There’s No Place Like Home

By Laura Haskell, Community LINC Volunteer

Community LINC provides that stability that so many homeless families crave. 

“Close your eyes, tap your heels together three times and think to yourself, there’s no place like home!”

How simple life would be if we could all click our heels together and magically appear in our homes. Unfortunately, not everyone in Kansas City has a place of their own to call home.

On February 17^th, you have the chance to give families in Kansas City the building blocks to make a place of their own home. We are launching the Homes Matter campaign for the first time at Community LINC. During this single day you can help us reach our goal of raising $25,000. A gift can provide bedding, kitchen and bath fundamentals for the families we serve. Together we can make a difference in the community and start hundreds of homeless on their journey to self-sufficiency.

Spread the word about our Homes Matter campaign by sharing our story and inviting your friends and family to participate!  Help give KC families the basics: bit.ly/1KctGo7 #HomesMatter

No Turning Back

By Employment Service Manager, Constance Taylor

Often times our participants lack vision and a genuine desire to reach for their dreams to achieve and excel. They cannot always believe they deserve a better paying job with benefits working within a highly committed and professional team. One of my chief goals is to exercise coaching tools that propel our participants beyond what they can imagine.

After several years of verbal abuse with her current employer, Tonya was suspended for two weeks when she finally expressed her concerns of how she was being treated to higher management. While rehearsing the details of the event she realized this may be a good time to weigh her options. After five years of committed service with the existing company, the thought of pursuing another career was a little frightening.

She decided to put in some applications and see what happens. Her first application was for an office position as a receptionist. To her surprise she was contacted for an interview within three days. She was offered the position earning more money with an extensive benefit package. Community LINC’s employment services program was able to provide her with donated clothing perfect for the new job.

She is on her way to a brand new job and life. Her new employer plans to train her on other job functions which will also strengthen her ability to learn new skills and provide the tools needs to expand her new career path. What an awesome turn around at a time that seemed like things were about to crumble. No turning back now only soaring ahead at a brand new future.

Jobs Matter: A Family Reconnects

By Job Readiness Coach Constance Taylor

 

Ms. K was very excited about becoming a participant and it didn’t take long for her to get a job. She entered our program around the middle of September and three weeks later, she found a job at an area hotel.

 

I believe her greatest motivation was reconnecting with her son. There is not much that a loving mother won’t do for her children; however, life’s challenges can get to the best parents and they are sometimes unable to perform and provide properly for their children. In this case, other family members stepped in and fulfilled that role, but didn’t take her place. Their help let her son stay in school and extra curriculum activities, including working a part time job.

 

To see the beam in her eye as she approached my office with the good news that she found a job was extremely rewarding.  Although, her income is shy of being one of a livable wage, I believe it is a good start and they are well on their way to self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle together.

Intake Matters: In like a force of nature, out like a force of nature

By Intake & Resident specialist Holly Gardner

It is an honor to participate in screening a family, accept them in to the program and watch them get their plans firmed up and take care of their business while they are here.  Ms C was one of those you just get a good feeling about.  She had unwavering eye contact and advocated for herself and her baby son in such a refreshing way.  Her spirit was good and she had energy, all great things to bring to the program and share with staff.

This young lady worked on her barriers, obtained employment (and better employment) followed up with her housing plans and obtained housing while she was here.  She made and kept her appointments with staff and kept everyone informed of important changes.  At no point did I see negativity or doubt creep in.  She was determined to utilize this program to better her situation and she did just that.

For being a petite lady she has a way of  bursting in the door when she comes to our office like a great big, busy woman.  After her appointments she bursts out as well, often times its her little son closing the door behind them.  She is a beautiful, determined young lady and I know I speak for the rest of program staff when I say, this young lady came in and went out like a force of nature, she showed (herself) she can open doors and surely with the confidence she has gained more will be opened to her. While she was here, blessing us and working the program it was a privilege to give her a little wind beneath her wings.