Fall Newsletter | October 2020
Job Placement in the Time of Coronavirus
Getting an entry-level job during COVID-19 is a lengthy process, even when you are a healthy young man with a good work history and no police record. Jerry came to Jubilee Jobs on August 11, 2020 when the company he was working for went out of business. On October 5 (58 days, eight applications and three interviews later), he had his first day on the job at Safeway. Or rather, his first night at work, 10 pm to 6 am.
Job placement is challenging, even in the best of times. But as Jerry’s story highlights, this process became significantly more complex in 2020. Jerry’s road to employment included a socially distanced intake on our front porch, a technology lesson on how to download and use Zoom, job interview coaching, numerous remote application sessions with volunteers and virtual interviews.
We are fortunate to have perfected job placement. A process that began as “a telephone, a desk, and two chairs” has stood the test of time—the shift to technology and online hiring platforms, a more rigid and selective hiring process and two economic recessions. Our process now withstands a worldwide pandemic.
Jubilee Jobs is happy to share some highlights of our year so far in which we have gone beyond job placement and are doing all we can to ensure our applicants are taken care of. Thank you for helping make urgently needed employment a reality for so many and for keeping hope alive
A Small Sign of Relief: Returning Citizens Receive Cash Assistance
Men and women who are currently being released from jail and seeking to re-enter the workforce are facing a particularly grim societal scenario. The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the economy and swept away millions of jobs. Most of these men and women are among the region’s lowest income earners (less than $24,000 annually). They are hoping to find work in a highly competitive job market, which often scrutinizes their backgrounds. As a result, the forward progress of these men and women may be slowed down significantly.
To address some of the problems faced by returning citizens, Jubilee Jobs, initiated the Returning Citizens COVID-19 Relief Fund. This cash assistance program, funded by The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, helps provide immediate financial assistance to 125 Jubilee Jobs placed clients who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applicant Spotlight: Margaret Wilson
Margaret Wilson LOVES her job working as a dishwasher at Bread and Chocolate French bakery and patisserie in Chevy Chase, DC. She loves her job because, she says, “I love the people I’m working with, especially my boss, Hamid. I live in SE Washington, DC and get up at 5:30 am to get to work on time. I can’t wait to get to work!” How many of us would be thrilled to take the two hour bus ride from SE Washington, DC every day, even if we had a great team of coworkers?
Margaret grew up in Norfolk, Virginia in a family with 14 brothers and sisters. She came to Washington, DC to find a job when she finished high school. She had a variety of previous work experience, but her most joy-filled employment has been at Bread and Chocolate.
What makes Bread and Chocolate such a great place to work? It is because of the remarkable spirit of the manager, Hamid. He has kept his amazing team working during the pandemic, with safety and health structures in place. His hard working staff—as well as his loyal customers—are delighted the bakery has been able to remain open through this tough year. All would say Bread and Chocolate is an essential industry!
Margaret brings joy to all of us with her enthusiasm for her work, her boss, and coworkers. Truly, Bread and Chocolate is a place for Sustenance, Dignity and Hope for Margaret and her coworkers.
Emerging Leader Spotlight: Kenya McMaster
If you can get a pass to visit the National Gallery of Art, you may meet Kenya McMaster. She has been working as a cashier at National Gallery of Art for two months, earning $15 per hour. Kenya says, “I love working for National Gallery of Art. And I can take my little boy Messiah to visit too. He loves art and keeps asking me if he can come to look at the amazing pictures.”
Kenya had been working in Alexandria, VA making $7.50 per hour. Her cousin told her about Jubilee Jobs and on June 19 she graduated from the Jubilee Jobs Emerging Leaders program. She was quickly hired at the museum and now manages work and home schooling for Messiah.
She was determined to get a job to provide for her two precious kids Messiah, age six and Amoure age two. Kenya didn’t allow the pandemic to slow her down.
Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Eason
Monday Morning at Jubilee Jobs. Here comes Susan, our Monday volunteer bringing her cheerful, can-do spirit. When here, she is masked and ready to help applicants with résumés and online applications. Although a small woman, her big heart takes up most of her body. Even with the pandemic, she said she is happier coming in with all of Jubilee’s extensive health and safety precautions rather than staying at home.
Susan came to Jubilee Jobs through a colleague in her work as a librarian in Montgomery County. Susan’s favorite part of her job was the Detention Center where she went regularly. “I am most concerned about the young men whom I met there and at Jubilee Jobs. They want to move forward in their lives, but have so little support or encouragement.”
Susan said, “My family gave me so much help. I believe there is nothing a person couldn’t do that they want to do if they have support and help.” She gives that crucial support to help each applicant move forward in their lives.
Before the pandemic Susan was part of The Wednesdays, a team of volunteers coming every week to help applicants with résumés, online applications, and mock interviews. Thank you Susan for opening doors of opportunity for Jubilee Jobs applicants!
Jubilee Jobs Staff Updates!
Jubilee Jobs is happy to announce that Volunteer Coordinator Vincent Van and his wife Khadijah Brydson-Van welcomed twin boys into the world. Virgil (left) and Karter (right) were born on May 31, 2020 at Holy Cross Hospital, in the midst of DC’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Mom and babies are all in good health! The boys recently stopped by the office on a Saturday morning to help Vincent facilitate a virtual Volunteer Day of Service.
We are also happy to announce that during the lockdown Job Counselor Paul Newport got married to Andenet in a very small, socially distanced ceremony on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. The wedding was wonderfully officiated by Terry Flood. Paul and Andenet are blessed and so thankful. (Slim’s sweater was not included in the handmade, Ethiopian outfits package.