Vivian shares a laugh with Becky, a regular guest at SPIN Cafe.
I just completed my third meeting this month with a WorkSource client who is interested in doing a work-study at SPIN Cafe. Every time I do one of these "interviews" I am reminded that there are very few places in our community where people can go outside of school or college to get real-time work experience in order to build up their skills. These skills allow them to not only get the job they want, but to keep the job they have.
Much of the community is familiar with SPIN Cafe's work serving people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It's easy to miss the rest of the story -- that we are also an opportunity for people to improve their lives with meaningful work experiences, a core factor in developing resilience.
While we advertise that we are vocational training in the food service industry, our vocational clients are learning so much more: customer service, conflict resolution, facility maintenance, time management, filling out a timesheet, how to accept constructive performance feedback, creating a resume, using the computer, and handling increasing responsibility. As I look at the quote on the bottom of my email signature, I am reminded of how perfect it is for the work we are doing at SPIN. We are treating people as they could be in order to help them become what they want to be.
When I think about all that we are doing and accomplishing, it brings me back around to how important it is for us to have a facility that is adequate to meet the needs of all of our vocational clients, and take the programs that we offer to a higher level of service.
We are so grateful and fortunate that a generous benefactor has purchased a building with the intent of offering us a no-cost lease! However, there is work to be done and money to be raised in order to make this dream a reality. The remodel of the facility and the installation of a commercial kitchen are going to require a $500,000 Capital campaign. We are confident that through the support of individuals, organizations, businesses, and grants; we will be able to raise this amount in a short period of time. One way that people can support this critical effort is by joining us at our holiday event on November 17th.
I look forward to seeing each of you there, and thank each and every volunteer, Civic and Faith organization, business and funder for all that you are doing in our community to continue Serving People In Need.
Vivian Rogers Decker
“Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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