On Tuesday, December 1, the Skyland Workforce Center celebrated its one-year anniversary! At the open house celebration, guests were able to learn more about the services the center provides, meet the partner organizations, and share in the successes of the past year.
The celebration began with series of workshops, starting with a Southeast Ministry Construction Math Workshop, facilitated by our Director of Workforce Academics, Paul Ruffins. During this workshop, Mr. Ruffins engaged the participants in an active lesson about converting different units of measurement in order to find out how many square feet of tile one would need in order to build a floor.
Mr. Paul Ruffins Facilitating a Workshop
The event was opened by Bob Wittig, Executive Director of the Jovid Foundation, and included remarks from former Mayor, Vincent Gray and Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity, Courtney Snowden.
Speaking in regards to the idea of the Skyland Workforce coming into fruition and its success thus far, Bob Whittig said, “if you bring a bunch of people together, amazing things can happen.”
“We’re on Good Hope Road, just think about it, Good Hope Road, this center has made that a very fitting name,” stated former Mayor Gray.
Speaking on the future of the Skyland Town Center and it’s connection to the Skyland Workforce Center, Deputy Mayor Snowden said, “if we do it right, we will change the city and we can keep the culture.”
The one-year anniversary celebration also included a community panel. Valarie Ashley, Executive Director of Southeast Ministry, Edmund Fleet, Executive Director of THEARC, Chris Smith of WC Smith, and Charles Young, a community partner participated in the panel.
“I thought I had a good job, making a few dollars a day. After coming here and going through all of the classes and training, and really taking advantage of what they have to offer, I am a operator of heavy labor, right across the street. I thank God for this center,” said Charles Young.
For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.
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