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1ST QUARTER 2023 NEWSLETTER
WorkFaith Birmingham Highlights
From Andy Blake, Executive Director
One of my greatest joys as Executive Director at WorkFaith Birmingham is watching our staff at work. We have the best staff in Birmingham, and I get a front row seat to cheer them on. Just in the 4th Quarter of 2022 and the 1st Quarter of 2023, our staff has flexed into new roles, developed and launched two new initiatives, and even welcomed a new member to the WorkFaith family.
After years of volunteer service as our Success Manager, Pamela Hodges stepped into the Lead Instructor role for The Lovelady Center workshops. The clients love Pam and her commitment to excellence is evident in their documents and interviews.
Crystal Parker, our Program Director, spent countless hours planning, researching, recruiting, and developing the WorkFaith in a Box seminar. Through her efforts, she brought together people from across the state who want to Empower Lives Through Work & Faith and can now deliver our proven curriculum.
In January, WFB onboarded Lena Kappen, our new Social Services Director. Lena is a perfect fit for our team and has done a fantastic job laying the foundation for Magic City Pipeline. She already has several clients that have applied for the program and has begun matching them with employers.
In both ministry and non-profit worlds, our focus is on the people we serve. And for good reason-we exist to Empower Lives Through Work & Faith, especially for those that face various employment barriers. So far in 2023, we have served 28 clients through our Legacy Workshops, and nearly 300 others through the Jefferson County 2nd Chance Hiring Fair. But just as important are the people that make these efforts possible. Without their dedication and passion, WorkFaith Birmingham would not exist.
For more information about volunteering with this great team or to make a donation to Empower Lives Through Work & Faith, please visit our website:
The first WorkFaith in a Box (WiB) Instructor Employment Readiness Seminar was held on February 10. 2023! We had the privilege of training 13 instructors representing 6 organizations from Birmingham, Harpersville and Mobile! We are excited about the impact our new partners will have on the communities they serve as they implement the WorkFaith Birmingham Curriculum to help the underserved overcome employment barriers and prepare for sustainable jobs and careers! Our next cohort will be late summer/early fall. If your organization would like to be a part of this employment readiness network or you need more information,
In May, we will be launching our new initiative, Magic City Pipeline (MCP). Through MCP, we will partner our clients with employers who have a desire to provide second chances and opportunities for those re-entering the workforce. We will come alongside our clients providing leadership development and mentorship for 12 months, creating an opportunity for depth and growth. We are currently working with six potential clients, with the goal of having them employed and engaged in MCP in the coming weeks. We have also begun conversations that will provide various tracks for MCP, including specific training/certifications that will allow for even greater opportunities.
If you are an employer who would like to become a MCP partner, or you are interested in becoming a mentor,
My first volunteer experience started many years ago, but about seven years ago volunteerism became a focus for me. I have always been a person who wants to give back to the community. I always pray God will use me in a way that can help at least one person get back on track or receive information they need to better themselves. My passion is helping anyone of any age or circumstance, gain life skills. What most participants do not know is that they have also helped me way more than I can ever help them.
Tamika Holmes asked me to start teaching financial literacy classes for Community Care Development Network and WorkFaith at the beginning of 2020. Volunteering with WorkFaith has been a blessing to me! Helping participants realize that they matter and can get back on "their feet" again, is priceless! If I can give them one "nugget" or takeaway during our time together that will be the start to their financial balance in life, then that is a gift they can use for the rest of their life. WorkFaith gives people opportunities to get back into the workforce, to better themselves, and help their families. That is a blessing that I want to always be a part of in helping my community.
Thank you!
Tammy is a Senior Vice President at Cadence Bank. We are so grateful for her passion and dedication to help our clients each month.
