I recently attended the graduation ceremony for the Housed Working and Healthy Class of June 2021 and I loved it.
There is something so wonderful about watching deserving people get recognition for a hard-won job well done. The students in this year’s graduating class are people who have all succeeded in overcoming numerous daunting challenges to get to the platform upon which they stood on June 4, 2021, waiting to be presented with their diplomas and individual special awards.
Four cohorts were represented at the celebration, including two alumni from our program that are now working at one of our business partners! One person was from the inaugural cohort that started a year ago and is working in food service at the CU Anschutz hospital in Aurora. Another person graduated from the second cohort and is working in dining services for CO state. Of course we had the graduates featured below, and finally a new cohort of students were present just starting the curriculum.
The students received handshakes and congratulations from the presenters on the stage and rowdy applause from the folks in the audience. It didn’t matter that the class was small – the joy at the culmination of that ceremony was immense. Every person who contributed to making this day possible also deserves a heartfelt round of applause and a sincere expression of appreciation because it is their generous support that keeps Housed Working and Healthy going.
Many thanks to everyone who treated me to this inspiring day. I look forward to attending many more graduations in the future.
Sally Hart
James (all three!) are the Graduates
pictured below along with Executive Director Brad Volin, Chef and Instructor Suz Long, and Case Manager Sabrena Hayes.
Graduation
Graduation is an important milestone for this cohort of students. We celebrate their achievements and a new start on life with the knowledge and talents they have learned. Graduates receive their ServSafe certificate, Certificate of Completion from Emily Griffith Technical College, and also Certificate of Achievement from Housed Working and Healthy.
Apprenticeship leads to Employment
The students continue in the kitchen for an apprenticeship that lasts 6-12 weeks. This phase provides them an opportunity to refine their skills, work on soft skills and consider different employment opportunities. We provide many workshops within the program, focused on job search skills, interviewing skills, financial literacy and debt reduction, and mental health. We facilitate a matching process to open positions at our employment partners, and transition them to full time employment. At the same time, a new cohort starts, watching the success of the previous group, and likely wondering about their own path. Perhaps full of doubt – will it be similar to the past which had constant obstacles. Or will this time be different? Will they meet their challenges with courage, persistence and hard work, and ultimately overcome? Yes indeed they will, as that is why they are here.
HWH is helping people restart their lives
We provide a supportive environment where people can put in the necessary hard work to learn a new skill, gain practical experience, and get employed. Our program encompasses housing, mental health, job training and supportive services to support these individuals on their journey to self-sufficiency. Won’t you consider joining us to help those wanting to help themselves.
Can You Help?
If you are inspired to help us make this mission thrive, we could really use your help. We are hiring and can also use more volunteers. Right now, we are in search of someone to help us with social media for five to ten hours per month. The success of our efforts depends on spreading the good word. If you would enjoy helping us tell this story, please reply to this email and let’s talk about it!
