work

As we partner with Harvest, and as we come to know a lot of folks who live in poverty, we find that a great need for these friends is employment. We also know employers who have entry level jobs available, but they have trouble finding solid, reliable employees who have the characteristics needed to retain the job. How can we work together to bring about solutions for both parties?

Jobs for Life (www.jobsforlife.org) is a job training program that is currently used in 177 sites around the U.S. The 8 week course focuses more on character issues than skill building. Many employers report that they can teach skills, but they need to have employees who demonstrate character. So, topics in the course include:

attitude, respect for authority, conflict resolution, taking responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, effective communication, integrity, etc...

Harvest and Orchard are teaming up to offer a Jobs for Life program in our community. One of the aspects I really like about JFL, is that the program is bathed in prayer and taught from a biblical perspective of work. I also love that each student has a "Champion", or mentor, who walks with that student through the course and through the following year in the workplace. Another great foundational piece to JFL is that there is a business relations person on the core team who acts as an ambassador and works to share the mission of JFL with the business community.

Brian and George, friends who are passionate and called to this ministry, are preparing Jobs for Life to launch its first class in the months ahead. I'm prayerful and excited about how God might use this program to help people take steps toward Jesus, toward responsible living, and toward growth in Christian community for all involved.