Womens Employment Network

In 1986, two Kansas City philanthropists and visionaries, Beth K. Smith and Marjorie Powell Allen, had a profound idea of how to "help women help themselves", and they worked to form the Women's Employment Network (WEN). With the involvement and support of hundreds of volunteers, donors, and dedicated staff, WEN has grown from a single classroom at Pioneer College to a 10,000 square foot facility in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Over the last thirty-five years, WEN has continued to work toward the mission and vision of its founders and has played an important role in the professional growth of women in Kansas City. At no cost to the women served, WEN has graduated hundreds of women from its programs while assisting thousands more through support services and community referrals. In the 2022-2023 program year, WEN served: 1,376 unduplicated clients, 908 of those being new clients. Women with a wide variety of backgrounds turn to WEN. Due to the ever-changing nature of economic forces, more and more women walk through our doors with significant work experience and who have achieved higher levels of education. As the demographics of our clients shift, our experienced program staff make the necessary adjustments to meet their needs. However, the primary focus of WEN's programming continues to be un- and under- employed women who are experiencing poverty. WEN receives referrals from area domestic violence shelters, therapists and counselors, community service and referral partners, and word-of-mouth recommendations. WEN has also recently experienced an increase in women who find out about WEN through social media and internet searches. Our Clients: 74% below the federal poverty level, 73% of clients are single or divorced, 51% identify as a person of color, 66% are Missouri residents and 34% Kansas. In 2022-2023 WEN had the following program outcomes: $19.10 average hourly full-time wage reported (WEN's goal is $12.75). In 2022-2023 WEN had the following financial coaching outcomes: 191 financial clients and provided employment referrals for 150 positions. WEN was able to successfully transition to a virtual format during the pandemic. WEN now offers online and in person workshops. Both virtual and in person continue to gain in attendance.

WEN on the Road: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WEN on the Road was on hold from July to September of 2022. The program resumed during 4th quarter of 2022. WEN had community outreach to almost 100 agencies during the fiscal year. WEN on the Road remains an option, however, client engagement for all agencies is challenging post-pandemic. it may take some time to resume partner requests for WEN on the Road services.