On Saturday, March 8, 2008, the first official meeting of the faith-based organization Women of Virtue-Outreach Community Center (WOV-OCC), was held at the Kansas City Public Library-Plaza branch. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about founder Belinda Wiley's vision for the organization and its members.

Wiley, a graduate of MCC-Penn Valley, has had the desire to help and serve others in her community for years. Recently she has made many strides toward making that happen on a grander scale. With fewer than 15 members, Wiley has forged ahead in an effort to open a neighborhood community center.

Women of Virtue will focus on women who are homeless, battered, unemployed, displaced, and those who have substance abuse issues. "My vision is to develop a program that will help women gain a different view of life in order to become successful and independent women," Wiley said.

The theme of the organization is "success," with each letter representing an aspect of the program's core curriculum: S is for self-evaluation, U is for the uplifting of every woman, C is for Christ-centered beliefs, C is for challenge, E is for empowerment, S is for strengthening each woman, and the final S is for stability.

"Sometimes some women don't know who they truly are. We will challenge them, give them resources, help them gain affordable housing, help with transportation, give them employment referrals, help with daycare. We will give them understanding of Christian values, but most of all, we will give them love," said Wiley.

Belinda Wiley

Wiley sincerely believes that by following these guidelines, women who have once been unsuccessful will become prosperous. Part of the program guidelines will be to help women to overcome the obstacles they face daily and to keep them moving forward.

After each woman has completed the program, "success" will become their buzz word. This time, women will gain the S for self-esteem, U for becoming aware of their uniqueness, C for existing or new found creativity, C for confidence, E for worthwhile employment, S for shelter and another S for skills.

"These will be a few of the benefits from getting involved in the program... but there will be many others," said Wiley. Although the Women of Virtue organization will be focusing on women, men are also welcome to participate.

The organization will promote community outreach by going to various shelters and helping to feed the homeless. They will sponsor activities designed to bring those within our community together in fellowship. They will be visiting hospitals and nursing homes to encourage those who are weak or bedridden.

"How can we talk to someone about being homeless if we have never been homeless? How can we counsel those who are hungry if we ourselves have never been hungry? How can we minister to someone who has substance abuse problems if we, ourselves, have never had or dealt with someone who has a substance abuse problem?"

The WOV-OCC encourages all those who have a desire and willingness to help others to join them in tending to the needy women and men of our community. For more information, contact Wiley via email at belindaw007@yahoo.com.

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