I grew up here in Washington D.C. and attended the Multi-Cultural Career Intern Program at Bell High School. I learned word processing there as well as general studies, so while I was there I got office work jobs, filing papers, answering phones, data entry, stuff like that. I worked at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). I enjoyed dressing up for those jobs, wearing a tie and shirt.

I graduated from Bell High School in 1984. I went to the University of the District of Columbia to get a four-year degree in Computer Information System Science, but that didn’t pan out too good. It was a little too rough for me, so I decided to go for the two year Computer Programming degree, but after a year and eight months I didn’t have enough money to continue.

From there I went to Arch Training School to learn Building and Maintenance work. I attended there for six months and was able to complete that program, so I’ve got a Building and Maintenance certificate. I had a few different jobs after that. I was a punch-out worker at an apartment complex doing maintenance, repairing faucets, doors…whatever was broken we had to fix so someone else could move in. I also worked as a Remodeler’s Helper, a Grounds Technician, a Painter/Carpenter Helper and a Commercial Janitor in different places, so I had a lot of experience working in buildings. I’ve always liked fixing things so I enjoyed it, but a lot of times I wasn’t getting enough hours, not even 20 a week.

One day I talked to someone who got a job through Jubilee Jobs, so I said, “I’ll give it a try.” When I came I saw a lot of other people who didn’t have jobs, so I thought, “I’m in the right place. This is it.” Nat Reid was my job counselor. He sent me on a job interview at the Colonnade Condominiums in July, 2002, and I got hired. I buffed and waxed floors, polished brass, cleaned mirrors, shampooed and vacuumed carpets. It was okay. The people were nice, it was a great atmosphere; it just wasn’t enough money. When I first got there I was making $6.15 an hour. When I left almost four years later, it was only like $7 an hour.

Eventually I called over here to look for Nat and he wasn’t here anymore, so I got another counselor. When I came to meet her, they introduced me to Ms. Johnson, the Move-Up Job Counselor. I came to a couple of Job Friends Dinners and signed up for the Move-Up Program. It wasn’t that rough. It was okay. I filled out applications online, dropped off resumes and interviewed for jobs. I believe it was like a month before I got a job. Ms. Johnson told me about a job opening as a Building Superintendent with Jubilee Housing.

Describe yourself as an employee.
I’m always there, on the job! I’m kind, considerate, I speak to everyone. I’m a hard worker and I go the extra mile to get the job done. I’m supposed to get off work at 4:00, but they can call me at 3:45 and I know the job is going to take me an hour, but I just go do it anyway.

What do you like most about your job?The job is beautiful! A lot of great people over there. It’s spiritual-based, so that’s a strong point. I’ve got benefits, I work 40 hours and I’m making $9 an hour. I also get to live in an apartment as part of my pay. It’s great having a place of my own! It’s peaceful, quiet and it stays clean.

What is most challenging about your job?
Plumbing. The plumbing engineer retired two weeks ago, so I went from Building Superintendent to plumber. I have a lot of experience plumbing, but it’s still a challenge. The shop was in shambles, stuff still in boxes that had never been taken out.

Can the tenants be difficult?
Sometimes they can be, but a lot of times they just want someone to listen to them. Just lend them your ear and everything seems to come back together.

Are there days you don’t feel like going?
No. I wouldn’t know what to do at home. There’s nothing to do. I just can’t stay at home. I need to fill my day up with some kind of activity, and work is part of that activity.

What are your future goals?
I’d like to have my Associate’s Degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Lincoln Technical Institute is free and probably takes about a year. I can go on the weekends and in the afternoons. My job is about to send me to school in a minute, at least that’s what they said.

What advice would you give to other Jubilee Jobs applicants?
Stay positive, stay focused, and be determined to get a job! You’ve got to look like you want a job, so take care of your appearance. And your body language…if someone’s trying to tell you about the program and you’re pouting or giving off negative signals, people don’t want to help you.

What has Jubilee Jobs done for you?
They’ve got a lot of great people over there that understand that it’s hard to find a job, so they’ll put forth the time and effort to help you get the things you need to find a job…they’ll help you get a resume together, they give you a lot of information on interviewing skills and things like that to get you ready and motivated to find a job.

What about the monthly Job Friends meetings?
That’s great because you get to meet a lot of people from Jubilee Jobs and a lot of the staff of Jubilee Jobs. They serve great food, have nice entertainment, and each time you go you learn something new. They have different programs for Health Care, moving up in your jobs, a lot of good information comes out of those Job Friends Dinners.

In what ways to you try to give back?
I volunteer to help clean up the community. I went on the Help-the-Homeless Walk-a-Thon to help raise money for Jubilee Jobs. I’ve shared my story with groups who have come to Jubilee Jobs to learn more about it a couple of times.

What would you say to people who contribute money to Jubilee Jobs?
Only thing I can say is, “Thank you for having the heart and understanding needed to help the unfortunate, people like myself. Find a network such as Jubilee Jobs and help in the struggle.”