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Women's program provides more than job training by Weslynn Chubb Public Relations Now in its fifth year of providing services for women in Charleston, Innovative Alternatives for Women (IAW) continues to offer a more holistic alternative to traditional welfare-to-work programs. Students of the Innovative Alternatives for Women program practice their computer skills at the computer lab in the Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church on Cannon Street. Serving women of the economically-deprived section of Charleston referred to as the Enterprise Community, IAW not only teaches women computer and  business-related skills, but also trains them in the areas of financial management, childcare, domestic violence prevention and a host of other areas. With a maximum of 12 students admitted during each session, the classes are small in size and give the students the opportunity to work together on a  personal basis. “In this environment, it's so supportive,” said executive director Sandra Brown, R.N. “They are very caring and very supportive of each other. That's  the piece that's missing from other programs, that supportive network." IAW also differs from other welfare-to-work programs because the goal is not only to help women find a job, but to assist them in keeping their jobs,  while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well.  “The women we are working with aren't just looking for jobs,” Brown said. “They're looking to keep their jobs.” IAW has demonstrated that it has helped women achieve these goals through a proven track record. In addition to the program's recent report that  graduates of the program earn at least $1 more per hour than graduates of other local programs, IAW's success also shows in the 24 percent of women who enroll in college after finishing the program. A year-long follow up also checks the progress of the graduates, and currently, results show that 94percent of the women  are still working at the end of one year. IAW, which has now graduated 80 women from its program, is now in its 9th session.  Founded in 1997 through the College of Nursing, IAW is located in Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church on Cannon Street.  For more information about the program or how to donate business clothing, contact Brown at 723-8150.