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by Gail E. Broughton
On May 4, 2001, I had
my first experience in Community Missions. Steve Blanchard had placed a
request in First Things First asking for help with employment for the
individuals receiving services through Community Missions. My husband and I
have found jobs for injured workers for over 20 years, so this was a natural
fit.
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Based on what I
had observed on the street corners, I assumed that most of those
seeking our services had substance abuse problems or suffered from
mental illness. However, there are a variety of other circumstances
that have created their need for our services and affected their
employability. I have had some experience in dealing with those
situations. All the counselors, support groups, and mental health
professionals, warn you about enabling. Professionals will tell you
that there is a fine line between helping and enabling. Finding jobs
seemed like the perfect way to help, while not being an enabler.
Since finding jobs is what I do, I called Steve and volunteered.
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My first
few times
were learning experiences. |
My
first few times were learning experiences. Very quickly I learned that my
new clients had many barriers to employment:
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Many do not have addresses or phone numbers. How can they contact employer
or receive calls from employers?
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Some are not literate and cannot complete applications
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Those in Caritas (housing for the homeless) have to adhere to house hours
that would keep them from working for many employers. (Restaurants,
housekeeping, hospitals etc)
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No driver’s license
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Criminal histories
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No family support
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Education-did not finish high school and no GED
Many just
need a quiet
place to get
their information organized...
I try to show
them that they
can have a different life.
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Where to start??? I quickly realized that I can only put a band aide
on this problem. Many times I spend my time researching other
resources for these clients. Work Force and Virginia Employment
Commission are not always easily accessible to people without
transportation or bus money. It has been my experience that these
facilities are not equipped, or do not have the time, to assist
individuals with multiple problems. I try to find facilities where
they can use the computer, the phone, and get assistance in job
searching. The libraries are a good resource, but you need an
address and identification to get the required library card. Many
just need a quiet place to get their information organized and start
applying for jobs. However, I also find myself researching housing,
eye glasses, bus tickets, health care, free computer classes, and
other simple things that I take for granted.
A number of our
clients have just been released from jail. They have no job, no
money, no place to live. Many are substance abusers and have
exhausted the support of family and friends. It is sad when I ask,
“Do you have family that could help?” And the answer is a sad, “Not
anymore.” I know of several half-way, boarding homes and give them
contact information. And, of course, always job leads. |
Many are so down on
their luck that they do not believe they can change their lives. It is not
my job to judge these individuals. It is my opinion that a person can get so
down and defeated, that they honestly believe there is no other way but to
continue on their very negative path. I try to show them that they can have
a different life. Every person with which I have worked has something
positive in their life. I have to find that one thing and build on it. If
they have had good jobs in the past, I try to point out their transferable
work skills and advise them of jobs where their experience will be of value
to prospective employers. If they are well spoken or just pleasant, I try to
explain how they can use their very basic personality traits to convince an
employer that they will be an asset to their work force.
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Before a client
leaves me, I tell them to pray before each employer contact. Pray
before you make the phone call, pray before you enter the building,
pray before you meet with the interviewer. I can’t make an employer
hire someone, but I really believe God is listening to these prayers
and will turn each situation into something good.
I have learned
many things from these folks. First, “but for the Grace of God”,
this could be me. You can live on very little. You learn to accept
others for who they are, not what they have. And you can’t judge a
person’s character by their appearance.
They have been
referred to me by The Lord Himself. And if HE is sending them, I
better do the best I can to serve them. |
They have been
referred to me by The Lord Himself.
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Because we never know who will be coming to Community Missions on any given
day, we search for all types of jobs. Most common are: construction,
housekeeping, food service workers, warehouse workers, general labors, light
clerical. However, more and more I am seeing people with college degrees,
more specific and professional skills. For these categories, I try to do a
internet job search while they are with me and make sure they are aware of
other sources for assistance in finding employment. (Job clubs, job fairs,
professional trade organizations, etc.) From all my years in the employment
industry, I sometimes have a contact that can help them.
Prior to meeting with my Community Missions’ clients, I look for jobs in all
categories. My co-workers at Broughton Associates do biweekly, general job
searches using all our company resources. We contact prospective employers
by phone and sometimes in person. We are seeking any type of job that might
be a fit, preferably on the bus-line or walking distance from the First
Baptist area. We use the internet as well as the Richmond Times Dispatch.
When
I meet with the prospective client on 1st Mondays and 3rd
Wednesdays of each month, I give them a typed list of job leads for specific
categories. While they are with me, I have them phone prospective employers
to start the application process or set up an interview. When time allows,
we prepare a draft of a resume or I try to get enough information to do the
resume and mail it to them or have it ready when they return to First
Baptist. In the brief time that we have together I give job searching
advice, interviewing tips, and encourage follow up with prospective
employers. Even in this down economy there are still jobs available. It only
takes one job. If anyone reading this has the ability to hire someone,
please consider giving an opportunity to one of our Community Missions’
clients.
Then, I PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! I pray that employers will be open to giving these
individuals a chance, that my clients will be able to improve their
circumstances, that the Lord will keep them safe. And, I praise Him for all
my blessing and thank Him for giving me the opportunity to serve!
Each
one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful
administering God’s grace in its various forms. "If anyone speaks, he
should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he
should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever
and ever." Amen.
1 Peter 4: 10-
11
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