A non-profit organization in Houston, TX called WorkFaith Connection set out to create a program that could transform their urban areas by empowering individuals to get a job, keep a job, and ultimately become homeowners and stakeholders in their community.
70 percent of the graduates of WorkFaith’s 8-day program in Houston have a criminal record, but an amazing 74 percent of them get jobs in the first 90 days after they graduate. They have had well over 2,300 adults graduate from their faith-based jobs preparation workshop since 2006.
A small group of Birmingham, Ala. leaders saw the success of the Houston program and felt compelled to launch something similar.
On Friday, March 7, 2014, WorkFaith Birmingham began its first eight-day workshop designed to equip unemployed adults — particularly in the East Lake, Woodlawn and Avondale areas of the Birmingham metro area — to complete a successful job search. Some of the topics covered in the class included resume preparation, evaluation of job skills and abilities, successful interviewing and learning a creative approach to conducting a successful job search.
We are giving adults in transition an opportunity to develop the confidence and life skills needed to become successful. #BringHope
— Work Faith BHM (@WorkFaithBHM) February 20, 2014
This week, WorkFaith Birmingham will hold its first graduation, the beginning of what promises to be a long string of lives impacted in some of Birmingham’s most impoverished areas.
“The question we started asking was simply this: What would Birmingham look like if the chronically unemployed had stable careers, biblical work ethics, and a Christ-centered support system with mentors in their lives?” Said Keith Stanley, President of WorkFaith Birmingham. “The Board and staff of WorkFaith Birmingham believe the workforce of Birmingham would look vastly different than it does today. This isn’t just about changing the lives of the individuals who receive our services. It’s about impacting them, their families and our community.”
The graduation ceremony will take place Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church (7400 London Avenue Birmingham, Ala. 35206). Reverend Thomas Beavers, Pastor of New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker.
But again, this is only the beginning. Numerous local business have partnered with WorkFaith Birmingham to help get these folks back to work. But many more are needed. This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the lives of some fellow Alabamians and a longterm difference in our local community.
For more background, check out Yellowhammer’s previous article, “A call to Birmingham’s business leaders.” To find out how you or your company can get involved visit WorkFaithBHM.org or call 205.545.5000.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
