When we started meeting to plan Next Step Training Program, one of the things that came up often in our discussions was the desire for our students to get real world experience in a controlled environment. We talked about things like working in a coffee shop or at a farmers’ market where people would know why we were there and that the students were working on vocational skills.
Little did we know that God would provide many one-time jobs for our students to do (under our supervision, of course) to gain experience! Last session, we had a book sale and two opportunities to help people load trucks for moving. This session, we have two fence painting jobs and two moving jobs! We love that we are getting them in twos because that way, the students can use the first one to get their feet wet and the second one is more of a refining of skills.
The first job is today (pictures to come) and is in Shelbyville. One of the couples in our Sunday School class approached me about staining their fence. Of course, I said yes (after talking with the rest of the staff)! We will use today as a introduction to painting (the do’s and don’t’s).
The second job is in October and is in east Jefferson County. One of my pickleball friends reached out to me out of the blue about paining her split rail fence in her horse field. Of course, I said yes (after talking with the rest of the staff, see the pattern?)
Because this one will be a bigger job, we reached out to the management of Mattress Firm where one of my sons works because they love to give back to the community by donating time and effort to local non-profits! They are going to send 5-6 managers to work right alongside our students which will be a win-win-win!
I will have our social media intern post pictures of both of the events so you can see our students in action!