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Holiday Dinner Celebrates On the Job Success | |
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The Next Step Employment Program celebrated client achievements with a ceremony and dinner on December 14th. Over 25 "alumni" were on hand to applaud Next Step clients who had recently passed their GED or had achieved six month and one year milestones in employment. Those who completed one year on the job received a gold ladder pin to signify how far they have climbed.
 Thank you to Board member Lee Stringer for sharing inspirational and encouraging words with program graduates.
And thank you to employers who have recently hired Next Step clients: Macy's, UPS, Hale & Hearty Soups, and Sullivan Street Bakery. If you can make an introduction to a potential employer, please call Monica Roquitte at 212-620-0340, x355. |
| Fort Washington Clients Pay It Forward | |
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Recreation Specialist Anna Coleman-Wilson center with group |
Former residents of Fort Washington Men's Shelter return for holiday visits to the Life in Progress group which supports men as they transition out of the shelter and into housing. The group is led by Recreation Specialist Anna Coleman-Wilson and former client Scott McDonald who turned his life around at Fort Washington and is now "paying it forward". Scott spent a number of years in the corporate world before becoming homeless, and he uses that experience to motivate his peers to become "the CEO's of their lives."
Both Anna and Scott agree that the most difficult time in the shelter is waiting for housing after submitting their housing applications. Scott had his submitted within 6 weeks of moving into the shelter but had to wait 9 months to find housing. The group, which meets once a week, helps channel the frustration of waiting and engages clients in such topics as finances, time management, understanding stigma, and mending fences with family. During the holidays, past members of the group come back and pay it forward for new clients. Graduates have said that the group was helpful; they took what they learned and now have a home where they can celebrate the holidays. |
| CORE Gives Back With Care Packages for Clients | |
Wanting to give back this year, Collaborative Opportunities for Raising Empowerment, or CORE, created care packages and delivered them to Project Renewal. Containing shampoo and other toiletries, these care packages will be given out to clients who come to our medical vans seeking medical care.
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