How could I not have known about this? I pray I’m the only one, but I know that’s not the case.
On August 10, I was in a room full of people who run programs in the District that attempt to house and employ homeless and/or poor people. Many of them shared my breathless amazement at the resources being presented in the meeting.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]This was the third so-called “mini clinic” held by the profoundly constructive D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness. It was hosted by the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, located near Union Station and CNN. The clinic series is designed to inform, stimulate, network, educate and empower nonprofit and government organizations that serve the D.C. homeless population.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]”Increasing Income” was the title and focus of this particular 3-hour clinic. There were presentations from one national think tank and two local organizations, Friendship Place and So Others Might Eat or SOME. All three were outstanding, featuring leading edge research, thinking, practice, humanity and results. Friendship Place and SOME were the two most extraordinary.
You know all those guarantees we are given to have a great, meaningful, productive life? Yeah, me neither. But what we all need and deserve as human beings – as children of a Creator – is an excellent chance.
In our 2016 society, this is so rarely made available.
If I were someone that wanted to enter the D.C. workforce and grow surely and swiftly from entry or mid-level up through greatly increased responsibilities and income, based on what I saw yesterday, I would think I had died and gone to heaven if I walked through the doors at Friendship Place or SOME.
These organizations’ job programs seemed extraordinarily well thought out, extraordinarily researched and proven in practice. The people were passionate, capable and often previously homeless themselves. They each offered huge support networks that include admirable living-wage employers.
These programs work for individuals that are looking for help – not for someone to hand them anything on a silver platter – but for really world-class help to gain meaningful employment, keep meaningful employment and advance solidly in one’s career and income.
Prove me wrong. Whether you’re 16 or 65 like me, if you want help entering or advancing within the world of meaningful employment and gaining a respectable living-wage, then sprint – don’t walk – to the employment programs at Friendship Place or SOME!
Expect hard work, expect tough requirements, expect incredible expertise, compassion and ongoing support. Expect obstacles too. You may have to wait in line, though the extraordinarily capable director of SOME’s program said they have openings.
Find out if what I’m saying is correct, or incorrect, and let us both know.
Respectfully, prepared to do your part and with great hope, contact or visit:
- SOME Center for Employment Training: 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast, 20020, www.Some.prg. Chief Program Officer Emily price, 202 797 8806 x 1201.
- Friendship Place AimHire job placement program: 4652 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, 20016, www.FriendshipPlace.org. Director Jermaine Hampton, 202-248 3537.
If I’m wrong, let me know. If I’m right, let me know. Dig in and spread the word to your sisters and brothers.
