Jobs Matter: A Dream Comes True

By Employment Services Job Coach Constance Taylor

It’s really exciting to see participants begin to interview when they start their job search. 

It’s even more exciting to see participants get more than one job offer, which is the case for Ms. G.

I knew she was a “go-getter” when she came over to the lab to complete online assessments when she was not feeling her best. After searching for almost three weeks, she actually had 3 opportunities all at same time. She has completed her physical and drug testing for a position that starts at $13.75 an hour. After 9 weeks of employment, she will be eligible for full benefits and her income increases to $16.00 an hour. Her exact words to me were, “a dream comes true”.

 

Our employment program works to eliminate barriers and present desirable applicants that are dependable, hard-working and committed to a work schedule. 

We partner with employers that are willing to hire candidates who are ready to move forward and become self- sufficient.  We want to thank them for their continued commitment and invite others to extend employment opportunities as we partner together to enhance success.

Employment Matters: Changing Careers Leads to Success

By Employment Job Coach Constance Taylor

It is a fact that there are families experiencing homelessness for the first time that never expected in a million years to be in this situation. But, not everyone has a support system and when faced with adversity life can be a challenge.

This was the case with one of our recent participants when she became ill and had multiple strokes about a year ago. The mini-strokes left her partially paralyzed in one of her hands.

She owned her own business and was quite prosperous in the hair care  industry. After knowledge of her illness and her inability to use both hands, her clientele started looking for new hairstylists. Before she knew it, she didn’t have money to care for her family. 

Unfortunately, after a chain of events, they became homeless. This is not uncommon among people who suddenly become ill and don’t have anyone to turn to. Once a person is deemed disabled it can sometimes take months or even years to receive disability income.

Since being at Community LINC, she decided to change her career path to caring for disabled persons. She started applying for jobs in the field of home health care.  She found employment with a local agency in a community of three single men. They are actually partially independent, but unable to stay alone due to health issues. There are currently two other caretakers in their home, which is located in a nice quiet neighborhood. She has recently acquired a Class E driver’s license and will assist with transporting the clients to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and outside social activities. 

Employment Matters: It Was All Worth It

By Employment Coach Constance Taylor

“I really want to look nice for this job interview. I can stay at this job for the rest of my life and be able to take care of my family.” These words will never escape me when I think of this participant. He is so anxious to put his life back together again.

When he first came to the job lab, he was extremely insecure and unbelieving that anything would happen for him.  Although he could name many skills that he possessed, his work experience on the paper was very sporadic and unverifiable. He had no high school diploma or G.E.D. and no permanent residency. He had no computer knowledge, so applying online was out of the question.

It seemed all of the odds were against him.

His family moved to Kansas City from another state about 6 months ago. His goal was to start his life over again. His parents passed away, his car was repossessed, his house was foreclosed and he lost his job. His life spun out of control and he became consumed with drinking alcohol and he was angry.

 

I handed him paperwork to fill out, which helped me to gage his intellect. I discovered that he has the ability to finish his high school education and he is a fast learner.  He attended a computer class in the employment lab taught by “Connecting for Good” and he is able to use the computer independently now.

He secured a position with a large supermarket stripping and waxing floors overnight and he is very happy. He just had an opportunity to interview for another position at an area hospital. However, he likes his current position well enough to remain there. It is hard for him to believe that he went from no job leads to numerous inquiries. He spent hours in the lab submitting applications and answering questions and believes it was all worth it in the end.

He is now looking for housing and his family is very happy, content and grateful for a second chance at life.    

Just like us

By Jeremy Lillig, CSJA, Managing Director, Bright Futures Fund

 

Despite working in a non-profit setting in which we too serve the poor, I oftentimes am reminded of the magnitude of suffering and despair that those who are homeless or who live in poverty must endure.

 

This week I learned of the untimely death of, Seth, a fellow college alum who is my contemporary.  Only the news of his death would be tragic in any sense, this news was especially troubling.

 

Right before Christmas while volunteering at Morning Glory Café, a former professor and I served Seth a meal -much to our surprise given the fact that he was highly intelligent, very talented, able bodied and had a master’s degree.  This event, though laced with ignorance on my part was an important reminder that the homeless are not some isolated group but rather just like us.  They are just fellow human beings trying to survive.

 

So this week when I learned that Seth had been found dead in a pile of trash I was filled with sadness.  He had taken shelter in a dumpster to try and keep warm.  As awful as this act seems it is oftentimes a necessary step in survival to someone who is homeless.  When the trash truck was picking up its rounds, Seth was killed in the process.  The workers (who also endured a tragedy while simply doing their jobs) discovered Seth when they got to the plant.  Seth’s lifeless body lay amongst the refuse of a busy city, a city that unintentionally had let one of its fellow citizens die without dignity in a pile of trash while trying to stay warm.

   

Seth, a capable person who had long suffered a lack of resolve in our mental health system had become another statistic of our “throw away culture’ in which the value of human life is low, and material wealth determines drive, and destiny.  My effort in telling this story is not to politicize nor manipulate a tragedy for a social agenda but rather to reflect upon my reminder that I must do more to help address those discarded by our society.

 

Every person deserves dignity without distinction.  It is within our means to ensure that it is given.

 

This exemplifies the importance of Community LINC.  If we can help just one person so they don’t have to endure the undignified fate that Seth did, we will have made an impact far more valuable than any wealth we could ever possess. 

Therapy Matters: Hope springs eternal

By Director of Mental Wellness Gail Byers

 

Community LINC provides counseling for adults and children. 

 

A major challenge is addressing the stigma of mental health being synonymous with being perceived as ‘being crazy.’  So you can only imagine the response of parents when they are told their child will be receiving counseling services.

 

As a result, we also focus on developing relationships with parents via parenting classes and access to the respective child therapists for guidance as well as crisis intervention.  This has been instrumental as a catalyst of change of the perception, the value and acceptance of mental health.  It is about laying seeds, seeds that educate, increase understanding and promote overall well-being. 

 

The fact is that in this current society our children are not always ‘seen’…we don’t take into consideration that whatever lifestyle we as parents are leading, negative or positive, is the exact same lifestyle our children are exposed to.  We often focus on developing coping and social skills for adults, not acknowledging that our children need the same skill sets.

 

Our children are sometimes not seen until they ‘act out’ which is how children communicate when they do not have the tools to express themselves appropriately. 

 

Community LINC recognized and addressed the mental health needs of the children served. 

 

So far, the children have welcomed the experience of being in counseling.  It is certainly a win-win situation.  The child has someone who has their undivided attention and listens to them.  Listening is an expression of love.

 

This is a tremendous support to the parent, the parent who is in the process of establishing or re-establishing his/her stability. 

 

When the children come into counseling the therapist always talks to them about confidentiality. 

One parent reported that she asked her son what he and his therapist talked about and his response was “that’s between me and my therapist.”  Out of the mouths of babes. 

 

These positive experiences will encourage families to seek mental health services beyond Community LINC.

 

Why, because the myth has been dispelled.

Volunteers Matter: Rent Party Volunteers

By Volunteer Coordinator Kate Nevins

 

Board member Brad Korris & wife Missy Bruhn at check in.

On Saturday, September 28^th, after months of preparation, it was finally the night of Community LINC’s annual fundraiser - the Rent Party.

 

Equally excited and exhausted from all the work it had taken to get there, the planning committee watched as the first guests arrived. I was overwhelmed by how much support we had received.

 

The auction committee had worked tirelessly to secure more auction items than ever before, and the night-of volunteers were there to add structure for the evening, from check-in and check-out to raffle ticket sales.

 

It was an exciting night for everyone - attendees, volunteers and staff. And, Community LINC raised a record $635,000!

 

This would not be possible without the support of our volunteers.  From everyone at Community LINC, THANK YOU for donating your time and talent.

Jobs Matter: Overcoming Homelessness Employment Barriers

By Employment Services Jobs Coach, Constance Taylor

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national unemployment rate for August 2013 was 7.3%. The survey showed that the US unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage points in August to 7.3%. The unemployment rate peaked in October 2009 at 10.0% and is now 2.7 percentage points lower. 

In July 2013 the National unemployment rate was 7.4%. Missouri was at 7.1% with the number of persons unemployed in Kansas City at 69,607. This number increased from 68,797 unemployed in June. While the national level decreased the number of unemployed in Kansa City increased.

Many homeless individuals are part of the population of the unemployed. Their barriers to employment are extreme, with homelessness being at the top of the list.  The barriers are sometimes due to trauma (often experienced when they became homeless), lack of education, computer knowledge, job experience and other skills.  Subpopulations of the homeless also have barriers from incarceration, extended hospitalization, mental illness, and alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Research shows that people who are homeless do want to work. “Researchers with the Department of Labor seven-year Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program reported that with the correct blend of assessment, case management, employment, training, housing and support services, a substantial portion of homeless individuals can secure and retain jobs that will contribute to housing stability.”

Through studies, the Chronic Homelessness Employment Technical Assistance Center found that staff members are challenged while working with employers who also often share stereotypes that a homeless person with multiple barriers are not good candidates for employment. Employers sometimes automatically assume that they will have a poor appearance, will not have good hygiene and will not fit in the workplace because of stigma that comes with having no permanent housing.

To help individuals overcome and be successful, our Employment Program strives to develop individual employment plans based on each person’s short term, intermediate and long term goals. Our approach is to assist each person to develop a plan that will provide positive long term benefits that will prevent any more instances of homelessness.

It's even harder to search for a job without childcare.

We believe that if the person owns the steps required to get different results, with support from our staff and services, they will have long lasting success with security in employment and housing. 

We are striving to develop partnerships with other agencies like Connections to Success, Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission Second-Chance Program for ex-offenders, and will make referrals to other agencies and organizations in the community that will assist meeting the needs of those experiencing addictions and mental illness at the discretion of our Mental Health Director. Our aftercare program provides us the ability to follow a participant up to 9 months of recovery. 

In conclusion, in the book written by Liane Phillips and Echo Montgomery Garrett, “Why Don’t They Just Get a Job”, you witness the compassion of two community leaders who believe that there is hope even for those expelled by society.  We share the opinion of the authors that we must be the ones that help answer that question and believe that even the chronically homeless population can achieve stable employment with decent wages and health benefits, when they take the necessary steps to break the chains of poverty.  

Jobs Matter: Barriers to ending homelessness

By Constance Taylor, Employment Services Job Coach

The U.S. economy lost nearly six million jobs since the recession began in December 2007. Kansas City alone lost nearly 70,000 jobs since 2007. Government estimates show that from August 2010 to August 2011, only the Atlanta area lost more than the 120,000 jobs lost in the Kansas City area. Both on a numerical and percentage basis, the area ranks second worst among the 127 major U.S. cities where employment shrank over the year.

In such a competitive environment, the difficulties of job-seeking as a homeless person can be almost insurmountable barriers.

For those with limited skills or experience, there aren’t many opportunities to find a job that pays a living wage.

All segments of the homeless population, especially heads of family households, face significant and multiple barriers to employment. These barriers are personal, programmatic, and systemic.

People who are homeless often lack stress management, social interaction, independent living and vocational engagement skills, as well as a place to live and financial resources. On top of that, many members of the homeless population have to combat barriers, such as limited transportation and reduced access to educational and training programs.

The digital divide remains a deep void for homeless populations. Competing for jobs today requires some understanding of and competency in information technology. Lack of computer knowledge and fear of failure can prevent these populations from seeking to use computers available through public access. These limitations contribute to poor labor market outcomes for homeless people.

To equip our formerly homeless clients to overcome their barriers, we provide job readiness classes and job coaching.  We work with each family to assess educational and vocational needs. And, we seek relationships with employers to establish a broad support system for the families we serve.

On the positive side, about 70% of adults are employed when they exit to their own homes. Less encouraging is that the average wage is $9.39 per hour. That’s an annual income of less than $20,000 a year.

Hopefully, the very low income population will soon share in the gradual improvement in the economy. 

Hope for the children

Every family becomes homeless for reasons that are uniquely their own. Some become homeless because of a change in situation or circumstance. Others are born into families that have been in poverty for generations.

Ruby Payne, PhD, writes in Bridges out of Poverty “It is the hope… that 100 years from now poverty will no longer be economically viable. Two hundred years ago slavery was thought to be an economic necessity. It was not. One hundred fifty years ago it was believed that women were not capable of voting. That also was not true. We fervently hope that by 2100 individuals and society at large will no longer believe that poverty is inevitable.”

Because our Children’s Program Director always has great insight into the lives of our children, I asked him if he could share something that would help paint the picture of a child who came to us homeless because of generational poverty. He shared the following.

“Research paints an extremely bleak picture for children born into generational poverty and their chances of upward mobility. These children are statistically dealt a hand that suggests they will never leave poverty.”

“The negative impacts of generational poverty on children are extensive and long lasting. Statistically these children are more likely to have poor diets, be subject to violent situations, change where they live many times, and struggle academically.”

“These statistics hold true for many of the children we serve at Community LINC. Many of our families come from neighborhoods that are food-barren areas. Due to lack of transportation and scarcity of grocery stores, children often eat food that is within walking distance. When I ask students what their favorite foods are an overwhelming number of them say chips, soda, and candy. All of which can be purchased within walking distance across the street at a gas station.” 

“Furthermore, many of our children have been subject to violent situations. Recently I was teaching a class to a group of 4th and 5th graders. I asked who in the room had ever been in a fight, everyone raised their hand.”

“I then asked who knows someone who has been shot; all but one raised their hand.”

“The last question I asked was how many of them had seen a physical fight at home between family members, everyone kept their hand up. Often times our children believe violence is a way to handle problems because that is what they have been exposed to.”

“Many of our children are very transient, meaning they have changed where they live many times. I recently spoke with a client about how many schools her children have attended in the past. She told me that for the last 7 years they have changed where they live between staying with friends and family, shelters, motels, and cars. She said that they usually move 2-3 times a year. This amount of housing instability causes children to have higher stress rates, more emotional and psychological disorders, and more physical health problems.”

“This rate of mobility is also one of the contributing factors to why our children often struggle in school. Another harsh reality is that the schools that our students attend are failing to meet their needs because they lack the necessary resources. Our students often express concerns about their safety and educational needs not being met by their schools. Also, many of our students face additional responsibilities at home that hinder their education.  Due to lack of family resources many students are required to contribute financially. Right now we have a 16 year old girl who works full time at a restaurant on top of being a junior in high school.”         

“Despite the difficult situation our children go through I would describe them as amazing kids. Their ability to express concerns about their future and their needs being met shows a desire to make the right choices, and a hunger to learn.”

We share Ruby Payne’s hope for these amazing kids.

What is it like for the moms?

Since Mother’s Day is this Sunday, I started thinking about all of the mothers, especially the single mothers, who are sliding into homelessness now.

A former co-worker used to call mothers and children the invisible homeless. You don’t see them pushing a shopping cart or sleeping out in the open on park benches or under bridges where their children are vulnerable. They stay with family or friends until they’re no longer welcome. Then they sleep in cars and go to shelters.

By the time a mom moves into our transitional housing, she has lost a lot of connections - with family, friends and even service providers. Those supportive kinds of relationships are often tied to the neighborhood. It’s really difficult to maintain the crucial ties that took time to form and anchored her children’s lives.

Most of our moms feel like they have failed their children. You see it in the flat affect on so many faces when they move in.

Then, they begin to feel like their kids are safe and life is stabilizing. Their coaches and counselors connect them with services for their kids. They go to lifeskills classes and start working with a budgeter. They begin to create new relationships when they make friends with other moms who are struggling with the same experience.

They do their kids proud. 47 moms moved their children into a home they bought when they graduated from the program. Myeshia got her GED and is enrolled in college. Cindy is getting her MBA. Stephanie is going to law school next fall.

And, their kids have done them proud. Jermaine is the first college graduate in his family. Stephen is finishing his freshman year in college. Julius had his choice of colleges, but is joining his big brother Stephen. Tiffany is one of the speakers at her high school graduation and someday wants to be an attorney and eventually a judge.

Happy Mothers Day to all of the wonderful mothers who have passed through our doors. To all of the moms facing homelessness now, hold on to the hope. To quote Jermaine, “Where you are, isn’t where you’re going to be.”

Giving Hearts of Project Change

A beautiful thank you from our Director of Facilities, Robert Ontman, to the Awaken KC team of Project Change.

"I just wanted to share my personal gratitude and appreciation. In my many years of working with charities, churches, and volunteer groups, I have never seen such a well planned and committed effort. The team has taken the worst and roughest areas of our facility and transformed them into beautiful sanctuaries that will serve our families for years to come.

They took a dark and dismal basement with a ruined floor and completely redid the floor, walls, décor- everything at considerable time and expense. It has been masterfully crafted into our teen center and is now in use to prepare our teens for a better future as they learn job skills, work ethics, spiritual growth classes, financial management and many other life skills classes that will break their cycle of poverty.

Their other project took a muddy field and created a vibrant rain garden complete with decorative stone walk way, drainage away from our buildings that were getting flooded, and a rain garden too peaceful to describe. All of this tells our beleaguered and down-trodden families that they are loved and that there is hope- without which they can never even attempt recovery back out of homelessness.

The Awaken K.C. team took the biggest group of volunteers that I have ever seen from every walk of life and from diverse jobs and organized them into a well prepared, hard working, cohesive unit. They even smiled all the way through and enjoyed their work. They enjoyed each other and the task at hand. They literally worked through snow storms and rain storms- excelling through every challenge that emerged.

I cannot think of a more dedicated or thorough group that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Many thanks to Kate Wind, Randy Huber, Michael Hurd, Tim Parks, Patty Kruger, Melody Meek, Kelly with A L Huber, SFS Architects, Western Fireproofing, Lafarge Cement, Wallace Engineering, the gardening companies and so many more. You all have gone well beyond anything that we could have hoped or dreamed for. Please come again."

-Laura Gray

Graced by the Amazing People We Server

Some of our residents are amazing.

Our Program Director, Jeannine Short shared this story with me yesterday ...

Cynthia is a single mother of four children who entered our program in April of 2007. Due to complications arising from a high-risk pregnancy, she was unable to work after her short-term disability ran out. Consequently, Cynthia lost her job and within two months the family became homeless - evicted from their apartment.

After she entered Community LINC’s Supportive Housing Program, Cynthia was able to get another job, although she barely made above minimum wage. She had more than $5,000 in old debts, which presented a significant barrier to getting her own housing. She also was forced to postpone plans to get a secondary degree. Undaunted and determined to put the pieces of her life back together, Cynthia held herself accountable and worked the program with unrivaled zeal and fortitude.

Cynthia has more than double her income, retired more than $4,000 in debt and amassed over $3,000 in savings. This week, Cynthia and her four children moved to permanent housing - a four bedroom ranch-style home.

If Cynthia’s performance as a resident is any indication of her determination, we can be certain that she will get that degree, as well!

-Laura Gray

Hope

Driving to work one day last week, I was mulling over all of the people whose lives have been changed by the current economy - by being downsized, laid off, or just plain let go. The resemblance to what has happened to so many of our residents felt very vivid to me.

When you lose something like a job, hope is central to whether you despair over the future or believe that things will get better.

It's apparently the same for the economy. Hope is vital to our ability to recover.

Fortunately, as economic hope returns, businesses will recover and most people who have lost their jobs will find other ones. Their lives will be restored.

It strikes me that Community LINC is a microcosm of what happens at the poorest end of the economy all of the time. Our families have lost a lot. They have lost not just their jobs, but their homes, and, because they were homeless, sometimes even their children. Faith and hope are necessary. We need them both to recover from loss and rebuild lives.

-Laura Gray, March 29, 2009