The few fields which have traditionally been considered suitable occupations for women are in most instances poor paying and over crowded.

Positive steps must be taken and new and innovative programs must be set up to address the myriad problems that face women today.

Women must be encouraged by educational institutions, unions, and employers to enter non-traditional fields of employment.

They must also be encouraged to be independent in their thinking and in their life styles. A confident "Yes I can" must replace the timidness of "I'm afraid that I can't do that." The paternalistic figure of the welfare department, the prison and the pimp must be replaced by personal feelings of worth and selfesteem that enables a woman to take control of her own destiny and to make a comfortable life for herself and her children.

Solutions must be designed particularly for and around the gender-specific needs of women if they are to make a difference. It is to these problems that the YWCA addresses itself.

UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT AND THE WOMAN OFFENDER

CHARACTERISTICS

A profile of the typical woman inmate of a Federal prison can be drawn from a survey done recently, by the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau at the Federal Reformatories for Women in Alderson, West Virginia, and Terminal Island, California.

The most striking fact about the prisoners was their youth; one-half were under the age of 30; one-third were from 15 to 24. Almost 80% were married or had been married. Three out of four of the married prisoners were under 20 at the time of their marriages. Eighty percent had childen. More than 90 percent expect that, when released, they would have to work to support themselves or others.

The woman offender is likely to have worked in a low-wage, low-status occupation. The survey revealed that on their most recent jobs one-third of the women at Alderson had made less than $60.00 per week; half made less than $70.00; only 15 percent made more than $100.00.

With her poor job skills, low salary, and family responsibilities, the typical woman offender is not new to trouble, or to jail.

ST. LOUIS AREA WOMEN OFFENDERS

The average daily population of women offenders in the Medium Security Institution is 35 women. Fifty percent (50%) of this number are recidivists. Fortyfive percent (45%) were unemployed before incarceration. Fifty percent (50%) worked in unskilled, menial, or semi-skilled jobs, such as waitresses, barmaids, domestic workers, cleaning women, etc. before incarceration. Sixty-eight percent (68%) have not completed high school. Eighty percent (80%) of the women have children; seventy percent (70%) of these women are unmarried. Consequently, these 70% are the sole support of their offspring.

The few fields which have traditionally been considered suitable occupations for women are in most instances poor paying and over-crowded. Contrary to the myth that men support women, thirty-five percent (35%) of all women that work are the sole support of their families. Among ex-offenders this percentage is even higher.

YWCA PILOT PROGRAM, OPERATION NEW DAY

In a recent study by the YWCA of the women offenders incarcerated in the Medium Security Institute, the facts showed:

80% of the women were under age thirty. The average numerical grade completed was tenth grade. However, the actual ability level was significantly lower, closer to sixth grade in educational ability.

75% of the women had never worked, 20% had worked in marginal or menial employment, 50% had held full-time employment. Few of the women had any clear job interests, most needed job training and counseling in the areas of employment.

It is evident that the particular needs of women offenders are not being met by the schools or by the correctional facilities programs in which they are in

carcerated. When a woman does receive training in a skill suitable for employment, she is discriminated against by society after she is released. An individual woman, recently released from the Federal Prison at Fort Worth, Texas, returned to St. Louis, (her home) to seek employment. She took the civil service and postal service exams for a job as a key punch operator. She scored 85% on civil service and 94% on the postal service exam. She has been interviewed for jobs at the civil service and the post office three times. Each time she was told that she was not sufficiently qualified for the job. We are now assisting her in seeking an impartial investigation of her application by EEOC.

Finally, State Probation and Parole statistics indicate that 80% of their case loads who are gainfully employed and not unemployed stay out of difficulty with the law, thereby cutting crime and recidivism rates.

PREPARED STATEMENT OF MS. LYVONNE MOORE, ST. LOUIS, MO., RE: POSTAL SERVICE

Entered Postal Service March 4, 1963. I was injured Jan. 11, 1964 by a fall on the icy P.O. steps. I was injured Oct. 6, 1972 falling pouch rack. I was injured October 6, 1972 rest bar. I was injured Oct. 6, 1972 lower back stair. I was injured Oct. 6, 1972 elevator door. In between all of this, I was sent to U.S. P.H. X amount of times. Which became quite irritating to the staff there. This was also irritating to the Nursing Staff in the Post Office. I was being insulted at times due to the paper work etc. Plus my trying to work and being in pain.

The Management began their harrassment in the form of suspensions. On me about the height of my set, height of my rest bar, the number of hours I worked etc. There was changes of my duties on my assignment card. I was interviewed about leaving the Postal Sec. X amount of times because I couldn't lift heavy things or do any prolonged standing etc. I was sent to Chicago for observation. At which time I was told I should come back and ask for a desk job, etc. because I would never be able to do heavy work.

At that time it was denied, I was told I should learn to type, et cetera. Some where during the same time, 2 co-workers, males, white, et certa., was given different jobs, et cetera. One was injured, the other has a heart condition and they were moved from the floor to my knowledge. Neither could type. A friend white female who began to have back problems due to a calcium deficiency was offered an office job and offered to be trained as we were friends and management was considering me.

We were both suspended however, put back to work with effort of the union. (It was later learned this was done because we were friends. After this time we each took supervisor exams she passed, I did not. By this time we were working separate tours of duty).

Also during this period I was wrote up AWOL while at lunch. I was wrote up for not working over time, when medical statements were there requesting I only work 8 hours per day.

I've been denied leave when I suffered severe head aches and was threating stroke level and needed rest.

I've been harassed about the times I used wash room if I stayed 11 or 12 minutes or was a few minutes over on lunch. During this time there was 2 white males who had 15 to 20 minute breaks and 45 minute lunches.

In later time there was 3 black males who become ill due to various conditions who was also put into offices. 1 White women.

I was finally interviewed again about learning. I told them I was interested in Vocational training. When my counselor called to make arrangments for my schools he was drastically insulted, would not care to try and help in that way any more. Also during this time I was in touch with now retired Congressman Frank Karsten to help relieve the pressures.

I was eventually put in an office but I have a supervisor who liked to holler at persons or not speak quietly to you. So I requested to go back to my original assignment if there wasn't anything open. I next went into time keeping. I had a leg which had been damaged in therapy under Dr. Macohek, and was on it too much and the Ace bandage was wrapped too tight it swole up. I called in and explained. I was immediately terminated because they needed some one who was always there. I ask Mr. Bakewell to investigate it all.

I went into Postal Service Data. I ran into a level 8 white woman who did not like a German Girl whom I got along with, trouble started. I worked a desk

with typewriter she had to use each time I sat there, she often complained of not having a typewriter herself. This went on for a few times, the next thing I was back on the floor.

I went back to harassment of pulse size, foot wear, to less mail in a tray. I must use a, when there was a few whites who did not hardly ever do so. I was forced to work papers once and sustain an additional lower back strain.

During this time if I remember correctly my white male co-worker was not subjected to same.

When the U.S. Postal Service decided to discontinue the regional office (which was the administrative office. I was sent there and later discovered in the process of being eliminated) it would have been (1) The work load or (2) Becoming a permanent member of the staff at this office.

I returned back to the Main Office after 1 year and 3 weeks to further fights for light assignment in the office there (as most of my assignments have been outside the office). Meanwhile, one white male has been promoted, the other still in Office. One girl brought in with subs worked one week was sent up stairs in office for training. One white woman came in and went to work in an office.

Prior to this one white coworker told me he walked off the workroom floor without permission. To my knowledge if there was an AWOL it was dropped because this was only a few days later if I recall correctly he told me about it. I could go on and on but my dismissal came after being sent home by the nurse, seeing my doctor whom I feel was bought off by management. Being charged AWOL-30 days or more, which was a violation of our national agreement with union, the union dropped the case with 1 day of arbitration they will not give me materials I once needed for my compensation. I would not return phone calls. Labor Board turned down the case.

Some of this information is at Congressman Clay's office. Will he happen to submit other material.

This is given to the best of my ability. May not be in order. [momentarily] MISS LYVONNE MOORE.

I've gone through an ordeal trying to get cooperation from E.E.O.C., 015 Locust to no avail as well as Postal E.E.O.C.

I've suffered from rat housing, food stamps issued properly, no disability assistance due to improper Dr. reports. Denial of unemployment due to my back problem. Not being fired only suspended. Improper evaluation by S.S.I. doctor. I was denied inner office first aid once. A trip to public health once. These are methods on abuse and harassment used to eliminate persons. I was employed for March 4, 1963 to actually April 15, 1975, when AWOL charges started separation was sometime in July. Papers cut 1/20/75.

It was mandatory I work split shift even though my doctor request 5 straight days.

No local agencies can deal with this problem and most attorneys I spoke with want an enormous of money. Or turn it down because of time expense. It's not a landmark case.

I've gone through a chain of Drs. since 1/20/75, upon my last visit to U.S. Public Health I've been advised to seek my own Dr. again.

Even Legal Aid gave up on it for the most part, even though there is:

1. Possible malpractice

2. Possible X amount workman's comp.

3. AWOL charge

4. Discriminations

During much of this time I had to learn schemes. I still take strong medication with many side effects. Therapy poses a problem. Have a hard time getting answers from D.C. office. So far no approach has been made for vocational reha., etc.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

The St. Louis Human Development Corporation (HDC) has, over the last decade, successfully administered, sponsored and/or operated over 80 programs in the areas of employment, community organization, health and educational services. Through its gateway structures these services have been extended to over 150,000 residents of the St. Louis City and St. Louis County areas.

In the eight year history of HDC's employment programs 81,000 St. Louis poor, unemployed and underemployed unskilled disadvantaged have been given manpower services such as employment counseling, referral and job development. Because of the special limitations of many of our clientele, extensive special job development techniques have been developed and implemented by the Manpower Division of HDC with its cadre of experts. It has been modestly estimated that we have placed over 31,000 persons inside meaningful occupations.

Prior to December, 1974, the HDC sponsored manpower programs through discretionary funding from the Office of Economic Opportunity and specially earmarked funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. To date, manpower programs under the auspices of the Community Services Administration, formerly known as the Office of Economic Opportunity, are still in existence. However, those programs formerly funded directly by the U.S. Department of Labor now procure the same services through local government. This form of procurement is a direct result of special revenue sharing known as the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973.

THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT OF 1973

The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) authorizes financial assistance to state and local government agencies for the purpose of providing comprehensive manpower services. It is not a poverty program; instead its stated purpose is "to provide job training and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed persons." (Section 2)

Further, it does not ensure participation by the representatives of poverty groups in the actual decision making and administration of programs authorized under it. For the most part, only units of state and local governments are eligible to apply for funds and become "prime sponsors" of CETA programs and services (Section 2). 1) Under the act it is the prime sponsor that has final decision making authority regarding the design and operation of manpower programs for their areas.

December 1, 1973 through November 30, 1974, marked the last full year of programming directly from the U.S. Department of Labor. That year our Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) provided the following services.

Individual certification/vocational training_.

305

1044

277

432

709

1230 Direct placements played on the job at least 30 days: 60-day retention rate 84 percent; 90-day retention rate 74 percent.

Under the new system (CETA), the HDC has offered the following services: Institutional training.

Individual certification.

Work experience (Number served) (Terminated June 30, 1975).
Supported work

Job placements (From December 9, 1974 through September 30, 1975) --

147

128

415

40

292

As can be noted, special revenue sharing policies have severely affected the services offered by the Human Development Corporation of Metropolitan St. Louis. We are particularly concerned with the lessened priority of Work Experience. Our experiences over the last eight years indicates that our hard core clientele must have interim measures of subsistence as the motivator to prepare themselves for suitable and meaningful employment. The CETA system has totally and completely ignored this motivation. Additionally, it ignores the importance of In-School employment activities for youth. That is, the Neighborhood Youth Corps activities formerly operated by the HDC have been abolished only to include Summer Youth programming. Again, our experience indicates a need for this kind of service for the youth target.

It is, therefore, the position of the Human Development Corporation of Metropolitan St. Louis that programming under the auspices of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, administered by the City of St. Louis, leaves much to be desired in terms of servicing poor people. We contend, that the

old system allowed for the special innovative activities much needed by our hard core target groups. We welcome the return of the old method of procurement or a greater consideration for poor people in the new.

Mr. HAWKINS. The next witness is Mrs. Loretta Johnson, OASIS, the Older Adults Special Issues Society.

Mrs. Johnson.

Is Mrs. Johnson present?

If not, the next witness is Mr. Richard Dockett, National Black Assembly.

Mr. Dockett, we welcome you to the committee.

STATEMENT OF RICHARD DOCKETT, NATIONAL BLACK ASSEMBLY

Mr. DOCKETT. I am Richard Dockett and I am with the National Black Assembly. The National Black Assembly is a black united front composed of all classes, sectors, and groups in the black community. Workers, unemployed professionals, students, black elected officials, black Communists, black reformists, nationalists unified to struggle against national oppression and the economic exploitation that black people suffer.

The National Black Assembly gave critical support to H.R. 50 at its economic conference held in Atlanta, Ga., on August 1, 2, and 3, when over 500 black people met to form around the theme of the current depression, survival of black people and what is to be done.

Some of the major questions that came out of the conference were why no full employment, unemployment as it relates to black people, cutback in the social agencies and increase in the military budget. We are glad to see our representatives such as Congressman Clay along with Congressman Hawkins of California concerned about the question of full employment.

We need to point out that the only time that black people were fully employed was during slavery and the only time that the country experienced prosperity was during the war. We need to keep in mind that there has been such a bill on the books since 1946 that deals with the question of full employment that has been watered down, loopholed, and passed around.

How qualitatively different will this bill be from the 1946 bill? By what means will this bill be in force? We support full employment but we hope that our time is not being wasted and the promises of full employment.

We have the following recommendations for improving this bill: One. That the bill be fully implemented within a year's time instead of a 5-year allotment.

Two. That the black and the working class people be included at all levels of implementation of this bill.

Three. That jobs be created by the U.S. full employment services that are meaningful and useful jobs that will develop with the society and that will not lead people to a deadend.

Four. That the time for job seekers temporarily placed in a standby job corps be a 30-day period and after that 30-day period at which time they would be given the right to sue the Government.

Thank you.