2021 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

Work for Sustenance, Dignity, and Hope. These words have been our guide for 40 years and they certainly rang true in 2021. Since 1981, Jubilee Jobs has assisted over 27,000 people find employment. Our simple, effective placement model has withstood the test of time and change, including the upending (life altering?) effects of a worldwide pandemic.

This year’s annual report reflects the impact of an exceptionally caring and compassionate community. Donors, volunteers, staff, partner organizations, and employers joined us in our singular mission to support individuals in their search for employment. As a result, young adults, people returning from prison, people experiencing housing and food insecurity, people in recovery, and those who lost work because of Covid-19 found a lifeline, work, and hope.

For 40 years, Jubilee Jobs’ doors have been open to anyone needing work. Throughout 2021, we reflected on all those years, on every milestone, and every applicant who found sustenance, dignity, and hope. We felt deep gratitude for the generosity of all who have supported us along the way and made our mission possible. Thank you for playing an important role in the lives of so many people.

With gratitude,
Christine Gossens
Executive Director

Jubilee Jobs by the Numbers and Volunteer Report

Despite Jubilee Jobs returning to the office, many of our core elements remained virtual due to the ongoing pandemic. However, 2021 became the year of increase for Jubilee Jobs because of our volunteers. Thanks to their incredible help, we were able to see a 24 percent increase in job placements and a 36 percent increase in online applications submitted. We are very grateful that our volunteers dedicated their time, talent, and treasure at Jubilee Jobs!

Applicant and Emerging Leaders Highlight

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Gerald Gibson is a very hard worker. His first job was at Washington Hospital Center, where he worked for 34 years in a variety of positions, including in landscaping and as a painter/plasterer. After getting laid off in 2013, Gerald didn’t know where to find a job. His friend’s mother recommended Jubilee Jobs, and we helped him get a job at Colonial Parking, where he worked for eight years until he was laid off because of the pandemic.

Gerald returned to Jubilee Jobs in July 2021, and his new Job Counselor Clary Colon helped him get a job at TJ Maxx, where Gerald has worked his way up to a cashier position. He hadn’t worked in retail in a long time and found it challenging at first. However, Gerald is committed to learn and become a team player, and he enjoys greeting and interacting with the customers. Gerald said, “Jubilee Jobs helped me see the importance of being on time. They are a very passionate program, and I am very thankful they helped me land a new job.”

In February 2021, Jubilee Jobs expanded our Emerging Leaders Program to H.D. Woodson High School in Ward 7. H.D. Woodson’s College and Career Coordinator Tiana Ottley commented that “Jubilee Jobs was critical in helping students create stronger resumes.’’

Kalyn was one such a student that Tiana was referring to. After participating in the Emerging Leaders Program for one week, Kalyn landed a job as a cashier at Whole Foods. She then graduated from H.D. Woodson in June 2021 and now attends Fortis College in Landover, Maryland, studying to become a dental hygienist.

In November 2021, Kalyn started a new job as a Behavior Technician for the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Although Kalyn is only 19 years old, she really knows what she wants to achieve in life. Kalyn says that “life is so unpredictable, you have to just believe in yourself and go after it no matter what. Thank you to the Jubilee Jobs Emerging Leaders Coordinator DeSean Lawson for helping me reach my next steps in my career.”