"Life-changing:" The Joseph Project teaches people skills to find not only a job -- but a career
MILWAUKEE -- Dozens of Milwaukee residents are on a path to success, thanks to a special work program that is not just helping people find and keep a job -- but a career.
"This is taking off," U.S. Senator Ron Johnson said.
Ron Johnson
The Joseph Project was gifted two new vans to help transport participants to work.
"Definitely going to help us further this initiative," Pastor Jerome Smith with the Greater Praise Church of God in Christ said.
The Greater Praise Church of God in Christ hosts week-long class sessions teaching job seekers 'soft skills' -- such as team work, time management, financial management, spiritual fitness, stress management and conflict resolution to name a few.
The Joseph Project
The program is endorsed by Senator Johnson in partnership with a team of local advocates dedicated to promoting empowerment in the city of Milwaukee, according to the program's website.
"The role we play is, we make the connections of those opportunities that exist. We bring our Senate staffing here as a constituent service, put on a week-long training program. We put them to their paces," Johnson said.
Trayvonn Brown
Trayvonn Brown went through the program.
"It was real life-changing. Seriously," Brown said.
With a checkered past...
"Finding a job, I thought, was impossible," Brown said.
The course gave him hope that he can change his future.
"I never had a job or a job interview. They taught me all of that -- how to walk in. I told them what I wanted to say. They said 'no, don't sit like that. Sit like this,'" Brown said.
The Joseph Project
They're little things -- but the skills learned at the church have proven to be so valuable for those who have taken part in this program.
"People are getting good-paying jobs -- way above minimum wage -- in the $14, $15, $16 per hour. Prospects getting $20," Johnson said.
The Joseph Project
They are salaries achieve with new tools, a good attitude and determination.
"It gives me a sense of security to know that no matter what, my family is taken care of," Brown said.
The vans were donated by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation.
Monday, May 16th marked the eighth class that Senator Johnson kicked off.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Joseph Project.