A Good Week at Advance

EMPLOYED!

We just got word this week that Shawn Bell (second from left with part of his Jobs for Life graduating class) has gone to work at Piggly Wiggly. We love it when grads seek and find employment entirely on their own. Go Shawn!

GRADUATION DAY

Today is another beautiful graduation day at Advance Memphis. Our cup overflows--15 of these 20 grads are going to work IMMEDIATELY through our Staffing Service. Please join us in praying for ALL of these grads. We pray that those who are going to work immediately will make the most of this opportunity. We pray that those who are continuing their search will focus on their goal and be blessed in their efforts. We thank God for WORK.

BRANDY BOUGHT A CAR!

We get so excited when a graduate who is participating in our IDA (matched savings) Program earns enough to purchase a car. Talk about a tangible reward! In this video, Brandy explains why her car purchase is important to her, and how the IDA Program helped her feel confident about the purchase. It's under two minutes, but it's enough to help you understand why this program is so important. Check it out!

HEBREWS 10:35-36

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Blessings

Advance Is Runner Up in Contest for National HOPE Award for Effective Compassion Thank you to the 3,000+ people who voted in World Magazine's contest for the National HOPE Award for Effective Compassion. While we're disappointed to not be the National Award winner, we're grateful for the blessings that came as a result of the Southern Region Award. Even today there is a new volunteer in the office who became involved after reading the article in World Magazine about us. We've got a relationship with a new employer, too. And our students and neighbors were greatly encouraged by the POSITIVE recognition the neighborhood received because of the article and the Award. Staff, too, were greatly encouraged by your voting. It is a forkliftblessing to be surrounded by so many supporters. Thank you to World Magazine and the American Bible Society for sponsoring the HOPE Award!

Warehouse Readiness Class Begins Monday Last year we ran a Warehouse Readiness pilot program for a select group of our program grads (one is pictured at right during forklift certification). The class was a success, and helped us learn the best ways to structure the program. Fast forward a year, and we've added our Staffing Service to our Programs, which means we've got dozens of employees who are working hard and ready to move up the career ladder. It's time for the Warehouse Readiness program to re-launch in its new and improved form! This Monday, we'll have 13 people begin the 4 week class. They'll meet Mon-Thur from 2-5p in a course designed specifically to make them more attractive candidates for full time, skilled positions in warehouse environments. Congratulations to the new students!

Blessed with a Problem
In the past few months, our class registration days have become quite a phenomenon. People have lined up in the rain. They've lined up in the heat. They've lined up as early as 3:30am. We've turned dozens of people away on registration days and hundreds of people away every 6 weeks between classes. We believe that the presence of this line every six weeks says a lot about this neighborhood. Our neighbors are ready to do what it takes to get a job. They are seeing friends and relatives go to work, and they're coming to be a part of it. In a place where nihilism runs rampant, hope is gaining a foothold. People are lining up when it's inconvenient, uncomfortable, and despite the fact that a spot in class is not guaranteed. We PRAISE GOD for these potential students who come seeking work--and hope. We pray that in the coming months and years, through the Lord's provision, we'll be able to expand capacity, and serve more of these neighbors.

JOHN 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

GENEROSITY [OR] WHY OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES ARE AMAZING

Sometimes we're overwhelmed by the generosity of our students and grads. This has been one of those weeks, and we thought we'd share the joy with you. We'll start with an explanation of the picture at left. It's Julie's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE!) and she was honored today with a gift that is traditional in the neighborhood. Our students gave Julie several dollars to pin to her shirt. The idea is that you wear the money all day, and those who see you will know to wish you a happy birthday - and they'll also be able to add to the gift. All day long, people have been wishing her a happy birthday and adding to her pin. GENEROUS.

We've also had one graduate and one current student contribute many hours of volunteer work over the past couple weeks. Wendell Rucker and Greg Parham have labored hard to help demo a large concrete slab that will be converted to allow for a new meeting space. This was hard work - and their work meant that we were able to complete the project on a small budget. THAT means more dollars for services. GENEROUS.

Along the same lines, we've had MANY graduates volunteer time at our front desk. We haven't had a receptionist for while, and that's isn't easy on staff. We are so grateful for the grads who take the time to give back in this way. GENEROUS.

A few gradautes are talking with us regularly about the idea of holding AA meetings here at our building. They're willing to contribute their time and energy to making this happen, and they know that is a big commitment. But they understand the value to their community. GENEROUS.

PSALM 81:16

But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.

JOBS AND SAVING ACCOUNTS - GOOD THINGS!

Lonnie Thomas was hired on FULL TIME, PERMANENT, WITH BENEFITS by KTG. While we're sad to lose him from Advance Memphis Staffing Service, this is exactly what we dream of for all our grads! We're proud to share that Robert Johnson has gone to work just down the street--at Streets Ministries! He's been brought on staff as a maintenance worker and we can testify that he'll do a great job. He's kept our building looking great by helping with lawn care for years!

We've also had TWO graduates open Individual Development Accounts this week. April Smith has been working with Advance Memphis Staffing Service since her graduation in July. She is saving towards opening a small lawn care business. Go April! Andre Wesley also opened an account this week: take 20 seconds to hear his story below!