|
Monthly Newsletter - February 2024 |
|
|---|
|
|
The 2024 Black History Month Theme: African Americans and the Arts.
According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. With this year's theme, the ASALH puts into the national spotlight the richness of the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring.
Take time during the month of February and 2024 to explore African American art and artisans in Huntsville, throughout the State of Alabama and across the country. |
|
|
|
|
Want to support Christian Job Corps?
One of the biggest needs we currently have is for volunteers to provide lunch for each of our class days.
For the First Baptist Site - beginning February 13 through May 2, 2024, lunch will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. And, at our Stokes Street Site, lunch is provided every Saturday from now through April 13, 2024.
Lunches can be anything from store-bought sub sandwiches, soup, salads, to homemade dishes or catered plates.
|
|
|
|
|
Now Hiring!
Looking for a part-time job? CJC is now hiring an additional Site Coordinator.
For more information and to apply, visit our webiste at
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time;
they just have the heart.”
~Author Elizabeth Andrew |
|
|---|
|
Every Tuesday morning, rain or shine, a group of dedicated ladies shows up at First Baptist Church (FBC) to volunteer in the CJC Clothes Closet.
Rose Carney, Tonia Caudle, Nancy Lennartsson, Kristie McShane and Joy Moore faithfully work each week from 10 am until noon to ensure the CJC Clothes Closet is ready for ladies to shop for professional attire. From greeting donors at the door and unloading donations from cars to sorting, organizing, and hanging clothes in the Closet, this “tribe” of ladies handles it all!
Volunteering together for several years, this group’s bond extends far beyond the CJC Clothes Closet. According to Joy Moore, “Our little group of closet volunteers have created a “tribe” of friends who laugh together, share together, cry together, lift one another up through prayer & caring. We love working together to serve others! We are a closeknit group who aren’t afraid to be honest with one another!”
|
|
|
|
|
Nancy Lennartsson, who lived in California for almost 40 years, returned to Alabama just before the Pandemic and began volunteering with the Clothes Closet. She explains that working each week has allowed her to meet new people and develop new friendships and these friendships keep her volunteering. According to Nancy, she enjoys volunteering at CJC “because I enjoy the friendships and the camaraderie of the women who work with me on Tuesdays.” Now living in Marshall County, Nancy, continues to drive to FBC each Tuesday to serve in the Clothes Closet. |
|
|
|
|
The Clothes Closet volunteers believe in the mission of CJC and welcome the opportunity to share about their work with others. “I love the purpose of CJC of helping women, and now men, who need a boost to improve themselves, regain self-esteem and redirect their lives in a better way. We need each other at different times in our lives. I believe this is what God requires of us,” explains Joy. “The program is not only teaching women how to get a job. It’s teaching them how to be better people” Nancy states.
This past semester, CJC students assisted in opening the Clothes Closet on Tuesday mornings and getting the area ready for the volunteers. One student, Jacqueline Takow, has continued to show up each Tuesday after the semester ended to set up the Closet and volunteer, and she has been warmly welcomed into their “Tribe”!
|
|
|
| |
|
The CJC Clothes Closet would not be possible without the dedication of these volunteers. We are so thankful for them and for everyone who donates items to the Closet as well.
|
|
|
|
|
Do you sew or create other crafts?
Have you ever tutored in math, computers or other areas?
Do you know sign language?
Do you have other skills or talents that you can teach someone?
Do you enjoy event planning or participating in mock interviews?
In the past, CJC volunteers and community partners have taught students basic automotive skills, CPR certification, given personal testimonies, and more.
We'd love to hear about your hidden talents and how you could share those with CJC students.
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know?
Did you know that every student who participates in our program does so at NO COST whatsoever to the student? All classes, materials, laptops, and lunches are provided by CJC during each 12-week semester.
And, did you know that every student who participates in our program is given a new Bible, weekly planner, bag of toiletries, journal, flash drive, and tote bag at the beginning of the semester?
In addition, did you know that CJC provides laptops and educational subscriptions for each student to use for classes and coursework?
All of these things are made possible by the generous donations from individuals and corporations across Madison County.
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
|
 |
|  |
|
|
|
|
