WACS Mission: “Changing generations by connecting families with support,
resources
and education so they can empower themselves to become
self-sufficient. “
With the help of Women and Children Succeeding (WACS), Tracy was able to return to college as a single parent. WACS helped with child care and served as an emotional support group for her and other young women. This is her story.
For more success stories of our WACS graduates, visit our YouTube page.
AIM's most innovative and successful program.
Women and Children Succeeding (WACS) gives parents and disadvantaged children the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and become independent, self-sufficient, and successful. WACS provides intensive case management, supportive services, and financial assistance, removing the barriers that prevent parents from returning to school. The number one barrier for parents returning to school is the lack of childcare. Our WACS program helps participants obtain quality childcare and equips families with the tools they need to complete their education.
South Carolina ranks in the top 10 states of women living in poverty, our school drop-out rate is among the highest in the nation and SC has a critical need for preparing children living in poverty for kindergarten. WACS addresses all of these issues by assisting participants with resources and holding the families accountable to follow their signed contracts. The program also provides an intensive plan to assist the family with parenting, budgeting, mentoring, and life coaching resources. lucrative career, enhancing the quality of life for them, as well as their children.
Since 1994 over 100 participants have successfully completed the program, and we are growing with a current average of 10 graduates per year. These graduates go into a vast array of high demand industries, the most prevalent of which are nursing and education.
WACS has helped to create grassroots leadership and continues to make an huge impact in our community. In 2012, three WACS graduates - Lorin Larason, Tracy Bowie, and Laneika Musalini - were named in the top 20 under 40 Leaders by the Anderson Independent-Mail. Dr. David Hughes, a professor at Clemson University, conducted a study for the Institute for Economic and Community Development. This study concluded that over a span of thirty years with only 116 graduates, the WACS program will have a $47,987,520 economic impact on our community.
Requirements
All WACS participants must sign a contract upon acceptance into the program and abide by the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in college
- Submit all grades each semester
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Attend financial counseling
- Attend Monthly Life Skills sessions
- Weekly communication with case manager
- 1 hour of community service at an agency of their choice for every $100 invested in the family
Services Provided
- Spriritual counseling and support
- Financial assistance for childcare
- Intensive case management
- Life skills training
- Financial counseling
- Credit repair
- Advocacy and referrals
- Career Counseling
- Parenting Classes
- One-on-one mentoring
- IDA savings program
- Transportation assistance
How to Apply
Persons referred to the program are interviewed to determine overall need and commitment for optimal success. In order to enter the program, the applicant must be eligible for government assistance (i.e. WIC, Snap benefits, Medicaid). When coming in for an interview you are asked to bring:
- Class schedule
- Enrollment information
- Transcript from college or high school
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of current household income
- Picture ID
- One page summary of your career goals
- WACS application
How You Can Help
- Sponsor a family
- Donate a full or partial scholarship at your childcare facility
- Host a Life Skills session
- Put the WACS program in your budget
- Donate vehicles or gas cards
- Become a mentor
