55 People Applied For Our First Step Vocational Training...

I have to admit that taking something from a concept or dream and turning into reality is not always easy. Regardless of all the best intentions in the world nothing happens without actually taking action steps towards your goal.

Since I have worked in undeveloped areas for well over 20 years one of the issues you must deal with is the difference between a hand out and a hand up. When a community or a group of people are facing an immediate crisis there is no question that intervention is needed. The basics of course are shelter, food, and medical assistance. But then what?

 Crisis intervention is necessary but equally important is helping people to help themselves. That is why we are so excited to share with you that 55 individuals in need of employment has applied to attend our First Step Vocational Training. We offer a Hands Up Approach.

24 Students will be picked from the first 55 applicants and the remaining applicants can participate in the the next training session. As in any endeavor there are costs incurred and we are trying to keep them to a minimum. As of right now we need $150 per student to cover the expenses for 3 months training. It's only $50 per month for 3 months. 

"We are 100% reliant upon the good will of others to help us help others."

We are looking for sponsors. Would you consider helping one person attain a skill that could feed their family for a lifetime. Please do so by clicking on our Donation tab today.

This is an exciting time and as of right now the start up date is January 16th, 2017 for our First Step Vocational training to begin. 

Expect The UnExpected....

Les and I just arrived home from the Dominican getting our plans and projects in place to mobilize our 2017 Team for the first week of May. All I can say is, "Expect the UnExpected"

The needs in Dominican abound and the poverty level varies from area to area. In some areas the unemployment is 70% which is unbelievable. The question has always lingered in the back of mind as to how to make a long term difference in as many lives as possible.

Handing out food and shelter under severe conditions is important but equally important is the need to provide long lasting solutions. Our long time friend and associate Rene' introduced us to a gentlemen whose name is, 'Fredy."

I asked Fredy what is the greatest need you see in your area of influence. Without hesitation he replied, " Education." We pondered over different educational needs and through the long discourse we discovered that there was a 70% unemployment rate in the communities Fredy worked with.

What if we could come up with a vocational training environment that would result in job creation and even job placement? How would that impact the lives of people in his community?

Well within 5 days the creation of The "FIRST STEP" vocational training center was formed resulting in a very specific niche in the hospitality sector. 80% of the Puerto Plata area is dependent on tourism as their economic hub.

The doors flung open to provide the facilities, the instructors, government certification, and here is the really awesome part. We have connected with operational managers and HR departments in the hospitality field who will provide job placement for those who complete our 3 month training program giving individuals an additional 3 month internships.

This is huge because training without job placement just means an education. An education alone won't pay your bills or provide for your basic needs. An education combined with an employment opportunity changes everything. An education with real life work experience leverages your opportunity to create jobs and become employable.

Everything is in place and as we speak the first round of students are filling out applications and going through the screening process. We should have 20 to 25 students ready to start on or near January 8th, 2017.

We are looking for sponsorships... $50 a month per student will cover all the necessary essentials for these students to complete 3 months of in-house training and 3 months of practical live experience.

We chose the hospitality sector for a number of reasons... 

1: Rene' is a certified chef.. and teaching the students food preparation, food presentation, and food safety is a must. So a Culinary School will be our first group of students and we will expand over the coming year to other areas of hospitality services.

2. The Hospitality Sector is the biggest form of employment opportunity.

3. We have commitments from the local resorts for apprenticeships and job placement after their training is complete.

To say we are excited is an understatement. Of course this cannot be accomplished without your help. Please consider partnering with us and sponsoring students who are desperate and passionate for a life changing employment opportunity.

Our next team project is scheduled for April 28 till May 7th. If you want to partner with us to create new friendships and life time memories while changing lives then contact me for further details.

As of the first week in Jan 2017 we will officially begin, the "FIRST STEP" vocational training center.

Post written by John F... 

Stephanie - "the ordinary turns into extraordinary..."

God makes the ordinary extraordinary. That sums up what God showed me through our trip to the D.R. in April. We were 14 ordinary people who became an extraordinary community in a very short period of time. We did ordinary tasks to help others and God used them to build extraordinary bridges with people. We gave of our ordinary resources and they became extraordinary gifts in the eyes of the receivers. God takes what we offer and does amazing things.

    Two highlights of the trip for me seem very “un-connected” at first glance but they both have this element of God’s transforming ways in them. One afternoon we were supposed to be doing some activities with the children but most of the kids were not available.

The two chairs and couch in the main living space in the orphanage were piled high with clean laundry so we jumped in and started folding. The wife of the pastor, Maria was so grateful for this simple way of helping and it really formed a bond with her that transcended the language barrier. A few days later, we were touring the church where Pastor Rene’ is on staff and asked about a room off to the side with a large banner on the wall. He told us that since 1997, someone had been in that room, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, praying. Now that is a prayer vigil!!     

    I love being a part of what God is doing – and to spend the time with Canadians is just an added bonus!

Stephanie C.