JOBS & MORE

When Dana first came to Jobs and More, he was very quiet, reserved and all you could see was this very, very long beard and long uncut hair. As we are such a visual society, it was hard seeing past that hair and beard.

But, regardless of his circumstances and what people may perceive with his appearance, Dana not only attended the 70 hours workshop every day for 10 days; but, he also attended the daily devotions. Part of what we teach is reciprocity, so one of the former participants, agreed to facilitate the "Presentation" workshop, as a way of "giving back". (She was able to do this because of her previous background; she was job searching; and, the regular instructor was unable to attend due to a family emergency.) The "Presentation" workshop deals with dress, hygiene, posture, handshakes, etc. After the "Presentation" workshop, Dana came in the next day with part of his beard cut off. Still too much for a conservative employer, but none the less, it was shortened...some.

The September class got an unexpected blessing. We were able to attend the "Get Motivated" seminar that was held in Columbus, Ohio on September 20th.

Along with Zig Ziglar, alive and in person, were Drish Dhanam, Gen. Colin Powell, Rick Russo, Lou Holtz, Jim Tressel and Joe Montana to name a few. It was a day filled with motivational speaking, faith, sharing how to press through seemingly insurmountable odds and how nothing can be done without God. The audience was even told point blank, on more than one occasion, by financial advisor James Thompson, "If you don't love, you're going to hell!" I watched the back, side and took a picture of the front of Dana, because I was curious about his reaction to all that was taking place that day. I asked him his thoughts and he told me that it was good and that he was glad he got to come.

The "Get Motivated" seminar was on Monday of the second week. On Tuesday, an opportunity was presented to the workshop participants regarding makeovers. Shelly Clemens, of Sculptures Salon, had offered her salon services to anyone participating in the workshops that may need one. Two of the participants told us that they were interested (both from the Craig House). One of the two was Dana. On Wednesday, of the second week of workshops, Dana went to Shelly to get a makeover.

Upon returning from the salon, I could hear the workshop participants whistling and clapping. I was entertaining some women from the Episcopal community who were on an impromptu visit. As I escorted the women to the workshop room, I turned to address the participants and had a jaw dropping experience. There sat Dana, hair completing shaved off and beard, totally gone. When the women asked about their experience at Jobs & More, Dana was the first one to speak up and share how much of a difference it had made in his life so far. I could hardly take my eyes off him because it was such a visual transformation. But the most important part of the story isn't the fact that he shaved off all his hair and beard, but the fact that Dana found a way to put the "reciprocity principle" into practice. Shelly had shared with him about the "Locks of Love" program and Dana said that he wanted to donate his hair. Later, Dana told us that he was afraid that cutting off his hair and beard would make him look "older" but in fact the workshop participants told him that it made him look "younger." He said that he "couldn't believe how different he looked." How awesome is that?!!!

I believe that Shelly and Dana are two examples of God working through our ministry to move an individual towards becoming a mature, responsible Christian. It takes all of us together working within the gifting(s) that we have been given to help move people onto "God's agenda". Dana told me that coming to the devotions helped him a lot. I believe that devotions, God's word and people who volunteer their time and talents to Jobs & More help us develop people and improve their quality of life, both natural and spiritual.   By Bea Smith, Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRIES (SCYM)

In a long-term view of moving toward maturity and self-sufficiency, three girls who attended our STARS After-School Program as elementary and middle-school students (at Snyder Park and Clark) graduated from Springfield High in June and as of this fall, each is the first in their families to attend college. One of the girls continues to volunteer her time with STARS, is actively engaged at the church where STARS is held, and went on her second mission trip to the Bronx with the church's teens in July.  From Faith Bosland, Executive Director

PREGNANCY RESOURCE

Pat is the mother of one of our clients, Toni. One day, Pat received a call from Toni's school counselor and was told that Toni was pregnant. The counselor gave Pat the number for the Pregnancy Resource Center and highly recommended the PRC over Planned Parenthood. Pat called the Center and Toni was given an appointment for that day. During the visit, it was confirmed that Toni was pregnant. Pat stated that, with tears in her eyes, her thoughts were to strangle her daughter AND to terminate the pregnancy. However, at the end of the visit, the volunteer said a prayer for Toni, the baby and Pat and it was that prayer that made her realize that she had to support Toni with unconditional love and not condemn her. Pat further states that "the Resource Center helped me deal with a teenage pregnancy, helped me see the light and helped me keep the faith. The emotional support was awesome . . . The support and encouragement from the staff and volunteers to do the right thing is priceless."  

Toni, who was sixteen at the time of her pregnancy, recalls that "I was scared and not sure what to do." She remembers that after having her pregnancy confirmed that she received a much needed prayer from the volunteer, prayer that she was thankful for because, in time, everything seemed to get a lot better. Toni credits her newborn daughter's birth weight (8 lbs 11 oz) to the prenatal vitamins that she received monthly from the PRC. Toni attended the offered Earn While You Learn class at the Center; her mom attended the class as her daughter's support person. Toni earned 210 baby bucks and was able to purchase "some really great" new items for her baby. Toni states that the "PRC raised my self-esteem. They made sure to let me know that I didn't ruin my life; I just have to work a little harder than others my age. They helped me see I could be a teen mom and be successful." (Note: Toni is enrolled in a cosmetology curriculum so she will be able to provide for her child.)  By Diana Timmons, Executive Director

INSIDE OUT

When asked about the personal growth of some of the youth that stop in here at Inside Out I find myself thinking of several kids in particular. The one who stands out the most would be the easiest to talk about wouldn't it? But God does focus Himself in ways that we can never really pinpoint, and another is on my heart right now. His name for this articles sake is Geoff, and he is now honestly walking closer with the Lord than I think he ever has. He is a regular here at the center but as of a couple months ago it seemed the world was pulling at him to stop seeking the Lord. Geoff was in a predicament, he would go out and party with friends often and found himself heading down several unhealthy and dangerous streets. Then reality hit and the news of the consequences of a fleeting romance settled into his life. With a possible child on the way and no real viable option for a career to support a family he started just coming up every waking hour to talk and play ball with other kids, praying for a change. After a Saturday night service there was an alter call and he immediately got up and made a public decision in front of his friends here at the center. He started bringing his family and friends that were not initially associated with the center, some of whom still come up when they can. He felt like he could be himself here, saying things to me like "I feel safe here" and "I come here because I know I can't do it out there." He understood that in Christ's Love he could conquer the strongholds out in his life.

Geoff made a decision to live with his dad to get away from the neighborhood he was in, he also wanted out from the drugs and lusts of the streets so he accepted the prospect of accountability from myself and other staff members here at Inside Out. Now many know that the initial walk with the Lord is a rocky one and the transition from the world to God's throne room is an epic one, but I can see definite change in his outward self. Geoff is now attending church regularly and is still staying away from the old life. Please pray for Him for his continued growth.  By William Stout, Executive Director