SAPC / Mission / Jacob's Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder Job Center

Website: http://www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org

In 1998, Seigle Avenue Presbyterian began to reach out to the habitually unemployed and underemployed and help them find and keep living wages jobs through the Jacob’s Ladder Job Center. Over the last five years, over 1,000 have received job counseling and help in finding and keeping a job.

Business, says Executive Director Steffi Travis, is booming; a reflection of the weak economy where the job market is tight for even those with skills and confidence. Often, the clients of Jacob's Ladder have neither.

Most of the clients have not graduated from high school. Most have no transportation. Almost one-third have some criminal background. Almost all have lived - and still live - in poverty. Many come from Piedmont Courts, Belmont, Optimist Park and Villa Heights.

For these clients, the staff and 80 volunteers start at the beginning - listening to their stories in a non-judgmental way. Volunteers are matched with clients to go through a four-step job-readiness program. The clients must agree to be open and honest, attend their coaching sessions on time and to dress as if going on a job interview.

The relationship then begins and continues for six months after the client gets a job. Along the way, the coach talks with the client about the barriers to getting a job, helps figure out strategies and places to go for help and often coaches them through the first call to a potential employer.

Archie Gibson, Program Coordinator, works to establish partnerships with employers, and more are always needed.

To volunteer, contact Donna Grissom, Volunteer Coordinator, at 704-332-5822.

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