Several New Initiatives Launched by Mission of Love Charities
New and Continuing Workforce Development and Job Training Programs
Mission of Love Charities continues with its enhanced commitment to its Workforce Development, Education and Job Training program – with the launching of several new programs to help people get back on their feet economically and become self-sustaining with employment.
Perhaps the most extensive new training module being presented by MOLC are the courses in OSHA Construction Inspection, which will start in April. Specifically, the OSHA-focused training module will focus on the following areas: Permit Required Confined Space, OSHA Recordkeeping, Hazard Communications, Electrical Safety with Lockout/Tagout, Silica Exposure, Machine Guarding, Fall Protection with Ladder Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, Powered Industrial Trucks, and Hot Works.
Additionally, MOLC’s Job Training programs continue with multi-week courses in Employee Readiness, Event & Meeting Planning Bootcamp and the Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant Training Program. All of these courses have produced graduates in sessions since the beginning of 2021. The demand for these courses far outstrips the capacity to meet that demand.
Progress on Work to Rebuild, Renovate and Repurpose School Building Across the Street
Mission of Love Charities continues with its work to renovate the old Lyndon Hill school building across the street from its current facility to create a new and expanded facility for its operations with a focus on Workforce Development.
In 2020 the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County granted a long-term lease to MOLC for the building, located at 6181 Old Central Ave., for $1 per year. The new facility promises to deliver increased space for all MOLC operations, with an emphasis on classrooms and other space for Workforce Development, Education, and Job Training courses.
While the project is projected to cost about $4 million, MOLC is working with its board members and other friends to secure bond financing, while also negotiating with developers who may use part of the facility for senior housing accommodations. While none of these initiatives are finalized, they do promise to make the financing of the project doable.
Increased Demand for Basic Needs of Food, SNAP and Financial Assistance for Housing
The economic effects of the pandemic have been particularly severe for many individuals and families who were living on the margin before the pandemic, and while the pandemic has surged and subsided over the last months, the negative impact of the pandemic on these people persists and perhaps is increasing. Specifically, in recent weeks MOLC has seen a 30% increase in the number of individuals, families, and children who need food, help with SNAP (Food Stamps) applications, and financial assistance to pay rent and utilities. Helping these needy people remains a priority for MOLC, and it is only able to provide this assistance with the financial help of government agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. Serving these desperately needy people and their families is one of the most humbling experiences for the staff of MOLC.