Posted on December 4, 2012 by Elena Loveless Graduation Day! November 14th was a very special day for 27 women who graduated from the First Step Job Training Program. After an intense three months of workshops, computer training and an internship, the “First Steppers” were able to celebrate the fruits of their hard work at a graduation ceremony attended by close friends and family. The ceremony began with special remarks by the First Step Program Director, Liz Henderson. She reflected on the graduates’ great accomplishment of having completed the First Step program. This was followed by two inspirational speeches by Austin Fremont, our guest speaker, and Marisol De Leon, the First Step graduate speaker. Austin, a long-time First Step volunteer, shared her experience as a job coach as well as her mother’s 5 tips for life while Marisol provided some motivational words as the graduates embark on their new jobs or their career search. The highlight of the night was when the women stepped up to the podium to receive their certificates. There were tears of joy accompanied by moving words about what this First Step journey has meant for them. Family, friends, fellow “First Steppers,” job coaches and staff members joined in too with cheers of encouragement. The evening ended with a reception and enthusiastic conversation about the road that lay ahead. Congratulations Classes 112 & 113! For more information about how to get involved with this life-changing program, please contact Elena Loveless at eloveless@cfthomeless.org.
