Against The Grain

Last week ended up being a great week.  It was our first real week back with Reach & Teach and we had over 70 kids.  The structure and organzation that Cristi and Mitzi Maynard (Volunteer Coordinator) have brought has made an immediate impact.  The kids responded quickly to the new rules and systems and we all had a great time.  The moms in the 180 program are really coming together as a group.  They are almost half way through the total curriculum (64 weeks without breaks) and are currently 12 weeks into a 16 week jobs program.  Their self confidence and ability to work through challenges is growing daily.  Tonight we had 3 employers come in and work on interviewing skills.  After the class each of the employers just raved about the potential and character these women displayed.  We are excited to start 2 new groups in the next couple of weeks.  With the addition of these 2 groups we will have nearly 30 moms enrolled in the 180 program.  Most of the moms aren't ready for a 2 year commitment when we meet them, we may spend a few weeks or a couple of years preparing them for this commitment.  With the addition of the 2 new programs, nearly half of the women we work with will be part of the training.   I'll try and get another update posted soon.