Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

As the time for his graduation ceremony approached, Michael Averett joined his classmates in a small classroom. He donned his cap and gown. Just down a short hallway, family and friends waited for the ceremony to commence. When asked for his thoughts, Averett said it was a great feeling. “It just feels like putting on another shield of armor to try to conquer my career,” Averett said.

Averett was one of nine students who graduated Nov. 14 from the Jobs for Life program at Victory Mission in Columbus, Georgia. Another group of students is scheduled to graduate this week from a Jobs for Life program at Spirit Filled Ministries.

Jobs for Life is 10-week class that’s free for participants and designed to help adults overcome barriers to employment, build confidence, and get ready for successful careers. “This night means I’ve achieved another milestone in my life to become a better person,” said graduate Michael Averett. The Georgia Center for Opportunity, as part of the BETTER WORK Columbus initiative, hosts the program, with BETTER WORK serving as the hub for the program in Columbus. They partner with local churches, provide administrative tools, and train leadership to host the classes.

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Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Strengthening Partnerships: Valley Hospital & Community Organizations

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Strengthening Partnerships: Valley Hospital & Community Organizations

Featured in the Valley Hospitality Newsletter

We’re excited to share that on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Bella Marshall from our Human Resources team met with key leaders to solidify partnerships that will enhance our workforce initiatives at Valley Hospitality.

Bella had the pleasure of discussing collaborative opportunities with Margaret Jones, CEO of Jobs for Life, and Kristin Barker, VP of Workforce Solutions at Georgia Center for Opportunity & Better Work Columbus. These organizations play a pivotal role in workforce development and align with our commitment to building a strong and sustainable workforce.

The Better Work program is relational which is essential to our goal of life transformation. One way we do this is through Jobs for Life classes o_ered in partnership with churches and non-profits throughout our community.

This program teaches essential skills, incorporates meaningful relationships, and provides ongoing support to Jobs for Life graduates as they transition into the workforce. After completing the 10-week course, participants are not left to navigate the job market alone; instead, they become part of a supportive community committed to their success.

Graduates receive personalized assistance tailored to their unique needs, including connections to job interviewing opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations.

Valley Hospitality is excited to support these e_orts by helping provide these jobs, further strengthening our community through this meaningful partnership!

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Free job skills courses offered in Columbus

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Free job skills courses offered in Columbus

Local job seekers in the Columbus area might beef up their resumes with the launch of a new initiative. Free job skills courses started Aug. 5 with an open house at Victory Mission.

“It is so great for people who are ready for change in their lives and they’re willing to do the work they need to do to create that change,” Kristen Baker, vice president of workforce solutions for the Georgia Center for Opportunity, said.

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Free ‘Jobs for Life’ classes underway in the Fountain City

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Free ‘Jobs for Life’ classes underway in the Fountain City

This week, we launched our Jobs for Life program with an inspiring open house, highlighting the life-changing opportunities available to individuals in our community. Through this free program, participants gain critical job skills, build confidence, and set themselves up for long-term success in the workforce.

At Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK Columbus initiative, we believe that investing in people is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. Our partnership with Jobs for Life ensures that individuals not only receive job training but also the support and mentorship needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

In the news coverage from WTVM, you’ll see how this program is already creating a positive ripple effect in our community. From improving local employment rates to fostering a sense of belonging, Jobs for Life is transforming lives—and it’s just the beginning.

Watch the news coverage from WTVM 9 Columbus, GA.

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Community-led city improvement group to hold open meeting next week

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Community-led city improvement group to hold open meeting next week

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Locals seeking change in the community have an upcoming opportunity to meet with others who share that goal. On Jan. 30, the Columbus Empowerment Initiative will hold its first open meeting, starting at 10 a.m. at the Columbus Public Library.

Organizers hope the project will be successful in Columbus. While the initiative is still new in the city – it’s first meeting was held in October 2023 – similar projects have run in other cities, including Omaha, Neb.

Group founders encourage people from all sectors of the community to show up to next week’s meeting. 

 

Building Better Work: The Power of Community and Business Partnerships

Building Better Work: The Power of Community and Business Partnerships

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Building Better Work: The Power of Community and Business Partnerships

Key Points

  • Our BETTER WORK program harnesses the transformative power of local partnerships to get more people hired and build prosperous, stable communities.

  • Four standout collaborators—Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM)—are showing how business and nonprofit involvement can fuel economic opportunity and serve the holistic needs of those working to escape poverty.

  • Together, GCO and our partners are dedicated to more than building better work. We’re building environments where everyone has a chance to reach their full potential.

In the tapestry of a thriving community, threads of collaboration weave a narrative of hope and opportunity for those who need it most. The collective efforts of local organizations, community leaders, and neighbors form the foundation upon which individuals facing challenges can build a brighter future. 

In the pursuit of creating a more prosperous and stable community, the Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) BETTER WORK program has harnessed the transformative power of partnerships. Among these alliances, four standout collaborators—Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM)—exemplify how synergy between businesses and nonprofits makes it possible for communities to experience greater transformation and well-being. 

Essendant: A Distributor with a Difference

Type of Business: Distinguished distribution company based in Suwanee, Georgia.

Partnership History: Has been an employer partner in GCO’s BETTER WORK Gwinnett (BWG) program since August 2022. 

Their Impact: Essendant’s involvement is not merely transactional—it represents a commitment to community growth and development. By actively participating in the BETTER WORK program, Essendant contributes to the creation of a more vibrant and economically stable community. 

  • Their commitment to the program is evident in their proactive approach, going above and beyond in reaching out and interviewing every candidate referred by GCO.
  • Their consistency in communication has been a cornerstone of their partnership. By keeping us updated on the progress of candidates, they ensure a transparent and collaborative process.
  • Three individuals referred by BWG have been employed at Essendant for over three months, highlighting the tangible impact of this partnership on local employment opportunities.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries: Nurturing Communities, Transforming Lives

Type of Business: Nonprofit organization in Norcross, Georgia.

Partnership History: Has been a community partner since the inception of GCO’s BETTER WORK program. 

Their Impact: NCM has stood as an unwavering partner, embodying values of compassion, faithfulness, and trustworthiness that align seamlessly with the BETTER WORK initiative’s people-centric approach. Their impact extends well beyond the professional realm, delving into the core of individual needs. 

  • Their comprehensive support system—encompassing financial aid, shelter, and food resources—plays a pivotal role in empowering candidates referred by the BETTER WORK program. 
  • NCM’s commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals creates an environment where securing employment becomes a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency.
  • Together, BETTER WORK and NCM orchestrate various initiatives, with NCM hosting job events that connect job seekers with potential employers. NCM’s clients benefit from the invaluable support provided by the BETTER WORK program, including job coaching, resume assistance, and essential career advice.

“Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity.”

“Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity.”

D.P. Jones Electrical: Illuminating Opportunities

Type of Business: Family-owned and operated business established in 1939. 

Partnership History: Recent addition to the employer partner network for BETTER WORK Columbus. 

Their Impact: D.P. Jones Electrical brings with them a legacy of customer satisfaction and an eagerness to give back to the community. 

  • Their commitment to offering opportunities is exemplified by the employment of a BETTER WORK candidate who was initially feeling defeated in his job search.

  • The collaborative efforts between the candidate, the BETTER WORK team, and D.P. Jones Electrical resulted in permanent full-time employment. Edward Russel, the newest member of the D.P. Jones’ team, expresses his appreciation for working in a company that values him and shares his family values.

  • The company’s commitment to on-the-job training provides individuals like Edward with the chance to learn a trade while supporting their families.

Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM): Empowering Communities in Times of Need

Type of Business: A non-profit outreach ministry in Columbus, GA

Partnership History: Community partner with BETTER WORK Columbus

Their Impact: CVEM stands as a beacon of support for individuals facing great need or crisis. 

  • Collaborating with BETTER WORK Columbus, CVEM addresses concerns related to housing, medical expenses, household furnishings, education, and job-related expenses. 
  • Their flexibility and responsiveness empower individuals to succeed as they position themselves for better job opportunities and futures.

Partnerships Unlock the Life-Changing Power of Work

It’s through local partnerships that we are able to help more people achieve a better life through the power of work. Partners like Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries are a few of the shining examples that illustrate the positive outcomes that come from strategic alliances. 

Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity. 

Learn More About Partnering with BETTER WORK

If you are connected to a business or nonprofit organization interested in collaborating with our local BETTER WORK chapters, go here to learn more and contact us: