On Wednesday, October 14, The Center for Work, Education and Employment (CWEE) welcomed Lupe Anguiano, a national visionary and founder of the National Women's Employment and Education (NWEE) program. Anguiano came to Denver to visit former Colorado State Legislator and friend Polly Baca as well as to visit CWEE. Both Anguiano and Baca helped get CWEE, which is modeled after NWEE, off the ground.
Anguiano is a civil right's activist who is known for her work on women's rights. She believed women should be able to get a job, get education and stabilize themselves. In the early 80s, she began NWEE so she could help single female parents move beyond welfare poverty. In 1982, Anguiano came to Denver to meet CWEE's board and funders as well as train the staff, including CWEE's current executive director, Laurie Harvey.
"Both Lupe and Polly are so important to CWEE's history. I was very privileged to learn from Lupe at the start of my time with CWEE," said Harvey. "It is such an honor to be given the opportunity to show them around our facility - which wouldn't be where it is today without them."
Since its inception in 1982, CWEE has helped more than 9,500 low-income adults prepare for, find and keep reliable employment. Today, CWEE continues to prepare single parents and families for long-term employment, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and end their dependency on TANF. In addition to their job readiness courses, CWEE provides their participants with computer certificates, soft skills, and GED certification.
"CWEE's success is my success. The credit goes to all those involved because of their strength and intelligence," said Anguiano. "From the start, Polly and I both knew the key to women's health and wellness was for them to get a job and feel pride in who they are and what they do. CWEE is allowing women and men alike to do just that."
For more information on CWEE, visit www.cwee.org or call 303.892.8444.