Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. leadership and supporters came together Friday for the organization\u2019s 2nd annual Partners Council Breakfast at St. Petersburg College\u2019s Seminole campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The key theme was stories.\u00a0<\/p>\n
People who have been impacted by the nonprofit\u2019s work took center stage to discuss their journeys. More so, how they have been able to experience or witness growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
POC is a member of the Community Action Partnership, which was created under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to address poverty in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Established in 1968, POC develops various programs to assist local individuals and families. These include initiatives that are focused on supporting self-sufficiency, alleviating poverty and revitalizing communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jael Doughty encouraged her two sons Jalen and Jordan to participate in POC\u2019s Youth Development program <\/a>initially as a way to spend less time playing video games during the summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Designed for young people between the ages of 14 and 18 who live in low-income households, the effort educates participants on topics such as job interviewing, social and emotional skills, decision making, goal setting and healthy living.\u00a0\u201cWhat the boys ended up gaining from that program far exceeded my expectations,\u201d Jael explained at the event. \u201cOne thing I loved about it was what they learned.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Representatives from companies and agencies spoke to the youth about responsibility, punctuality and what\u2019s expected as an employee.\u00a0<\/p>\n Following these conversations, the participants were assigned to actual jobs. Both Jalen and Jordan worked at the James Weldon Johnson Community Library in St. Petersburg.\u00a0\u201cI saw responsibility in them and sometimes it is hard to pull it out,\u201d Doughty said. \u201cI saw them holding each other accountable. For example, they would get their clothes out the night before because they wanted to make sure they were on time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Additionally, the two young men practiced their bus route ahead of starting their jobs. Doughty explained that she does not own a vehicle.\u00a0<\/p>\n Miakayla Gilbert, a mother of four, benefited from the Wrap Around program. Her dream was to become a registered nurse.\u00a0<\/p>\n Through the initiative, POC provides financial assistance for students who are finishing school. This helps them pay for items such as books, uniforms and testing and license fees.\u00a0<\/p>\n As part of the program, participants are able to receive one-one-one case management services to guide them through the education process.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t just want a career,\u201d Gilbert said at the event. \u201cI wanted to make a difference and become a nurse not only to care for patients, but my mother.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n She explained that her mom\u2019s health difficulties gave her direction and drive. Gilbert accomplished her goal in November.\u00a0<\/p>\n POC relieved some of the financial burden and helped pay for her tests and licenses. Additionally, the organization purchased Gilbert\u2019s scrubs. It also helped provide a Christmas for her family.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBecoming a registered nurse brought stability, dignity and opportunity in my home,\u201d Gilbert added. \u201cIt allowed me to provide for my children in ways that I could have only hoped for.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Joshua Troupe, a father of six children, spoke about his experience in the Wrap Around program as well.\u00a0\u201cI started to go down the wrong path early in life,\u201d he said. \u201cBut, something made me want to change.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n