The Collaborative Women’s Conference began, in spirit, more than 26 years ago. It is an extension of the local church, a supporter of all churches, pastors and their wives, women’s ministries, women ministers and wives of associate ministers, and organizations designed to assist women and their families. The CWC loves and supports, unconditionally, women and children who are unsaved and unchurched, and who are struggling in any shape, form, or fashion. We are imperfect creations striving to reach a higher standard in all things, while remaining conscious of the truth that each of us is only one step, one stumble, from a mistake. We do not judge for we love unconditionally, and we genuinely care about the condition of our community and our nation. Confirmation has come through women from California and Las Vegas to Washington D.C., over to Nebraska, down to Florida and Texas, and points between. Women who are Caucasion, African-American, from various ethnic groups, as well as, women with special needs, have confirmed the need for such a faith-based/community-based organization. The CWC crosses all denominational, racial and socio-economic lines. GOD, the awesome creator of diversity and the internal and external need for positive and productive relationships imparted this great vision, this great addition to our great community and nation, therefore HE is the “Founder”.

Our Purpose

TO promote spiritual, emotional, and social unity among women (and girls 6-17).
TO collaborate with other organizations and services to provide opportunities for various training, education and personal assistance for women and their children.
TO support and promote churches, pastors and their wives, existing women's ministries, women ministers and wives of associate ministers, and organizations designed to assist women, and their children, through various forms of service and methods of/for recovery.
TO provide support and assistance in developing women's ministries in local churches, if invited to do so.
TO encourage attendance at constructive events, such as conferences, workshops and seminars in and outside the local community.

A little transparency…

“I didn’t want the headaches, nor the disappointments. I was afraid I wouldn’t be taken seriously. I was afraid of failure and of failing others.” said Dr. Bernice Belt, CWC Overseer. “In November 2006, God reminded me that we had work that was going undone, and to let Him handle the heavy load. [Matthew 17:20]

“It took a late night visit and a ‘more firm than usual’ voice from God reminding me of His calling on so many lives…to fulfill HIS mandate of developing a collaborative women’s organization that divinely defies racial, denominational, and socio-economic boundaries and limitations to bring about more unity for the right reasons.”

God preserved and purposed Dr. Belt from spouse abuse, homelessness, sexual harassment, loss of a career, as well as, multiple obstacles from those who knew better but wouldn’t do better, to becoming a walking miracle from a rare cancer in order to carry out His will with anointed, talented and gifted women, and girls (6-17), who answer, and continue to answer the call of becoming Members for this ongoing endeavor.

Since October 2008, an annual celebration/fundraiser conference has been hosted. The month of October was chosen because October is national awareness month of breast cancer and violence against women.

Annual Conference Recipients:

Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center,
and Ladies Living Free.

Sister Tiffany Benberry, Clerk at Harrison Street Baptist Church believes the experience will help women come together as one unit rather than a group of individuals with denominational and/or social ties. “We’re striving to better ourselves on one level,” she said. “I think this will grow into something more magnificent.”

Sister Mary Boaz of 1st Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, “This is wonderful, just wonderful!”

Pastor Rita Story of Burks Chapel, “This is a great work of God!”

Pastor Jae Gottman, Senior Pastor of 1st Christian Church, “We were looking for a way to get more involved in promoting diversity and we found it."

Attorney Andrew Coiner, “Congratulations to the Collaborative Women’s Conference for its efforts to unify the community.”

Mayor Bill Paxton of Paducah, “…and hope it is not only a success, but also the first of many to come.”

Governor Steven Beshear, “…and I encourage you to continue being leaders in your community through this program.”

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES NO MONTHLY DUES

*The Collaborative Women’s Conference embraces all women, and their daughters/granddaughters (6-17).
*As of 2010, we hold business/planning meetings every other month for about one hour.
*Members are notified, a month in advance, of meeting dates.
*Guest speakers often participate. Members are encouraged to suggest guests/topics.
*Most decisions are determined by attending members. Every member’s opinion and/or concern are valued. Members may also e-mail opinions and concerns when they cannot attend a meeting.
*Refreshments always provided. *Welcome gifts for new members.
*Most meetings are conducted at the Paducah/McCracken County Library. (Saturday mornings)

+++ We respect each other's time, commitments, and responsibilities

+++ Mission: Uniting One Woman At A Time Eph. 4:12, 13a

Mission

Uniting One Woman At A Time: Ephesians 4:12, 13a

PO Box 958 Paducah, KY 42002
collaborativewomensconference-1@comcast.net, or 270-554-2804