By Lex McMillan

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23-24

The Adams Rescue Mission has recently partnered with two regional workforce development programs to provide secure, long-term work opportunities for current Mission residents.  Citing Colossians 3:23-24, Executive Director Will Hudson says the new initiatives reflect ARM’s commitment “to work as if we are working for the Lord.” The goal is to provide “our resident guests with the very best tools to regain . . . a productive life in our community.”

One program, SCPaWorks, administered by PA Career Link South Central Region, helps young men and women (14-24) overcome barriers to employment, identify career interests, and prepare for successful job applications.  Participants receive a stipend upon completing ten workshops and can secure paid internships with cooperating local employers at no cost to the employers.  Career paths offered include CDL licensure, forklift certification, Certified Nurse Aide training, welding certification, administrative assistant training, IT foundations, and dental assistant training.

SCPaWorks funds programming through a network of partners that also helps young adults connect with trade or post-secondary schools and helps them secure scholarships, grants, or other financial aid to support their continued education.  All services are provided at no cost to participants.

Currently three young men who reside at ARM’s shelter on York Road are enrolled in the program.  They are in their early 20s.  One is pursuing training in culinary arts, another in guest services, and the third in industrial supply chain work.

A second program, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which is operated by Crispus Atticus York, assists mature, low-income workers, 55 and older, in returning to the job market through temporary paid training and job placement in community service.  These part-time jobs include beautification projects, computer instruction, literacy instruction, nutrition programs, schools & childcare centers, and senior citizen centers.

A 60-year-old ARM resident, who has been at the Mission for eight years, has enrolled in SCSEP.  Currently working in the ARM warehouse, he will receive training in facilities services. Originally from York, he hopes to return there to be closer to family.

Will Hudson is excited about these and other partnerships that help the Mission better meet the needs of its clients.  He says, “We are changing the trajectory of lives as we restore hope in those we are here to serve. We . . . share the love of Christ to the very best of our abilities and resources as He restores hope; it’s who we are.”

The Adams Rescue Mission exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted; to accelerate recovery and restoration to the least, last, lonely, and lost. The Agape House is the ARM residential shelter for women and children. Lex McMillan is an ARM board member. To support the Mission: http://www.adamsrescuemission.org/donate-now.

11.9.2024