Jobs for Unemployed
FOCUS provides job training and placement for homeless men to get them back on their feet and off the streets. FOCUS teaches marketable skills while allowing the men to earn an income and gain the confidence they need to become self-sufficient.
When Stephen Rattliff lost his job, it started a downward spiral that ended in homelessness. With nowhere to turn, he came to FOCUS Cleveland’s St. Herman House in July of 2016. “I was very financially depressed,” said Mr. Rattliff, “But I was able to hold on and keep my faith in God. Being a part of St. Herman’s has helped me keep hope alive.”
Besides food and a bed, Mr. Rattliff was offered employment through St. Herman’s jobs program. For the past eight months he has been saving his money. “In three weeks I’ll be moving into my own place,” he said.
In 2013, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church hired the men of St. Herman House to provide cleaning services for their food festival. The men did such good work that the church hired them as the parish’s full-time janitorial and light maintenance service. Wordof the excellent work spread fast. “We had one parishioner tell us she’d never seen the church so clean,” said FOCUS Cleveland Director, Paul Finley. Now, in 2017, the men of the St. Herman House provide janitorial and maintenance work at six area parishes and a dozen businesses.
“We’re fulfilling more than a janitorial need for the church. It really becomes part of our outreach to people in need.” said Fr. Alexander Garklavs of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. “I’ve been very impressed with their honesty, diligence, and integrity.”
The jobs program at FOCUS Cleveland allows men to re-enter the workforce after long absences, build verifiable work history, and improve job skills and self-confidence. Your support is helping men like Mr. Rattliff to help themselves transition into self-sustained living.
