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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) Today 27 people will be going out for job interviews. All of them are unemployed. Some are recently out of jail. Others are homeless. Almost all of them are former addicts.
These are the graduates of the Joseph Project – which looks to connect willing workers with companies that are willing to give second chances.
For the past week members of the Joseph Project have been attending classes on interviewing skills, meeting employers expectations, team-building, and managing their recovery. We’ve sent them out with new interview clothes and put them through mock interviews last night. Almost all of them will be hired.
What happens after that? The Joseph Project provides transportation to and from work for our graduates for 30 days after being hired. Not having a car is one of the biggest barriers to employment. The rest will depend on whether they can continue to have victory over their addictions. I’m optimistic.
There are so many people to thank. All of our Joseph Project classes are led by volunteers. No one gets paid. There are other volunteers who prepare meals for each class – some of the people in the Joseph Project are food insecure. Other people donate interview clothes. There are other volunteers who lead our classes and help teach interview skills. And a special thank-you to the 10 local companies who are willing to hire Joseph Project graduates. Many will go to on be good, long-term employees.
On the first night of the Joseph Project we invite alumni – recent graduates – to come back and talk to the new group. The stories are inspirational. Those who stay with it are paying their rent, paying their bills, putting money aside in a savings account. Others say they have things they’d never had before. One has a new pet dog. Another is going on a vacation to Mexico. And, of course, for everyone there is dignity in earning a living.
The Cross Church will welcome another class of the Joseph Project in a few months. I will make sure to let you know about it. If you need work, please join. If you are able to help with your time, your skills, or with a donation, please do.
Please pray for the Joseph Project’s continued success.
Chris Conley
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