About Community of Inspired Women
• According to its website, the Community of Inspired Women is a nonprofit organization founded to inspire women to get from where they are to where they want to be. One CIW program called MERGE (Merging Experience, Relationships, Grace and Empowerment) meets the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. MERGE is free and open to all women
19 years of age and older.
CIW offers one-day workshops that include hands-on training covering various topics, including communication and conflict resolution, application process, professional resume development, interviews and dressing for success, and social networking. For more information, call 912-222-2211.
The Community of Inspired Women Inc. awarded its first scholarship to Kaisha Porter during its monthly meeting June 2 at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center.
According to Steering Committee member Daisy Jones, the scholarship idea came from a listening session CIW held at Regency Apartments in 2013, when someone said there was a need for financial assistance to help women complete their high-school education so they could receive GED diplomas and attend college.
Jones said the scholarship was implemented for women age 19 and older to improve their education and career chances. The women had to live or work in Liberty or Long county, complete the application process to include a one-year CIW mentoring opportunity, provide reference letters from non-relatives, write a 500-word essay, provide proof of high-school or college transcripts and participate in a personal interview with the CIW selection committee.
Jones said there were five applicants, with Porter receive the first scholarship award.
“This was a wonderful experience. I wish it were possible to give scholarships to all of the ladies who applied. It felt so good to be able to give and help one person pursue her educational goals,” said Charlene Jenkins, co-chairwoman of the CIW Scholarship Committee.
“It was a great feeling,” Porter said. “Knowing that I was chosen … it was something that I greatly needed. I appreciate them noticing that all my qualifications met their standards. I plan on giving back once I get my degree so that I can inspire other women.”
Porter is currently attending Savannah Technical College and is pursuing her dream of being a dental hygienist. She said the scholarship money will help cover the costs of books, uniforms and other supplies the coursework requires.
“It was a pleasure to be a part of a great opportunity to assist another woman in pursuing their educational dream and goal. I would like to encourage all women to reach towards their goals, not letting anything stop them in achieving greatness,” said JuShara R. Coples, co-chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee.