The recent economic downturn and surge in unemployment has focused attention on education and training as a strategic response to Ireland's socio-economic crisis. However, that attention has been concentrated on training through statutory institutions, particularly FAS and the VECs. Longford Women's Link, a Women's Community Education centre in Co Longford, presents a case study of delivery of the FAS-funded Community Employment Scheme using the Women's Community Education approach. Evidence is presented that demonstrates effectiveness in personal, career and community capacity-building in addition to achieving labour-market activation with long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups of women. These outcomes argue that the Women's Community Education approach has a significant role to play in any education and training strategy. (Contains 4 figures.)