West Philadelphia
March 2013 10th Anniversar y of LIFT-Philadelphia By Kate J., LIFT Advocate
LIFT 2010
LIFT 2013
Since opening the LIFT-Philadelphia office doors in 2003, LIFT has been welcomed into the Philadelphia community and has only continued to grow in its impact. In 2008, Philadelphia had 500 clients, but today there are 3250 clients and multiplying as we speak! Beginning in 2008, current Executive Director of LIFT-Philadelphia, Josh Romalis, was appointed as the first on-location staff to manage and supervise the site coordinators. With his background in outreach, LIFTbegan to focus on reaching out to the community.
In addition, LIFT has begun to reach out to nonstudent advocates including clients who have become volunteers. Due to their ability to relate to clients through real-life experience in budgeting, employment, housing, and other tasks, non-student advocates are able to incorporate their strong life and professional skills to assist both clients and student advocates. Currently, only about 2% of advocates are not students but Romalis hopes to increase the number of experienced “trail-blazers”. In total, there have been 9,300 client meetings per year in Philadelphia alone and Romalis hopes that by 2016 or 2017, we will be able to reach 20,000 meetings annually! Romalis says that LIFT will “not necessarily [be] increasing the number of clients but increasing the comprehensive nature of the services that we provide and that those services come through individual meetings.” As stated in LIFT’s Five Year National Growth and Strategic Plan, Romalis emphasizes the goals to maintain high quality client service, further diversify volunteers, evolve and improve LIFT’s evaluation and tracking system, become influencers of policy, and present a model to other organizations. Romalis states that this year’s priority is to grow the North office but hopes to create a third office by 2015. Currently, LIFT-Philadelphia hopes to continue to increase the quality of service and tracking progress among clients based on client goals. “We need volunteers to update goal plans, update activities and outputs.” Clients and Advocates, don’t forget to update goals and activities during each meeting! Let’s all do our part to help to continue LIFT’s growth!
“We have an amazing thing here… [We] don’t want to be a secret!” -Josh Romalis Prior to the structure we see today, LIFT had been born as a student-run organization under the name of National Student Partnerships (NSP) before it would re-brand itself as LIFT and cooperate with AmeriCorps to create the Site Coordinator positions nationally. Romalis says, “it became LIFT because we helped to lift people up. We do the heavy-lifting ourselves and our clients are heavy-lifting as well. The name itself is much more powerful.” In 2003, the college student volunteer base of the Philadelphia office had been exclusive to University of Pennsylvania students at the West office and Temple University students in the North office. Since then, LIFT has expanded and diversified its advocate outreach. Within the West office alone, Bryn Mawr College, Drexel University, Haverford College, and Villanova University students have begun joining in LIFT’s efforts to fight poverty and assist the Philadelphia community.
Job Applications: Dos & Don’ts The first thing that you want to remember is that the job application is your first and sometimes only chance to make an impression. Everything on your resume and in the application should “sell” you as the perfect fit for the job.
#1: REFERENCES -Put together a list of reliable references. - This should include their name, title, where and when you worked for them and current contact info - You should ask for permission to give their name to be used as a reference before you put it on an application. You want to make sure this person will remember who you are and say good things about you. REMEMBER: A friend, relative or former colleague is NOT a business reference.
#2: COMMUTE - Think about how far you are willing to travel to get to work, NOT how far it is to the particular job. - Consider transportation: - If you take the bus, how much time are you willing to travel? - If you are driving a car, think about the parking situation. Is it free? Will you have to pay to park? REMEMBER: Make yourself available and not limited to one location when applying to a big company with many locations. If you are willing to travel 30 minutes each way to work let them know that even if the job is down the street. This shows flexibility, tenacity and dedication.
#3: COMPENSATION - Be flexible in terms of compensation. - If there is a question on the application that asks for expected amount of pay or desired compensation, NEVER leave it blank or put a question mark. Put “open to any reasonable offer” instead! - If you are asked a specific dollar amount put the amount that you really would need to live.
#4: DON’T BE YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY -Take chances! Apply for jobs that you think may be a stretch or might not be exactly what you are looking for. It could get you through the door for more opportunities! - Once in, you can show your skills and prove your dedication. - ASSUME NOTHING! - Don’t assume that you need to know someone, that the job doesn’t pay enough, etc.
By Sue P., LIFT Advocate
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: - It’s easier to get a job when you’re already employed. - Maybe take a job that could be a springboard to bigger and better opportunities down the road - When you have a job, you are in a position of power to negotiate for another job therefore you have more leverage! - Make finding a job your full time job -Network with people who have the jobs you are looking for. -If you get called in for an interview, research the company before you go to the interview. - You can impress them with your knowledge of the company. - It shows that you are really interested and committed to getting this job and becoming a part of the company or organization -If you have an interview: - Get a business card from the person interviewing you! - Write them a thank you note and send it out that day thanking them for taking the time to speak to you..
Take the tips and tricks with you! Put your next 4 job searches here! Company
Job title
Date
Follow up
C l i e n t S p o t l i g h t : L a r r y R i c e , S r.
By Kate J., LIFT Advocate
Wanting to pursue his interests, Larry has begun freelancing his artistic skills. Beginning at the age of seven, Larry had draw on walls and everything he could get his hands on. Despite not knowing how to draw a portrait in the beginning, he continued to pursue his passions Though he has done mostly portraits throughout his life, his ability to create works of art extends far beyond the lifelike portraits he has done for his clients. From landscapes to still lifes to portraits, “whatever the mind can imagine, Larry can paint it.”
How long have you been coming to LIFT and why did you start coming? I have been coming to LIFT for about a year. I never knew about it until I came with my son. The attitude was great. It’s been a big resource going through the transition of going back to work in this crazy economy. LIFT provided me with information pertaining to a resume or helping assist me on the computer because of lack of computer knowledge and skill. Their assistance, their advice will point you in the right direction or give you the information and networking with people who are here.
How has it been going looking for jobs, getting more training? Challenging...but it has been helping me to decide what direction I want to go in. My whole thing was that since I have a daughter who’s in college and a younger son, I wanted to get back to work to do my part, financially. There’s a lot more with the CDL than just driving and so, you know, everything that comes with the territory was not for me. So everything that I learned from that, I can apply to [my process]. It has made me say, “Forget this new thing. Look at your gifts, look at your skills...what do you have a passion for?”
“Great staff, great personality. I have never been anywhere where people seem to be so helpful. You’re not used to that everywhere you go even in professional settings. It’s like everything that I was lacking in terms of my lack of computer knowledge, they assisted me with that willingly. “ - Larry Rice, Sr., Freelance Artist and LIFT Client
Are you currently employed right now? No. That’s why I have set myself up for freelance right now. And God blessed me with this gift to be successful. It’s a matter of me being committed to what I’m doing...I got sidetracked years ago and got into doing other things because of my lack of patience. When I recommit to my art, it will be for life.
How has LIFT helped you? Big help in terms of resources and networking. Because I’m not on top of technology in terms of computer knowledge, it has been a big assistance in looking for things through the computer. I took up a computer class but I’m just slow...typing and stuff. When I get a personal computer, I can spend the time because it is an art in itself, the computer. So...what’s your next step? My next step is, once I put together my website, to start to get exposure, start to get shows, start doing commissions, start networking with other artists and let that lead to business.
How do you think LIFT can help you? Basically doing the same thing as when I was looking for other work. By networking, by meeting people, and by connecting people and one thing leads to another...you never know who you will meet. That’s going to lead to something that probably was the whole purpose of me coming here Everything has a reason and a purpose, you know? Because I came in here originally to get CDL training but now it’s like we’re doing this newsletter...this is the direction I need.
Please contact Larry at (215) 251-4695 or email lricesr1@gmail.com for more information.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT : April 2013 You could be the next spotlight! We are looking for clients interested in submitting artwork, poetry, writing or to talk about your journey combating poverty and working towards your goals. If you are interested or if Advocates would like to make a recommendation, please let us know by email (liftphillywest@gmail.com) or ask any LIFT Student Advocate for more information. Anonymous submissions are also encouraged!
March Events: - Monday, March 11:
5:30pm FREE Healthy Cooking Class (Sayre Morris Recreation Center, 5835 Spruce St.) 5:30pm Understanding Your Credit Report (ACHIEVEability Community Office, 59 N. 60th St.)
- Wednesday March 13: 5548 Chestnut Street First Floor Philadelphia , PA 19139
All Day FREE Tax Preparation (Concilio, 705 N. Franklin St.) EVERY WEDNESDAYS 5:30pm FREE Business Tax Preparation (The Enterprise Center, 4548 Market St.) 6:00pm Workplace Wednesday: Career Decision Marking (Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., Room 406)
- Thursday, March 14:
4:00pm Tune Up Philly (Ramonita de Rodriguez Branch Library, 600 W. Girard Ave.) 5:30pm Fitness Together Class (Sayre Morris Recreation Center, 5835 Spruce St.) EVERY THURSDAYS
- Friday, March 15: Tel: (215) 474-1807 9:00am Professional Networking Group (PA CareerLink North, 990 Spring Garden Ave.) EVERY THURSDAYS Fax: (215) 474-1584 10:00am FREE Tax Preparation (PA CareerLink North, 990 Spring Garden Ave.) E-mail: liftphillywest@gmail.com -Monday, March 18-Friday, March 22: LIFT OFFICES CLOSED -Monday, March 18:
www.liftcommunities.org
TIP of the Month: What are qualities that every employer is looking for? Integrity Honesty Commitment Flexibility Tenacity Optimism Dedication
11:00am-2:00pm King of Prussia Career Fair (Crowne Plaza Hotel Valley Forge, 260 Mall Blvd.) 5:30pm FREE Healthy Cooking Class (Sayre Morris Recreation Center, 5835 Spruce St.)
- Tuesday, March 19:
6:00pm “Show Me My Money!” Financial Empowerment Workshop (LIFT-West Office) REGISTER TODAY (215-476-4205 ext. 204)
- Wednesday, March 20:
5:00pm-7:00pm Family & Community Medicine Drop-in (Mazzoni Center, 809 Locust St.) EVERY WEDNESDAYS 6:00pm Workplace Wednesday: How to Write a Resume (Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., Room 406)
- Thursday, March 21:
4:00pm-7:00pm Legal Clinic (Ayuda Community Center, 4455 N. 6th St. Suite 100) 4:00pm Effective Job Search Techniques (Temple University’s Education & Community Entertainment Center, 1509 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 2nd Floor )
- Saturday, March 23:
1:00pm-4:00pm SAT/ACT and College Prep Help (Northwest Regional Library, 68 West Chelten Ave.)
- Wednesday, March 27:
6:00pm Workplace Wednesday: Resume Critique (Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., Room 406)
- Thursday, March 28:
10:30am-12:00pm Computer Help (Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.)
Ad vo c a t e S p ot l i g h t Catherine Khuu Bryn Mawr College, Junior 2nd semester at LIFT How did you hear about LIFT? I heard about it through the CEO (Civic Engagement Office of Bryn Mawr College) because I am a coordinator for its Belmont Mentoring Program. During a training session on how to recruit new members, LIFT caught my interest. I wanted to work with adults coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds and work with a wide variety of issues.
One challenging and memorable experience was on housing after eviction. It was definitely a learning experience since we as advocates have to know how to react and deal with the situation. I found emergency housing with some benefits.
What are some challenges as an advocate? I think a huge problem is reaching out. People are interested in volunteering but advertising is hard at Bryn Mawr because I know that we haven’t reached everyone.
Do you have any tips for other advocates?
How has your experience been so far? - Genuinely be interested in them! Be peppy and It has been positive! It has exceeded my expectations. I have been able to build relationships and through various situations, I have been able to grow not only as a volunteer but also as a leader both on and off campus. The Site Coordinators provide so much attention and support and I know that they’re there for us. This is not unusual compared to other NGOs which definitely lack this.
What’s the most memorable experience you have had at LIFT?
genuine since they’re sharing their lives, maybe share some of your life yourself. Maybe it gives them hope or just makes them smile. - Always be on top of it. Training doesn’t give you everything but look through the microsite and all the resources. - Be positive because LIFT should make you happy! - Know that some clients will be doubtful and think that they’re not going to get a job but don’t let that get you down!
Monthly Sudoku
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3 1 7 5
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From: www.websudoku.com
Have any favorite logic puzzles and games? Let us know and we will put it in our next issue!