CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – “I’ve made a lot of mistakes before. I’m really trying to change my ways, and I’m looking for someone to give me a chance.”
Would you hire that person?
I think that would probably depend on how you judge their sincerity. No, I would not hire that person to be the chief financial officer of my company. But for factory work in a supervised environment? Maybe.
Those are the types of people I’ll be working with tonight at the latest session of The Joseph Project. Many people in the program have criminal histories. Others have struggled with addiction. What they have in common is that they’ve realized that their old ways don’t work, and they need to make a new start.
The Joseph Project teaches interview skills, team building, and offers help for those who need to get clean and sober. The project teaches soft skills – like limiting time off, showing up on time, and getting along with others. Everyone in the program creates a resume. For those who get jobs in a factory, they get new workboots. Clothing is available for those who need to be dressed professionally for work. And The Joseph Project provides transportation to and from work for one month for those who don’t have cars.
I wish I could tell you that everyone who goes through the Joseph Project is still gainfully employed. Not everyone. Some aren’t ready to make the changes that are necessary to hold down a job. But everyone who completes the program gets a job offer. They’re responsible for what happens after that.
Tonight is sign-up night for the next Joseph Project classes. It’s at 5pm tonight at my church, The Cross Church at 740 Grand Avenue in Schofield. The classes are four days next week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
If you are someone you know needs a job, I hope to see you tonight.
Chris Conley
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