Testimonial

Job Training Experiences at Elevate Church

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A new job training class is underway at Elevate Church of Baton Rouge! We have 12 students enrolled from across the city coming weekly to develop the soft and hard skills needed to gain and maintain employment. 2020 was a difficult year in ministry, and classes were at a standstill to protect our clients and volunteers. Job training is the heartbeat of our services because it provides an opportunity for lasting change, not just temporary relief. It’s exciting to be able to host classes again and see individuals work toward goals that could change their futures!

We asked a few current students what it’s been like to be in class. Here’s what they had to say!

Hear from Michael

Q: Where were you before you began the Job Readiness class?
A: I was actually at Kingdom house which is a sober living house. 

Q: From a sober living home to Job Readiness class, how are you feeling now?
A: I’m feeling enthused. I’m not getting too old to learn. I’m feeling like I’m back in high school. This class is keeping me humble. 

Q: What do you hope to get out of this experience?
A: Basically staying employable. At my last job I was only employed for 9 months. I am hoping to get a steady job and be there for a long time.

Hear from Jafari

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness class?
A: I would describe my life as better than I was when I was coming up. When I was a young kid I was a criminal in and out of juvenile detention but at some point in life I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a better person. And look where I’m at now! I’m being a better person. 

Q: Do you currently have a job? 
A: Yes I’ve been working at Burger King for 15 years and 7 months. 

Q: What has your experience been like going through the Job Readiness Classes? 
A: It helped me become more stronger being around others and willing to help others succeed and be where I’m at. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances since you’ve gone through the Job Readiness class?
A: That I’m willing to accept a better structure and overcome. The skills and work ethic that I have now I would like to use like cooking, welding, AC/refrigeration, something different. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future? 
A: Own a restaurant. Be my own boss and work for myself. 

Hear from Teresa

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness classes
A: A wreck! I wasn’t close to God like I am now. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances while going through the Job Readiness classes? 
A: I’m closer to God. I’m learning job skills like better communication skills and learning how to do a resume. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future?
A: To be a computer technician, or cosmetology, or customer service/receptionist.

These responses are just a surface-level glimpse into what these job readiness classes can do for our clients. Our students are often motivated and hopeful for what their future can be. We are excited to have the opportunity to keep growing alongside them with more classes this year!

From Homeless to Hopeful

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Tina is a former client and now friend of the COC. Over the years, we have had an opportunity to see her transform and flourish after attending a Jobs for Life class. Tina shares “I have been in and out of prison most of my life. When I wasn’t in prison, most of it was lived without a home. I knew God was calling me out of darkness, but I couldn’t find the road. 

I couldn’t tell you how many times I have been released from jail or prison, Bible in hand, and with every intention of staying clean and doing the right thing. But it didn’t stick. 

In 2018, I got out of prison for the last time and I voluntarily went into a program that had me take a job training class at the COC. Everything was different this time. It was the first time I was introduced to a family (the COC) that has been there for me, supporting me and believing in me. So I guess you could say I met the staff at COC through job training, but it didn’t stop there. 

They treated me like I had value. It impacted me so much that I came back to the next class as a volunteer. That part of the journey is amazing in itself, but it was so much more than that.

About 1 year after my release from incarceration, I reached a fork in the road and my next step was not clear. The people that I leaned on during that time were the staff from COC. 

I ended up teaching job readiness for three sober living houses which eventually expanded into a management position. My new career often involved people who were in need of birth certificates or ID’s, but they didn’t have the resources. So now the COC has become an ever-present help in my assisting others. 

Today I am actually a case worker who has the privilege of helping others who don’t have homes. The other day I had a series of meetings (one of them being at COC), and I had a moment where I did not recognize myself.

Did I tell you that I was even nominated for a returning citizen award (getting out of prison and doing the right thing)? That is what the COC is about.”

Tina is just one of countless women who share this experience. This is why the COC exists, to help those experiencing homelessness find hope. A roadmap to finding the path out of cyclical incarceration, poverty and homelessness. When you participate in our ministry, you extend a hand up to women like Tina. Thank you.