Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, JOTO, Mission, Motivation
Recently while shopping at Target, I couldn’t help but wander to the corner of the store where signs everywhere scream – Back to School! Kids with parents were picking-out new notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, markers, and I couldn’t help but look at the shelves of school supplies and try to justify why I should buy a 64-box of Crayola crayons!
Just as kids are dealing with mixed emotions of a new school year, with new teachers, the occasional new student, and new lessons to learn, I’m getting adjusted to my new life working for Goodwill Industries. With 30 days under my belt, I’m still meeting someone new in the hallway or a training session, learning about a new program that Goodwill offers, and finding files on my computer that I inherited from the former marketing specialist. I’m fortunate to work with great people who are willing to take the time and give me background on a program, before launching into what next steps need to take place.
Years ago, with already a few jobs on my resume, I decided to look at a new job as truly a new opportunity to be embraced. This shift from fear to hope has made all the difference for every job since.
Having spent some time recently in the Career Development office, I listened to Gale Murphy talk about the programs offered through this department. More often than not, she has said that for program participants to be successful much of their learning hinges on their attitude. This sentiment was echoed again by Chuck Hinsley, director for our Jobs On The Outside (JOTO) program, in a recent sit-down I had with him. I sat-in the first day of a class for ex-offenders getting job training. The case workers and Mr. Hinsley stressed to the participants how much attitude will dictate their ability to interview and get a job. As I sat there looking around the room, I wondered how many of them will take this opportunity to make a new, healthier, happier life for themselves?
Leaving Target without the box of 64 crayons, I realized that first day jitters and fear of change happens every day that someone steps foot into one of Goodwill’s Resource Centers. He may be taking those first steps to writing a resume. She may have decided to finally learn basic computer skills. Everyday it’s a person trying to make a better life and each one of them are very fortunate – on the other side of the desk is one of my co-workers who recognize first day anxiety and are willing to share their pens, paper and knowledge.
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Ex-Offenders, Graduation, Job Training, JOTO
JOTO graduate with his certificate and planner.
Jobs on the Outside (JOTO) launched in December of 2008 to offer career services to ex-offenders. JOTO offers a half-day, two-week career readiness class. The class teaches communication skills, team work, interviewing techniques, self-motivation and self-confidence, among other things.
Today, 15 people graduated from the class. The graduates celebrated the changes and achievements they had made over the last two weeks. They will continue to take advantage of JOTO support services (computer lab, counseling, etc.) as they re-enter the workforce. A few graduates already had interviews lined up and one had even accepted a job offer.
Duane Reid, a pharmaceutical representative and involved community member, volunteered to speak to the class about how to face the challenges that lie ahead. He advised them that even though one mistake can change your life forever, one positive decision can change your life even more. The graduates walked away feeling ready to tackle the world.
