TURNAROUND THURSDAY –
A SECOND CHANCE JOBS MOVEMENT…….not a program!
Join ACT in making a difference for others’ lives!
“A,” broke down and wept as he heard the announcement at the conclusion of the weekly session of Turnaround Thursday that he was being given a one-year training apprenticeship in computer technology by one of Anne Arundel’s leading employers. Six months ago, he was an incarcerated person. He came to the first Turnaround Thursday session in February, having obtained janitorial work, while studying computer technology at night. Six weeks into the program, he learned he was being given an opportunity to receive training that would provide him with an employable skill and living wages – transforming his life.
Participating in the weekly sessions at the Asbury Methodist Church at 87 West Street, “A” and over ten other men and women learn about the essential personal relationship skills needed in everyday work situations with co-workers and employers– such as conflict resolution, job readiness, public vs private relationships and decision making. As the weeks have progressed, not only has the participation increased – but more importantly their openness and being comfortable in sharing of their experiences in prior job situations during the relationship training gives them the knowledge in how to manage themselves professionally – instead of retaliating in anger or shutting down. As we (volunteers) listen to their stories we are humbled. While these are often relationship situations, we find ourselves in – no matter what the color our skin may be — for our participants, their life experiences have been more cruel, leading them to seek desperate measures.
Turnaround Thursday is a movement – not a program, it is one that is specifically designed to strengthen the workforce, develop community leaders, and reduce poverty while focusing on family. Its sole purpose is “to train, prepare and connect ‘returning,’ unemployed and underemployed citizens with living wage jobs and to build a positive and vibrant life.” Since its launch in late February, TAT staff, ACT volunteers and the participants engage in a weekly two-hour session on specific topics. As volunteers, we actively participate with them in the one-on-one interactive sessions, listening, sharing experiences, and providing insights about life situations. It is a meaningful experience as we slowly build trusting relationships. Next, these participants attend a daily, six-hour training session in essential skills.
In 2021, ACT (Anne Arundel Connecting Together) brought the concept of the Turnaround Thursday jobs movement to the attention Anne Arundel County officials. County Executive Pittman committed $1.3M to fund the movement and Luminis Health joined as the first major employer partner and anchor institution. ACT is committed to working with business and government partners to identify employer partners and resources needed for the movement to succeed. Turnaround Thursday is modeled after the successful Baltimore Turnaround Tuesday Movement
Turnaround Thursday which operates under the Anne Arundel Community Action Agency, who is the grant sponsor, providing the funding for the Movement’s 3-person staff: executive director, Joshua Hatch, case worker, Roxanne McGowan, and outreach coordinator, Tyeshia Dorsey, operating from offices provided by the Community Action Agency on West Street.
Turnaround Thursday is also “working behind the wall” – with men and women who are currently in the AAC detention center, providing these same weekly relational sessions and skill training. There are over 70 people participating – preparing themselves for their personal turnaround.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO?
- Let us know of other people who are returning from incarceration, those who may be unemployed or under-employed – and willing to make a commitment to attend these skill building sessions.
- Attend a session – listen – engage with the participants and become a volunteer. ACT is building a list of volunteer tasks which include providing transportation, administrative work – making calls, helping to coach with life skills and resume preparation, and organizing future
- Help us to locate employers willing to give people a “second chance” and earn a living wage and build a job pool.
And reflect on this message – it is read every session – it applies to us all!
Higher Purpose
Your Misery is your ministry.
Your Pain is your purpose.
Your Suffering is your service.
Your Mess becomes your message.
Your Test becomes your testimony.
God allows us to hurt in order to heal others because you cannot heal what you cannot feel.
So, don’t let the pain of your past punish your present and paralyze your progress and purpose!
Attend Turnaround Thursday Sessions – 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Every Thursday
Asbury United Methodist Church (rear entrance)
87 West Street – Annapolis, MD
Visit the website:
Turnaround Thursday Movement – Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County (aaccaa.org)