Summer Challenge 2023
Dear Friends,
We met Tawana D. in March, when she had just been released from prison. She knew she wanted to rebuild her confidence, be placed in a job, move out of the shelter she was assigned to and re-establish herself in society. However, she did not know where to begin or how to navigate that journey.
For clients, like Tawana, job preparation and employment provide self-worth and stability after a time of great insecurity and isolation. It helps take on a caretaker role for their family and become a positive contributor, instead of being viewed negatively
Understanding the unique concerns, responsibilities and needs of women returning citizens, the Jubilee Jobs Board of Directors, and some of our longstanding generous family of supporters, have dedicated $50,000 for the Jubilee Jobs Summer Challenge, specifically for the Returning Citizens - Women’s Initiative for Stability & Employment (RC-WISE) program, that will match dollar-for-dollar any contribution you make by August 31st, 2023.
I write to request your commitment to help women like Tawana who post incarceration need intentional and compassionate assistance in attaining employment to get their lives back on track.
A $100 dollar donation will become $200. A $250 donation will become $500. A $500 donation will become $1,000. Each and every dollar will help a ‘WISE’ participant get their life in order.
In Tawana’s case, she has happily moved to a transitional program in a single room occupancy unit. We are now working with collaborating agencies to help move her into an affordable apartment of her own.
We respectfully look to your partnering with us, so we may double our impact!
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Mirin Phool
Executive Director
Client Hero - Tawana
Tawana, age 63, a native Washingtonian, grew up in Northeast DC. She completed a training certificate at the Jefferson Business College in 1978, and also earned a high school diploma. Tawana is the mother of six children and in-between raising her children, Tawana worked on and off as a clerk.
After Tawana was laid off from work, she struggled to find permanent work and ended up cobbling together a series of part time and temporary jobs to make ends meet. During this time, Tawana struggled with difficult decisions and depression. Her family home was sold and as a result, she lived day-to-day with great uncertainty. It was at this time that she was arrested for a minor offense, incarcerated and is still on probation.
Tawana was referred to Jubilee Jobs by a partner organization’s caseworker for job placement. After an initial intake interview and needs assessment process with a Jubilee Jobs Job Counselor, she attended job preparation workshops. We were impressed with her response in the Interview Skills workshop. One of the questions discussed with the group in the workshop was “Why should an employer hire you?” Her answer was: “I am self-motivated, a fast learner and I’m always eager to improve.” With such a response, we knew we had a winner!
The Jubilee Jobs team completed several job applications on her behalf. Tawana went on a few job interviews and to her delight received a job offer from one of them not too long after. She now has a full-time position that is close to where she is presently living. We are happy to report that with a new job and increasing financial security, Tawana is now planning her next move – a place of her own place!
We are proud of Tawana’s success and the role of the Jubilee Jobs dedicated team in making a positive difference in her life.
Client Hero – Kennisha
Kennisha was referred to Jubilee Jobs by The Client Advisory Group (CAG) which is part of the Coalition for the Homeless. Kennisha had sought help from the CAG upon coming out of a period of incarceration. With a bright attitude and pleasant personality, we quickly had Kennisha start working with the Salvation Army.
Kennisha faced many personal hurdles but stayed committed to finding suitable work, and Jubilee Jobs kept its promise of continued assistance to find appropriate employment for her. The Jubilee Jobs team and volunteers helped her complete online applications and sent her to interviews with multiple employers. She was interviewed and selected by Colonial Parking, a long-time compassionate Jubilee Jobs employer partner, and offered a part-time position.
We are happy to share that currently Kennisha has been promoted to a full-time position with the company. She has overcome adversity to be in a place of economic independence, strength and stability.
Go Kennisha! You make your Jubilee Jobs family proud!
Why the ‘WISE’ Program?
In understanding the extraordinary challenges experienced by women returning citizens, the Jubilee Jobs WISE program (Women’s Initiative for Stability and Employment) has been established to provide needed navigation supports and safety nets, educational resources via career training, work experience programs, work ethics and job retention workshops, digital literacy, and employment opportunities. We want to empower our returning citizens and ensure their long-term success.
To optimize holistic support for WISE program participants, Jubilee Jobs partners with local organizations to offer transportation, food security, financial literacy, health and wellness, and vocational training. Additionally, Jubilee Jobs has created a WISE Rising Star scholarship that recognizes an eligible WISE participant and assists them in pursuing an Associate's program in an area of their interest.
Our special summer matching gift challenge expires on August 31st. Please donate what you can today so that each and every dollar you give can go twice as far.