About

Front of the Christian Women's Job Corps building in Nacogdoches

Our Story

In 1994, our founder Melba Tiller moved to Nacogdoches, Texas and became deeply involved in the Shelby-Doches Association Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). As she listened to the moving testimonies of women who had gone through the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) program, Melba felt a profound calling to bring this transformative initiative to her own community.

 

The women Melba encountered shared stories of overcoming abusive relationships, finding employment, enrolling in college, and discovering their faith – all thanks to the support and guidance provided by CWJC. Melba was deeply moved by the potential she saw in these narratives to uplift and empower women in Nacogdoches.

Driven by this vision in March of 1999, Melba founded the Christian Women’s Job Corps Nacogdoches in 2003, determined to replicate the life-changing impact she had witnessed elsewhere. In 2004, the organization became a registered 501 ©(3) nonprofit. It was not until January 5th, 2005, that Melba was able to have a site. The first class started with just 3 students, but since then, hundreds of women in the Nacogdoches community have been served through this impactful program. Through the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Nacogdoches, Melba sought to provide local women with the skills, resources, and faith-based community needed to overcome challenges, discover their purpose, and build brighter futures. Thanks to First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, Drewery Construction, and many more, her dream of creating a transformative space for women in her community has clearly taken root and flourished over the past two decades.

Our program makes a valuable contribution to the community by providing skilled women who have gained employment readiness training the opportunity to be productive, contributing members of society. CWJC actively seeks to establish strategic partnerships with local churches, businesses, social service agencies, and other non-profit organizations.

Through these collaborative efforts, CWJC is able to leverage resources and create meaningful connections that support the women in their journey towards self-sufficiency and career attainment. By empowering women with the necessary skills and connections, our organization plays a vital role in strengthening the community and promoting economic mobility.

The graduates of our program gain job and life skills, community, new or renewed faith in Christ, and most importantly, hope.

Our Team

We are passionate about our mission and serious about our work. Each staff member has been trained in their area of expertise and loves working with people.

Jasmine Hassan

Executive Director

Jasmine Hassan is a dedicated and innovative leader who currently serves as the Executive Director of Christian Women’s Job Corps in Nacogdoches, Texas. A native of Houston, Texas, Jasmine came to Nacogdoches to pursue her education at Stephen F. Austin State University and has remained in the area ever since. At SFA, Jasmine earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Medical Humanities, with a minor in Combined Sciences. During her time as a student, she was recognized on the President’s List twice and the Dean’s List four times and was awarded the prestigious Worthing Scholar accolade. Prior to attending SFA, Jasmine also completed an Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College while in high school through the dual credit program and received the “Outstanding Young Woman” award from Houston Independent School District.

In her position as Executive Director, Jasmine’s responsibilities encompass strategic leadership, public liaison duties, and maintaining effective donor and volunteer relationships. She previously worked as a WIOA Case Manager at Dynamic Workforce Solutions, where she managed jobseekers, provided program orientation, and tracked employment outcomes. Jasmine’s career began as a Student Assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs at SFA, where she supported diversity and inclusion efforts through event planning and administrative work.

Jasmine’s is an active member of various community organizations, including the Greater East Texas Community Action Board. As a first-generation American and college graduate, Jasmine has a powerful personal testimony, having experienced homelessness, poverty, and the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings while still a student. Jasmine states that during this time, she was reintroduced to the Christian faith by a local family who took her in and planted seeds of hope and faith in her. Her experiences fuel her passion for advocating for resource sharing, ensuring people receive the help they need, and addressing the theology of poverty.

Demetrius Waters is the passionate Program Director of the Christian Women’s Job Corps in Nacogdoches, Texas. Born and raised in this close-knit community, Demetrius attended the local high school, where she excelled as a track star, even earning a scholarship to the University of Kentucky.

After completing her studies, Demetrius returned home to put down roots and start a family of her own, now proudly raising three children. Her upbringing by a single mother instilled in her the importance of staying grounded in faith and weaving it into every aspect of life.

Demetrius brings a wealth of relevant experience to her role, including extensive work in mentoring women, case management, and operational leadership. She has also served in various leadership positions within her local church, continuing to dedicate herself to this ministry through her work at CWJC.

As Program Director, Demetrius leverages her personal background, professional expertise, and deep community ties to empower the women of Nacogdoches. Her passion, compassion, and commitment to making a difference are truly inspirational.

Demetrius Waters

Program Director