From Shelter to Stability
CARITAS Works Graduates First Class
February 10, 2011
Remember when you or perhaps your child was struggling to learn the intricacies of knotting a necktie? Recall the frustration and tension of trying to get the knot and the length just right? Now imagine a classroom of grown men viewing a youtube instructional video as they anxiously tug at their neckwear, determined to conquer a skill that has passed them by. Welcome to the world of CARITAS Works, where former homeless addicts learn about themselves, the complexities of job searching, and are offered a second chance at success.
CARITAS is very pleased to announce the graduation of our first class of men who completed a demanding 5 week curriculum to help them prepare to enter the workforce. What began as a group of reserved, reluctant students on January 11 ended in a joyous celebration on February 10. Students joined with staff and supporters. All the singing and dancing filled our offices at the CARITAS Furniture Bank building.
Words cannot adequately describe the journey that these men, all clients of The Healing Place, traveled together in blazing a trail toward employment and independence after conquering homelessness and addiction. Staff and volunteers of both CARITAS Works and The Healing Place admire and applaud the effort of these sharp-dressed men to confront their past and enthusiastically embrace the future.
Each morning begins promptly at 8:45 am with “Motivations” --- a student-led activity where each participant is required to “dig deep” and answer a challenging question while surrounded by a room full of peers and visitors. After answering the question, the student then leads the room in song. It is always energizing and engaging, while pushing the students to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”. The positive vibe of "Motivations" sets the tone for morning classes.
A curriculum that includes classes on Forgiveness, Values Clarification, Conflict Management, Team Building, Leadership, Financial Literacy, Computer Skills, Resume Building, Interviewing Job Applications, Networking, and many others are taught by a team of paid CARITAS Works staff, Healing Place staff, AmeriCorps Members, and a cadre of committed volunteers. Students are required to wear a shirt and tie Monday-Thursday, while many voluntarily wear sport coats and suits, making them easily recognized around our offices and among their peers at The Healing Place. Each day concludes at 4:30 pm with students cleaning and organizing the classrooms and offices in preparation for the next day.
We are grateful for the businesses that are hiring the graduates of our program, for Bank of America---who has financed the research and development of our program, and for the volunteers who give so generously of their time and talent. Together we are achieving audacious outcomes by placing in employment those considered “unemployable”--- felons, the physically disabled, the chronically homeless, and the habitually unemployed. Grace and the efforts of many faithful people make it all possible.
We invite you to become part of the miracle that is CARITAS Works. Join us for morning "Motivations," join us in financing this program, join us as a volunteer, and join us by hiring our graduates. Please see our website for more information on partnering with us as we transform lives and improve our community—one necktie (and one student) at a time.