We completed our last Jobs for Life session with 10 graduates. Three of our graduates are now employed, one went back to jail, another is getting his GED, one just moved to North City with his two kids after being evicted on Christmas, and the others are still seeking employment. Were we successful? In part, yes, but we have a long way to go. It's important that students graduate, but what's more important is equipping them with a long-term support team, seeing them pursue a GED or higher education, providing them with opportunities to serve in their community, connecting them with full-time employment, welcoming them back to the program as mentors, equipping them with the resources and skills necessary to becoming self-sufficient, and helping them to see themselves as fearfully and wonderfully made by an all powerful God with the purpose of knowing and glorifying Jesus Christ.

Sound like an impossible mission? It is. Last session, we had three or four committed volunteers teaching and leading class, a couple of under-resourced businesses (who can't afford to hire our guys) providing internships, and a handful of mentors who are willing to give up an hour a day for a couple of months. In this program, I see the potential of reaching hundreds and maybe thousands of men in our City, but we need more feet on the ground and hands in the classroom. I'm excited about being on this mission and I'm ready to take it to the next level and start making a real, long-lasting change. Another session of Jobs for Life just started, and we definitely can use more volunteers. Interested in helping out or just learning more about the program? Contact . And keep Jobs for Life in your prayers.