Photo: Temple Univ./Lenfest N Phila employment workshop graduates (left) and community leaders celebrated the participants new employment in full-time well-paid jobs at a luncheon at Outley House. Included with the three job holders are Mike Hinson of SELF Inc., (right) former legislators James Roebuck and Jannie Blackwell, and Joe Purnell of NUAD. Rickey Hill
Jobs for five grads celebrated at Outley House Luncheon
By Beverly Gray
Self, Inc. in partnership with Temple University Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative (LPNWI) celebrated the completion of the latter’s workshop series at a gala luncheon at Outley House on Woodland Avenue on October 13.
Twenty-one people signed up for the class that was held every Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Outley House. On average 15 participants attended the class each week.
Based on their steadfast attendance and what they learned at the workshops, five participants received steady, good-paying jobs. These participants are working at one of the following locations: Sunday Breakfast Mission, Temple University, Rite Aid, and Target Warehouse. Three out of the 10 graduates attended.
Special guests at the event who gave encouraging words included Michael Hinson, SELF, Inc. President and COO, former State Representative James Roebuck, past Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and Joseph Purnell founder and director of Neighborhood United Against Drugs (NUAD) whose Barber Shop Intervention Program helps focus on integration of social counseling and steady employment.
Hinson extended thanks to Temple University’s Mike Robinson and all involved with making this program a tremendous success. Between Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 a total of six participants are now gainfully employed and advancing on their transformative journeys!
He noted that SELF Inc. has initiated a new internet app that makes it easier for After-Hours participants to access the service and rest easy about having a place to stay overnight. With the app, participants can bypass intake at Station House and go directly to Outley House. For more information, phone: (215) 724-8414
(Beverly Gray is Program Director at Outley House, Woodland Ave. and 70th Street.)
