovative, creative, and specialized programs. 3. Experience with working independently to accomplish goals and tasks assigned. 4. Ability to work effectively with groups and individuals representing a variety of needs, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 5. Ability to read financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community members, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Excellent verbal and written skills including the ability to write reports. 6. Ability to present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 7. Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. 8. Effective problem-solving skills, including demonstrated skills in successful conflict resolution.
Case Manager/Maloney PropertiesGeneral Summary of Duties: The Case Manager is responsible for carrying out guest support services for the Maloney Properties Housing Program. This shelter program utilizes a rolling stock scattered-site model, with the goal of shelter guests eventually taking over tenancy of the units where they have been sheltered. The Case Manager is responsible for all service activities including, but not limited to: guest orientation, intake and assessment, case management, general life-skills instruction and the delivery of services consistent with program objectives and standards. The mission of Crittenton Womenâ??s Union, operationalized through program activities, is to assist individuals and families to preserve and maximize their life options and to attain and sustain self-sufficiency and economic independence. The Case Manager reports to the Coordinator of the Maloney Properties Housing Program.

Supported causes

Housing & Shelter
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