Harvest Center  Partnership Success

The inaugural program of the Harvest Center/Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. (JLJC) partnership concluded Wednesday, Feb. 8 with a brief ceremony at the Harvest Center.

Graduation Harvest Center, Month 1

The primary focus of the Harvest Center is as a feeding ministry for our homeless neighbors. Executive Director Stephen Smith regularly talked with guests interested in improving their situation, but who had little hope or knowledge of where to go for help. An introduction to JLJC resulted in an agreement to provide a pre-job readiness opportunity. Program Coordinator, Derrick Miller, facilitated four one-hour classes that touched on Communication, Ethics, Time Management and Proper Dress and Etiquette, with the ultimate goal of determining the seriousness and commitment level of the participants.

Elliotte Dunlap, Ron Hill, Ronald Hood, Howard Jones, William Stadman and DeLano Wilson, were recognized at the ceremony and are prepared to join our four-week job readiness program beginning Feb. 27. Each was presented with a portfolio and certificate of attendance.

For more information:  Harvest Center, 704-333-4280, www.theharvestcenter.org and Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. 704-332-5822, www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org

We Asked. You Delivered. – USB Appeal Update

Last fall,  we sent out a plea for assistance obtaining USB flash drives, which are an essential tool for our clients to create and store their resumes and cover letters while they job search.

To date, we have received just over 500 flash drives out of the 600 needed for 2012. “We hope to reach our goal by the end of the first quarter,” said Cay’me Jones, our Development Coordinator.

We would like thank everyone who donated USB flash drives and a special thank you to Lakewood Baptist Church who donated over 200.

JLJC Named a ‘GreatNonprofit’ 

In January we were given an opportunity, but needed help from the community to publicly review us on www.GreatNonprofits.com. You came out in force and because of you we are one of only four non-profits across the country that received the title as “Top-rated Non=proft” Well done and thank you! We were notified by GreatNonprofits in an email:

“Your organization is a Top-Rated Nonprofit! During the past four weeks, over 100,000 people visited the GreatNonprofits site to read and write reviews about the many nonprofits providing job training and placement around the world.You are one of the Top-Rated Nonprofits and can find your reviews here: http://www.greatnonprofits.org/reviews/jacobs-ladder-job-center-inc”

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. (JLJC) started in 1998 as a response to the Welfare to Work movement and chronic unemployment in inner city neighborhoods. While now serving the entire county and beyond, we continue to provide a job readiness program which prepares adults for their job search. Working with 500+ participants annually, 2011 closed with a success rate of nearly 80% of our graduates obtaining employment.

(Left to Right): Jacob’s Ladder volunteer and Lake Norman area resident John Burke presents a $500 check from PPG Industries to Susan Pierson and Johnny Day of Jacob’s Ladder Job Center. As a retiree of PPG Industries, Burke secured the donation as part of the company’s ‘give-back’ program for retired employees involved in volunteer endeavors.

The donation was made on behalf of long-time Jacob’s Ladder volunteer, John Burke who retired from PPG Industries. He secured this donation as part of the company’s ‘give-back’ program for their retirees who volunteer at community organizations.

“John [Burke] is a tremendous volunteer and we appreciate him going above and beyond to support our programs and services by requesting this generous donation from PPG Industries,” said Susan Pierson, project manager at Jacob’s Ladder West. “Passionate volunteers like John and generous companies such as PPG Industries are integral to what we do in helping put people back to work.”

About Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps unemployed and underemployed people find and keep living wage jobs. A member of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, Jacob’s Ladder was founded in 1998 as a compassionate response to the Welfare-to-Work movement and to chronic unemployment in Charlotte’s low wealth communities. For more information, visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org or call 704-332-5822.

Follow Jacob’s Ladder on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jacobsladdercharlotte, Twitter @JacobsLadderCLT and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/jacobsladderjobs.

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Contact:

Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001

Smitty and Denise

We need 10 reviews by the end of the month! GreatNonprofits has launched the 2012 Job Training Campaign in partnership with GuideStar, CharityNavigator, and the Social Enterprise Alliance to recognize organizations that help the unemployed find work in our communities. Have we made a difference in your life? Help us be voted “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by writing a review @GreatNonprofits at http://www.greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/jacobs-ladder-job-center-inc/campaign:job-training

Jeanne Evans, Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Inc Volunteer

achieved at Jacob’s Ladder are so impressive. It’s a joy and a privilege to contribute to that effort through volunteering,” said Jeanne who lives in Charlotte with her husband John and whose son attends UNC Chapel Hill.

“The partnership between Jacob’s Ladder and The Harvest Center of Charlotte will have a strong impact in our community,” said Stephen Smith, Executive Director of The Harvest Center. “Job-readiness training is a crucial aspect of our effort to transform lives, and Jacob’s Ladder is an outstanding program. We look forward to helping Charlotte’s neediest together and bringing about positive, lasting change.”

Starting this month, Jacob’s Ladder staff will facilitate a monthly four-session program at The Harvest Center. The brief sessions will cover Time Management, Business Ethics, Tell Me About Yourself, and Dress/Etiquette. The purpose is to identify guests who might be interested in and ready for a structured learning environment around job readiness, with the intent of them joining the next month’s class at Jacob’s Ladder.

“We are proud to be teaming up with The Harvest Center of Charlotte,” said Derrick Miller, program coordinator at Jacob’s Ladder. “This is a wonderful way to introduce our neighbors to Jacob’s Ladder Job Center and to prepare them in considering their options for job readiness and a sustainable future.”

About The Harvest Center of Charlotte

Based in Charlotte, N.C., The Harvest Center’s inspired mission is to impact individual lives for change by addressing natural, physical, and spiritual needs, and by providing hope and opportunity for the less fortunate to become productive members of society. A homeless ministry, they also serve several meals per week and provide a food pantry. More information is available at http://theharvestcenter.org.

About Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps unemployed and underemployed people find and keep living wage jobs. A member of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, Jacob’s Ladder was founded in 1998 as a compassionate response to the Welfare-to-Work movement and to chronic unemployment in Charlotte’s urban communities. For more information, visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org or call 704-332-5822.

Follow Jacob’s Ladder on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jacobsladdercharlotte, Twitter @JacobsLadderCLT and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/jacobsladderjobs.

# # #

Contact:

Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 704-649-6571

Our End of the year/Winter newsletter is now available.

Read articles on:

• Special Dedication to former Executive Director Steffi Travis
• Jacob’s Ladder teams up with the Harvest Center
• Volunteer Spolight: Jeanne Evans
• Jacob’s Ladder board grows
• and more

Read the Winter 2011 Newsletter

Contact:

Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 704-649-6571

Winner’s Circle Event Deals Good Hand for Jacob’s Ladder

CHARLOTTE – Dec. 12, 2011 – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. (Jacob’s Ladder) – the only non-profit organization that provides a daily, month-long job readiness program in the Charlotte community – raised $17,000 at its inaugural event – “The Winners Circle: A Gathering of Community Champions”.

More than 220 people joined Jacob’s Ladder at Founders Hall to celebrate the organizations’ 13^th anniversary and to raise $17,000 to support its programs and services. The casino night benefit featured food and drinks, gaming tables and auction items including: a beach house rental in Costa Rica, an America’s Cup Stars & Stripes Adventure and a trip to Los Angeles with a 45-minute ride in a Fighter Jet.

Event sponsors included: Alston & Bird, LLP, Piedmont Natural Gas, Wells Fargo, Bryan Cave, Gensler, Lincoln Harris, Tannery Brook Partners, Winstead Attorneys, Boingo Graphics and Kind Beers.

“Many thanks to our amazing volunteers, staff, supporters and attendees who all played a huge part in this event,” said Johnny Day, interim executive director of Jacob’s Ladder. “The time and generosity of everyone involved will help position unemployed Charlotteans with the better hand to compete in the workforce, ensuring a sustainable future.”

About Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps unemployed and underemployed people find and keep living wage jobs. A member of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, Jacob’s Ladder was founded in 1998 as a compassionate response to the Welfare-to-Work movement and to chronic unemployment in Charlotte’s urban communities. For more information, visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org or call 704-332-5822.

Follow Jacob’s Ladder on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jacobsladdercharlotte, Twitter @JacobsLadderCLT and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/jacobsladderjobs.

# # #

Contact:

Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 704-649-6571

Winner's Circle 2011, Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Inc

Photo Courtesy of Jacob’s Ladder Job Center

(left to right): Jeff Jones (Jacob’s Ladder board chair); Jacob’s Ladder graduate Tim Bell; Charlie Culbreth (Wells Fargo); and Paul Donohue (Alston & Bird, LLC) gather at the Jacob’s Ladder Winner’s Circle at Founders Hall. More than 200 people attended the Nov. 2 event that raised $17,000 for the organization.

Client Spotlight: Tim Bell Chimes with Inspiration

Jacob’s Ladder graduate Tim Bell’s story is one of second chances, persistence and inspiration. A native of Charlotte, Tim held a few small jobs as a teenager and then at 19 years old was incarcerated for committing a crime. After 17 years in prison, he was released on January 3, 2011 and spent months looking for a job. He thought he knew it all and did his job search his own way. Even though he took job preparation classes while incarcerated, his job search approach was not working – the biggest challenge was explaining his background.

Client Success: Tim Bell

He was on the verge of giving up, unable to find a job and constantly being turned down. His confidence was depleting and he was feeling as though there was no use in continuing to look for employment. Tim heard of Jacob’s Ladder through a friend and enrolled in the August class. He was determined to complete the four-week program where he learned how to communicate with an interviewer, properly fill out applications, how to dress and how to best explain his background. He started to apply the things he was being taught and as a result of his persistence, he was able to acquire two jobs, one of which he landed on graduation day. Today, Tim is working at the TJ Maxx Distribution Center and often visits Jacob’s Ladder where he speaks to clients and shares his story. His experience has become a great inspiration to other Jacob’s Ladder clients because if finding a job can happen for him, it can happen for them.

Says Tim, “The people [staff and volunteers] at Jacob’s Ladder cared about me so much and wouldn’t let me be the angry individual I was when I first started the program. They embraced me with everything and gave me so much love.”

Contact:

Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 704-649-6571

Jacob’s Ladder Launches Holiday Appeal for USB Flash Drives
CHARLOTTE – Nov. 28, 2011 – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. (Jacob’s Ladder) is holding a ‘USB-Drive’ campaign for the students in their month-long job-readiness programs.

From Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 2011, Jacob’s Ladder is collecting donated new and unused USB flash drives (minimum of 256MB or greater) at both of its locations Mondays through Fridays between 9:00AM-4:00PM: The Plaza (2304 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C. 28205) and Jacob’s Ladder West (located at the Center for Employment Services at 2201 Caronia Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28208). For questions, contact Jacob’s Ladder at 704-332-5822.

“Unfortunately, we are no longer able to provide flash drives to our students, so we would appreciate any donations we receive from the public. Flash drives are an essential tool for our clients who often rely on our computer labs for computer access to create and update their resume, complete applications and apply for jobs,” said Margo Scurry, the technology instructor at Jacob’s Ladder. “They enable our clients to keep documents that are accessible and available on standard technology that supports their learning.”

About Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps unemployed and underemployed people find and keep living wage jobs. A member of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, Jacob’s Ladder was founded in 1998 as a compassionate response to the Welfare-to-Work movement and to chronic unemployment in Charlotte’s urban communities. For more information, visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org or call 704-332-5822.

Follow Jacob’s Ladder on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jacobsladdercharlotte, Twitter @JacobsLadderCLT and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/jacobsladderjobs.

# # #
Contact:
Cay’me Jones – Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. – 704-714-4051, ext. 1001
Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 704-649-6571

New Image Barbershop Brings Barber Day to Jacob’s Ladder Job Center – Aug. 23

WHO:              Jacob’s Ladder Job Center and New Image Barbershop

 WHAT:                        “Barber Day” for Male Jacob’s Ladder Clients

 WHEN:                        Tuesday, Aug. 23     10 a.m. – Noon

 WHERE:                      Jacob’s Ladder Job Center West

                                        (at The Center for Employment Services)

                                         2201 Caronia Street

                                        Charlotte, N.C. 28208

                                         704-714-4051 (on-site contact is Susan Pierson)

WHY:

Superior Khabir Allah, owner of New Image Barbershop, will be speaking to the men currently enrolled at Jacob’s Ladder Job Center. Following his presentation, Superior Allah and his crew will provide free haircuts for the men to celebrate the last week of class and help them look professional as they graduate and seek employment.

About Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which the only non-profit organization that provides a daily, month-long job readiness program in the Charlotte community. A member of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, Jacob’s Ladder was founded in 1998 as a compassionate response to the Welfare-to-Work movement and to chronic unemployment in Charlotte’s urban communities. For more information, visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org or call 704-332-5822.

Follow Jacob’s Ladder on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jacobsladdercharlotte, Twitter @JacobsLadderCLT and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/jacobsladderjobs.