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Monthly Newsletter - January 2024 |
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD.... |
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Greetings in the name that is above every name: the name of Jesus the Christ,
Psalm 127:1 reads, Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
In the year of 2023, the Lord has reshaped and revitalized the Christian Job Corps (CJC). In late 2022, the CJC Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff updated our strategic plan. I am a witness that God has done exceedingly abundantly above all we were able to ask or think.
In 2023, we were in search of an entirely new team from the executive director to new site coordinators. The task at hand seemed insurmountable. However, we know that with God all things are possible, and all positions were filled with people who were more than qualified . All of them performed exceptionally well and exceeded our expectations.
In 2023, the Women’s program conducted two semesters, each with five students. I am pleased to inform you know that we are poised to begin a new year with a semester for the women and a semester for the men.
The CJC Board of Directors consists of 17 members, of which at the end of 2022, nine were outgoing, and in 2023, nine new members took their place. Our 2023 Board of Director’s leadership team consisted of Gordon Porter, Chair; Jeanne Rizzardi, Vice Chair; Beth Faulkner, Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer; Donna Rogers, Secretary; John Hearne, past Chairman the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee; and Anne Stone (co-founder of the Christian Women’s Job Corps over 25 years ago), Chair of the Development Committee.
I want to personally thank our students, teachers, mentors, volunteers, donors, and board members for their steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord Spirit. Know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
There will be challenges in 2024. However, I know that with the awesome God we serve and with His choice of Jeanne Rizzardi as our Chair for 2024, we will continue to meet whatever challenges that come our way, for we are overcomers.
Gordon Porter
2023 CJC Chairman of the Board of Directors
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The new year is here! Rejoice in our Lord and know that He is in control!
Praise Be To God!
As we focus on 2024 and seek to discern what God has in store for each of us, individually, and collectively through Christian Job Corps, I can’t help but smile when I think of outgoing Board president Gordon Porter’s message. After a year full of challenges and hard work, Gordon reminds us that through the Awesome God that we serve, we will continue to meet whatever challenges come our way, for we are overcomers.
God continues to work through all aspects of Christian Job Corps, and there is still much work to be done. Whether a CJC student, volunteer, benefactor, staff member or friend, it is time to continue the race that God has set before us.
This year, let us focus on God’s purpose, find strength in His Word and be intentional in our expressions of hope, love and gratitude. As set forth in Hebrews 12: 1,2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”
Thank you for being a part of Christian Job Corps. We need you to help us continue God’s work, meet whatever challenges come our way and to celebrate God’s grace. To God Be The Glory!
Jeanne Rizzardi
2024 CJC Chairman of the Board of Directors |
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Spring Semester Kicks Off
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The CJC Men's Site launches January 20, 2024. The CJC Women’s Site Spring semester at the First Baptist Church (FBC) begins Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Interviews are ongoing with current applicants, and applications are being accepted through January 17, 2024.
The Men's Program is being conducted on Saturday mornings at the Stokes Street site. The Women’s 12-week program at FBC consists of classroom and hands-on instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 2 pm. Students participate in classes such as computer, financial planning, Bible study, life skills, career coaching and business writing. In addition, students have the opportunity to hear from a variety of guest speakers from local organizations and churches throughout the 12 weeks and lunch is provided.
Along with classroom instruction, CJC participants are paired with a mentor and this mentorship continues for an additional three months after they complete the 12-week program.
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Lunch is provided for students each day they are in class at no cost to them.
These lunches are made possible through the generous donations of companies, churches and individuals from across Huntsville and Madison County.
Lunches can be anything from store-bought sub sandwiches, soup, salads, to homemade dishes or catered plates.
The FBC Site will provide lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays February 13 - May 2, and the Men's Stokes Street Site will have lunch on Saturdays from January 20 - April 13, 2024.
If you'd be interested in providing lunch for this upcoming semester, please sign up below!
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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.
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"The Best Prize of Life is the Opportunity to Work at Something with Meaning, Purpose, and Satisfaction." |
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For the past 23 years, CJC has been the recipient of James Hatchett's prize of life through his dedication to serve as a CJC volunteer teacher. Mr. Hatchett helped launch one of the CJC sites in 2000 and has continued to teach personal finance and money management to hundreds of women in the Program.
Mr. Hatchett explains what drives him to volunteer, "As I reflect on my past life journey, I realize that God has blessed me with a variety of abilities, capabilities, and skills thru various education opportunities and professional working experiences. There was always someone there to help and encourage me. Therefore, as a well-educated Christian adult, I know that these blessings are not just for me, but are to be shared by encouraging, helping, and serving others."
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Students at CJC have the pleasure of learning from Mr. Hatchett in areas of budgeting, credit reports, avoiding bankruptcy, and more. In addition, Mr. Hatchett and his wife Amelia, faithfully support CJC by being "Circle of Friends" donors each year at the annual fundraising luncheon, Circles, where they invite others from across Madison County to join them. According to Mr. Hatchett, his family supports CJC because "the CJC serves a vital role in the reinvention and/or transformation of many women in recovery or a desire to improve their lives," |
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Mr. Hatchett has kept a full volunteer schedule since retiring after over 37 years of faithful US government service as a civil servant. In addition to volunteering with CJC, Mr. Hatchett dedicates himself to several other ministries including serving as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer at Union Hill P.B. Church; volunteer with social action ministry; GED program counselor; mentor/coach for youth and young adults; Black History Program Coordinator; and community watch leader along with being a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and son.
When asked about the most important component of the CJC ministry, Mr. Hatchett said, "sharing God's love for women needing a new start or new outlook on life. It also, shares God's Words of Encouragement and serves as a place to feel safe/wanted while gaining new capabilities, skills, and knowledge preparing for an unrevealed BLESSING from God!"
Mr. Hatchett encourages others to consider volunteering with CJC too! "CJC volunteer work is fulfilling, while helping and serving others, but most of all, volunteering gives one's life meaning and a purpose for living...it has mine for the past 23 years," he says.
CJC is thankful for Mr. Hatchett and his family! |
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Why I Mentor...
I believe my spiritual gifting is a spirit of encouragement and as I look back on my own career, I am reminded of God’s unimaginable opportunities and His many divine connections who opened doors and provided valuable lessons to help me succeed beyond my circumstances.
Each mentee is remarkable in their unique way, which has enriched me, convicted me, and blessed me. I actually feel God’s love continually transforming “me” to be a better servant leader.
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And, each mentee is unique, bringing diverse life circumstances, yet sharing enthusiasm to learn, grow and succeed. The CJC program is one key part of the puzzle and having a dedicated champion and accountability partner in their corner can help them not only succeed, but thrive.
I have been fortunate to mentor five remarkable women. Mentoring with CJC has been a blessing to remind me that we all play an invaluable part of God’s plans and handiwork. He is constantly at work in us and through us for His glory.
~ Pamela Webb
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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.
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