Bringing HOPE to the HOPELESS

While many of us enjoyed a long holiday, Advance Memphis Employment Specialist Juanita Johnson spent much of the last week helping Advance grads find jobs. Below, she writes about an experience working with a recruiter who is hiring for the 2010 US Census.

It is very discouraging to see a recent Jobs for Life graduate, eager to start work after passing their drug test, become disappointed to find that they are still not eligible to work because of his/her criminal background. I, along with the other staff members, try to uplift and encourage, however, it is very disheartening. So, to have an opportunity to introduce these grads to a potential employer who does not automatically disqualify past felons was a blessing and joy! Ms. Marissa Jenson, a former resident of 38126 who currently attends church at Mt. Nebo down the street, is a recruiter for the 2010 US Census Bureau. I took a call from Ms. Jenson who originally wanted to come by and leave some flyers - but as we continued to talk I quickly saw a greater opportunity that would benefit both she and our graduates. I invited her to hold an orientation here and she was very excited!

When I started to make phone calls, some of the graduates were concerned to hear that they would have to pass a 28 question assessment to qualify. Even after being told that they only had to get 10 correct answers - there was still some worry. However, after getting here and listening to the recruiter, they were all eager to test and to get their results the same day.

I have never seen such joy and encouragement
shine in the faces of those who passed!

One of the ladies who confessed to me that she does not read well scored a 14! She confessed to me later that she took my advice and said a prayer before attempting the test and she was praising God once she received her results.

We had thirteen out of fifteen scheduled attend the orientation. Although only six of the thirteen passed the written assessment, the other seven may take the assessment over as many times as needed. Several have already come by to get information about retaking it on Monday.

juanita@advancememphis.org