Magazine Resources

2005 Fast 50

PROVIDING A VIRTUAL FUTURE FOR WOMEN IN NEED

Janet Jordan
VAU Learning Leader, Virtual Assistance U
Corpus Christi - TX US

What did you accomplish in 2004?
In 2004, Virtual Assistance U graduated its first group of approximately 20 victims of domestic abuse, preparing them for careers as home-based Virtual Assistants. VAU classes are conducted online, which is an ideal environment for victims of domestic violence who are living in shelters anonymously, safe from their abusers. Upon graduation, these women have the tools necessary to launch their own successful VA businesses from home, perhaps in a new community, out of harm’s way. Operating a home-based VA practice affords these women the opportunity to make a new, secure life for themselves and their children.

How did you do it?
The first and most pivotal step in the process was to reach out to women’s shelters to explain the potential value of VAU training and a career as a Virtual Assistant to the special circumstances surrounding victims of domestic abuse. These women are often unemployed and/or without marketable job skills. They are typically mothers with school-age children to rear. And after leaving a shelter, they frequently must move away from their communities to live anonymously in order to remain safe from their abusers. Given this particular set of circumstances, a business that is home-based and can be conducted entirely remotely through the use of technology, is potentially an ideal fit for women who are rebuilding their lives after escaping an abusive situation. It can afford financial as well as physical independence and security, with the added benefits that home-basing offers mothers of young children. Outreach efforts to the shelters were conducted through networking with other non-profit organizations and business associations, solicitations via websites such as www.virtualassistanceu.com and www.higher-calling.org, and by direct contact with known shelters and safe houses. The next step was to collaborate with participating shelters to secure the equipment the students would need for classes, as well as for launching their businesses after graduation. The final step was to insure that VAU students living in shelters were placed into classes with students from all walks of life, to enable them to begin to think less like victims and more like capable career women.

What were the major obstacles that you faced?
By far, the biggest obstacle in helping domestic violence victims toward independence and a new life is the very real fear that they will be found by their abusers and re-victimized, sometimes with the worst possible outcome. Battered women’s shelters, by virtue of their anonymity, provide a haven of safety and security for victims who need time to heal and begin to rebuild their lives. It can initially be very frightening for these women to leave the confines of the shelter and venture out into the world again. That psychological dynamic can slow the progress an abuse victim is able to make toward recovery and independence. An excellent alternative to traditional classroom attendance for women living in shelters is online training of the type that VAU offers. It can provide an ideal solution for women who are interested in pursuing or re-starting a career in the administrative field. Further obstacles came in the form of securing equipment and other technology for online training, as well as helping shelter students demonstrate mastery of VAU coursework as a way of moving beyond past traumas and feelings of victimization.

What was the result?
The one and only goal of bringing Virtual Assistant U training to victims of domestic abuse is to help those women gain the skills, independence and support they need to start new lives away from their abusive spouses. Toward that end, VAU tuition and fees are waived for any woman living in a shelter situation. (And in fact, any woman in need who is interested in a career as a Virtual Assistant can contact Ms. Jordan for a personal consultation.) Online training, from the safety of a temporary shelter home anywhere in the world, allows abuse victims to switch focus from the misery of a past life toward renewed hope and a vision for the future. VAU students, regardless of background, are provided solid entrepreneurial training in a supportive environment alongside a diverse community of students. Domestic abuse survivors who graduate from VAU and launch their own Virtual Assistant practices have the tools and potential to build new lives as successful entrepreneurs, in new communities if necessary, using new skills and a new outlook. They can move from victims to victors, and break the cycle of abuse for their children and future generations.

What are your goals for 2005?
The goal in 2005 for the VAU program to help domestic abuse victims become successful Virtual Assistant entrepreneurs is to at least double the number of 2004 graduates that are referred from shelters and safe houses. Currently, a new group of students begins VAU classes at the start of each month, and class size is limited to six participants. In order to accomplish the goal of graduating 40+ shelter residents while also accommodating the needs of mainstream students, Ms. Jordan will consider adding more classes to the existing schedule and bringing additional learning leaders onboard.

Comments that readers have made about this submission:

VAU is a wonderful program.
Tammera Moore - Waco, TX USA
What a wonderful concept. God Bless.
valerie@desqtopofficesolutions.com - Bear, DE (USA)
The Virtual Assistance Industry is still a fledgling industry in itself. I am sure Janet Jordan has more than her share of work with promoting the industry, not to mention her own business to make a living. I find it extremely admirable that she has been able to fashion time from that to give back to the community and also help women in need in this most critical time in their lives. I commend Janet Jordan for her hard work and wish all of the luck in the world to the new graduates.
Dorothy Meyer Monigan - Ringwood, NJ, USA
Janet Jordan is a wonderful inspiring person. I have taken her VAU courses for VA's (I'm fortunately not one of the abused women but I was in the past) and they are simply first rate. You learn things in weeks that it would take you years to find out in business without that support. Even after graduating you can find help and assistance from other VAU grads and Janet is an ongoing source of inspiration to all of us who come into contact with her.
Christine Richmond - London, England.
I think this is a great idea. I offer my own clients a chance to contribute to a domestic abuse intervention service by giving a portion of money I earn through their purchase of Santa letters. This is a fantastic undertaking and I wish you only the best!
wpp10@charter.net - Wisconsin
Wow! This is a wonderful program that VAU and Janet Jordan are sponsoring. Congratulations and good luck to all the new graduates as they begin their new life of independance and freedom from abuse.
Cheryl Almstrom - Oxford, MA USA
I am proud to know an entrepreneur with such a giving, nurturing nature and the support she gives to all she comes in contact with is amazing. Janet encourages those who need to re-build their lives to find their niche and build a career for themselves and their family. The support in this day and age is obviously sorely needed.
Anita Darlene Lyals - newaygo
It is wonderful how the word is finally getting out about Virtual Assistants. May we continue to network together and thank you Janet for contributing to helping us gain credibility!
tawnya@vanetworking.com - Vancouver, Canada
I've known Janet for several years and she has always given without expecting anything in return. This is just another example of her exceptional spirit and willingness to share the gifts that God has given her. She is walking a path that few would attempt. Your students are truly blessed.
Sharon Williams - Randallstown, MD, USA
Having had the opportunity of attending VAU, I know first hand just how knowlegeable, patient, caring, and kind Janet Jordan is. Knowing how much she desires success for all attendees, I am not at all surprised that she is making such a difference in these new graduate's lives.
Kathy Allsot - Spring Grove, IL, USA
If this nomination is not deserving of a "top-50" award, I don't know who, or what, would be. It is rare, indeed, to find someone who champions the cause of people in need by giving them a hand, rather than a hand-out.
Jim Cargill - Carson City, NV, USA
Janet is a dedicated teacher who puts her students first at all times. I am happy to be associated with her and appreciate what she is doing for these ladies. Penny Sullivan, GURU NETworks
Penny Sullivan - Chantilly VA USA
I am currently enrolled in Janet's VAU course, and have already experienced tremendous results in my own business by applying the principals, marketing techniques and business practices I've learned in just a few lessons. Both Janet Jordan and VAU are great assets to the Virtual Assistance Industry.
Terry L. Green - Baltimore, Ohio, United States
WEll said Jim Cargill! Janet Jordan has touched the hearts and lives of many people, including mine. I'm priveleged to know her and feel blessed that our paths in life have crossed. It is wonderful to see that she gives of her time so freely for such a wonderful cause - to give purpose to those who need a hand.
Kelly Poelker - O'Fallon, Illinois, USA
Well said by all. A true leader making a difference by example.
AR - Washington, USA
Janet is well deserving of this award, and I commend her on reaching out to those in need of help. She is my business mentor and she is always there when I need her no matter what. I can truly say that she is a true leader in the Virtual Assistant industry. May God bless you Janet! As you continue to give, the Lord will continue to bless you and your family.
Lisa Dixon - Washington, DC, USA
VAU is a dynamic, effective learning tool for a fast pace, highly technological society. The online resources are benchmark quality and offer a unique educational experience. Janet Jordan and VAU's commitment to women in crisis is a wonderful way of extending goodwill to the community.
Gloria Marshall - Dallas, Texas, USA
It is so typical of Janet to be involved in Virtual Assistant training for victims of domestic abuse. These people are the most victimized and least cared for of all crime victims. Janet recognized the need and with her considerable computer skills, devised a curriculum for training others, the most vulnerable among us, to be virtual assistants. Janet is one of the hardest workers I know. She is innovative, intelligent and is always involved in outreach activities helping others. You will search a long time to find someone more deserving than she is to receive this award.
Paul and Gloria Bernard - Los Angeles, Calif., USA
I have known Janet for about 20 years. She is and always has been a woman who is always looking to help some one else. She is truly a blessing. She is the word "Professional" in whatever she puts her heart into. Quality is her middle name.
Encourager Linda Flagg - www.theencourager.net - Houston, Texas USA
Wonderful service, this is something that should be around the us for victims of violent. Please keep up the good work.
Lula Carter - Lakwood, CA USA
As a proud VAU Graduate, I feel truly blessed for having met Janet Jordan. I have considered her a mentor for a few years now, but I am truly inspired by her generosity and selflessness. As a former abuse victim, I recognize how important it is to have someone AMAZING in your corner.
Elizabeth Walton - Richmond, CA USA
I would recommend Janet for this award as truly deserving. Janet not only has helped these women, but over the past four years has provided over $14,000 in partial scholarships to her Virtual Assistant Training Program for members of The International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (www.iavoa.com). Beyond what Janet has given from her training program she has also underwritten 1/3 of the Virtual Assistance Conference for four years. From 2001-2004 Janet has been a speaker, host, sponsor and provided underwriting for the conference to be held. Janet was the first individual to recommend a Virtual Assistance Conference and she, along with two others personally underwrite the annual Virtual Assistance Conference. I would recommend this award for Janet because she is a giver not a taker. She has proven that over the years. Sincerely, Alfred L. Gandee CEO, IAVOA.com
Alfred L. Gandee - Red Oak, Ok, USA