Last fall HomeStretch and the North Fulton Rotary Council, representing six area Rotary clubs, worked together to develop an exciting new Workforce Connection program. While HomeStretch families must maintain full-time employment in our program, they often hold jobs that are temporary, which extends employment instability. Sidney Browning, an Alpharetta Rotarian and HomeStretch Mentor, saw the drawbacks that come with temporary employment and decided to look for solutions. Sidney recognized the opportunity for a structured referral program – connecting qualified, vetted HomeStretch families with local employers. The result of his efforts is the Workforce Connection program. This program is a win-win – bringing stable employment to HomeStretch families while providing potential employers with access to qualified employees who are willing and able to fill positions effectively. Sidney is delighted the program is off to a good start, providing his mentee the opportunity for better employment in a meaningful job. “We hope the new referral network and job board we build will connect more hard working families with compassionate local employers who see the benefits of providing HomeStretch clients with a second chance to succeed,” Sidney says. Jim Coyle, a fellow Rotarian, was the first to hire a HomeStretch client at his company, PaperHost, through the Workforce Connection program. “Potential employees participating in HomeStretch demonstrate that they are working to succeed,” Jim notes. “At my company, we simply decided that we would create at least one position where a person could continue to prove that he or she deserves that opportunity.” Local Employers: Do you need a qualified full-time employee who is ready to work? Contact the HomeStretch office and join the Workforce Connection.

The Roswell Police Department: Heroes, Helpers, Teachers, Givers This holiday season, the Roswell Police Department (RPD) gave HomeStretch a memorable gift: their officers shared generously with families in our program. In December, RPD invited our students to be a part of their Heroes and Helpers event where each year homeless and very low-income children spend a special morning with police officers at a local Target store. Each child was given a gift card and paired with an officer who helped them select gifts for family and friends. After shopping for others, they even picked out a treat for themselves. And it wasn’t just a shopping trip! Breakfast, crafts and a Holiday Meal Box for each family topped off the morning, on This year, to add to the event, RPD officers raised money with a challenge – make a donation, help a child and have some fun! “With our Brave Beards and Fearless Fingers challenge, employees who donated money could sidestep the dress code by growing a beard, painting their nails or wearing jeans,” said RPD Officer Traci Quan. “With that money, we were able to sponsor 41 underprivileged elementary school children this year.” And they aren’t done giving. This month, RPD is providing the gift of education for HomeStretch families. Officers will help our families stay safe by teaching the SAFE curriculum. SAFE, or Women’s Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange, increases personal awareness and safety by helping women reduce their risk of exposure to violence. The course also introduces physical self-defense with interactive, hands-on instruction. Thank you to officers Quan and Frommer for giving your time and sharing your expertise with HomeStretch families. We are grateful for the talents and gifts of the Roswell Police Department. You make our community – and HomeStretch – better.