ReWork’s holistic approach results in promising careers

she had a college degree. Since she was financially supporting her ill mother and younger brother, Jada knew she needed to make a change. Jada says what attracted her to ReWork was “the organization’s holistic approach and focus on the complete person, and the individual pathway creation to a sustaining career.”

ReWork Richmond, the partnership among St. Stephen’s Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Church Hill, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building, and Challenge Discovery Projects, continues to work alongside their participants (called members) and create pathways to lasting careers.

By Deb Lawrence

The mission of this workforce development program is to empower underemployed adults living in Richmond’s East End by helping them obtain the skills and support needed to qualify for, and ultimately gain, thriving living wage careers.

Born of the capital campaign that St. Stephen’s conducted as part of its centennial observance, the organization takes a unique, comprehensive approach to employment. ReWork provides support and job sourcing to create lasting career opportunities, as opposed to entry level jobs. The program is structured to provide an array of personal support and employment referral services tailored to meet the individual goals of each ReWork member.

With financial support from St. Stephen’s, and many invested community partners and individuals, ReWork Richmond is positively affecting the lives of East End adults and families. Members are excited to be a part of ReWork and are working hard towards stable, thriving careers.

One such member is Jada R. who was recommended to ReWork by one of our community partners, Anna Julia Cooper School. When Jada came to ReWork, she was stuck in a part-time job that had no upward mobility nor the option to move to full-time, even though

A few months after enrolling with ReWork, Jada obtained an interview for a marketing position with a data security company. ReWork staff assisted Jada with resume work and interview preparation, ensuring that she was well situated for both the interview and the position with the company. The interview went well, and Jada received an offer to fill the position in marketing operations, earning a salary and benefits that would sustain her and her family. But the story doesn’t end there. After only 10 months on the job, Jada has received a major promotion, filling the open position of marketing operations manager. She is now earning a salary that is far above a living wage and she has opportunities for growth.

There is a twist to this story that involves St. Stephen’s relationships in the East End. As children, Jada and her younger brother Philip were after-school students at Peter Paul. While in 5th grade, Philip was introduced to longtime St. Stephen’s parishioner Cotes Pinckney. Philip and Cotes connected well, and Cotes began to tutor Philip in the afternoons at Peter Paul, becoming acquainted with Philip’s family, including Jada. Philip attended Anna Julia Cooper School in grades 6-8, and then Christchurch School (one of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia) in grades 9-12. Throughout that time, at the urging of Philip and Jada’s mother, Cotes continued to spend time with Philip, serving as a mentor and friend to this young man. Philip, now 22 years old, is scheduled to graduate from Longwood University in December. He and Cotes still see each other.

When asked about the relevance of St. Stephen’s partnerships in the East End, Jada says, “What a small world it is and how remarkable that the organizations Philip and I were a part of have ties to St. Stephen’s; Peter Paul, Anna Julia Cooper School, and now my participation with ReWork Richmond. It has truly been a blessing for my family.”

Cotes is is delighted that Jada is doing so well. We at ReWork believe the sky is the limit for Jada and can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

We seek committed volunteers to provide career and financial coaching, to assist with resume writing and interview skills, or to connect us to potential employer partners. To explore how your generosity and skills can help, contact me at deblawrence@ reworkrichmond.org or 804.869.3704.

Deb Lawrence is executive director of ReWork Richmond and a long-time St. Stephen’s parishioner. For many years she served as director of outreach for St. Stephen’s Church.