Powering Up and Giving Back!

“It was uplifting to be part of a change in our community; giving back to show someone they are not alone.” This was how Power Up! participant, Robert White,  put his experience after he and his fellow Power Up! participants assisted with the Southwestern Housing Stability Initiative’s Community Café and Stephenville Relay for Life, both held in June. Power Up!, in its fifth year, is again offering adults, 25 years and older, the opportunity to enhance and build employability skills in efforts to transition to the workforce.  During the Pre-Employment Training phase, participants offer their assistance to various community minded projects. While volunteering can have a positive, meaningful impact on one’s life, it carries job search benefits as well.  So while, these participants assisted in event set up, preparing meals, socializing and clean-up, they worked on their teamwork skills, enhanced their communication skills, and sharpened their organization and problem solving skills.  But, if you ask them what they took away from the experience, “it touched my heart and soul to help someone when it is needed.  I will definitely do it again.”