• Word of mouth
• Community Outreach from HIM
• Referral – Church
• Referral – Judge (court employee)
• Signage (e.g. yard signs)
• Social Media
• Social Agency
• Flyer/postcard in the mail
• TV commercial

During the year, HIM has six class cycles, and the recruiting takes place between every cycle. December is a time to reflect on what works and ways to improve in the coming year.

One of the most effective recruiting methods is when a graduate whose life has been transformed becomes so invested in HIM that (s)he becomes a recruiter.  These graduates bring passion and credibility to the recruiting process, and as HIM becomes more established in a community, more of the word of mouth recruiting happens organically.

Another effective method is the face to face outreach from HIM teaching staff.  During the two-week teaching break between class cycles, HIM career and life coaches staff get out in the community and recruit in a combination of places, including: shelters, public housing neighborhoods, food distribution events, parole board meetings, etc. This method takes time, and our team always learns more about the community when we get out.

Throughout the year, the classroom and community relations staff are building relationships with agencies, non-profits, court employees, etc. and hosting on-campus tours and meetings to raise awareness and build a network of multipliers who refer individuals to the HIM program.  This work is slow, steady, and productive.

There are lots of ways to get involved as a volunteer to help HIM recruit students.  We would love to hear from you. Click here if you are interested in helping HIM recruit!

The post How Does Hope Inspired Ministries Recruit Students? appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

Tommy Wilson

Tommy was barely making ends meet as a musician, working part-time jobs that were unfulfilling and unsustainable. He did not know where to go or what to do, but he knew that something needed to change. When he received the HIM postcard in the mail, he decided to take a leap of faith and join the program. He mentioned it to his family, and was surprised to find out that both of his older siblings were planning on attending as well!

Throughout the course of the class, Tommy admits that “Hope Inspired Ministries taught me the value of pushing myself out of my comfort zone in a way nothing else had. Just like a rubber band being stretched further and further with each pull, I saw myself growing in confidence, in work ethic, in leadership, and in Christ”. This growth revealed what he wanted to pursue for a career, and now works for the YMCA Shades Valley Branch, a nonprofit that he truly believes is making a difference. He is excited to be a part of that impact by interacting with every individual that walks in their doors as a front desk worker.

Stephen Wilson

Throughout his life, Stephen struggled with being himself and tried to “be everything for everyone”. While it seemed like life was great on the outside, he was riddled with overwhelming shame on the inside. This shame led him to a life of constant change, moving from relationship to relationship and job to job out of fear that someone may look deeper than the surface-level to find imperfection in his life. After a stint of unemployment, he also saw the HIM postcard and while he was unsure of what it would do to help his situation, he figured that it could potentially give him insight for potential next steps.

Stephen has served with nonprofit organizations in the past, and initially found it weird to be on the receiving end of a nonprofit’s services as a HIM student. “It was a humbling experience in many ways,” he said, “not only going from servant to being served, but I also knew there was no way that I would get the help that I needed if I wasn’t willing to own up to my failures and let down my facade of imperfection.” When staff and other students shared their life maps, it gave him the confidence that he could reveal the messy imperfections of his life within the safe space of HIM. He found this process to be healing, and not as “crippling” as he originally thought.

His experience at HIM showed him that he wanted to work with people in some capacity. He now works as a teller at America’s First Federal Credit Union, where he has the ability to assist the community and provide encouragement to individuals.

Kara Lemonds

Before starting HIM, Kara was only working one day a week. Depression and feelings of hopelessness due to physical ailments kept her at her family’s home with most of the time. After receiving the postcard in the mail, Kara came to the HIM office with her mother for a tour and left convinced that joining the program would be a good opportunity for her.

Now a graduate, she said “My experience at HIM has been nothing but good, and it brought me out of the shell that I felt stuck in”. Kara is now employed as an office administrator Hill’s Janitorial Services, working with the company’s janitorial staff of over 200 people in her first-ever full-time office role. She is using the skills that she learned through HIM to assist with customer relations and payroll.

Thank You CAWACO RC&D!

All three siblings learned about HIM and were convinced to become graduates of the program thanks to our students recruitment postcards. The life transformation of these graduates, and many more, would not have been possible without CAWACO RC&D, who funds the student recruitment postcard initiative in Birmingham.

The post Student Stories: Tommy Wilson, Stephen Wilson, and Kara Lemonds appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

Picking Up the Pieces

As the second oldest of four siblings, Yolanda was left to care for her disabled youngest sister LaRuth after both of her parents passed away. She lost her job as a result, and she felt like she had hit rock bottom.

For a while, she said, “My daily routine consisted of taking care of the needs of my baby sister. After doing that, though, some days I would just eat and go back to bed. Some days I would not even take care of my hygiene. I didn’t want to talk to friends or family, and I isolated myself.” Nevertheless, her children and sister Tamara would try to encourage her to do something and make something more for herself.

“Doing Something” Through HIM

One day, Yolanda was running errands with her son when she passed by a sign that read “Free Job Training”. She told her son that he needed to call and enroll in the program for himself, not knowing that she was the one who truly needed it. She received an informational mailer from Hope Inspired Ministries a few weeks later, and held onto it. When she drove by the HIM Birmingham office, she decided to make the call to enroll in the upcoming program.

Although she was both scared and excited about coming to the class, Yolanda said that she learned a lot. She said, “The most important part of the class each day for me was devotion. We were given the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The book touched on how to reconnect our relationship and fellowship with God, family, friends, and associates.” She earned Student of the Week during the second week of class for her commitment to growth, being encouraging to her classmates, and taking ownership. That commitment was further proven when she was awarded with the Perfect Attendance award at graduation.

Now, she is working at Regus, a corporate office space provider, as an administrative assistant. She said, “I thank God for the opportunity to be in the HIM program and for the HIM program itself.”

The post Student Stories: Yolanda Paige appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

Johnny Cowan II

Before coming to Hope Inspired Ministries, Johnny says his life was going in circles. It was difficult for him to find a consistent job, and he felt very limited in his ability to move forward. He was beginning to lose hope.

One day, as Johnny was going to the grocery store, he ran into our Career Coach, Darius. Darius has a unique perspective on the program, as he was once a H.I.M. student before becoming an instructor. Darius and Johnny discussed the program and how it had helped Darius in his own life. Johnny came to our office and says he was instantly welcomed into a friendly atmosphere of love and joy. He knew right away that he wanted everything Hope Inspired Ministries had to offer.

Because of H.I.M., Johnny feels that he is ready for any interview that comes his way. He is working on his character and has grown in soft skills. His outlook on life is brighter because of the tools he learned through the program, and he has also recommitted his life to the Lord.

He says, “One of the main things I learned at Hope Inspired Ministries was that no matter the task at hand, anything requires persistence. Jobs are no different.”

Johnny will be completing an internship with Grace Klein Community, and he is excited to share all that he has learned at H.I.M. with everyone he meets.

Joyce Fletcher

Before Hope Inspired Ministries, Joyce was working fast food jobs, where she never felt joy and didn’t have a real interest. She never understood that work could feel meaningful and be something you should look forward to doing everyday.

One day, Joyce attended a second chance job fair, where she received a brochure about Hope Inspired Ministries. The information intrigued her, so she called our office number. After several phone calls with Darius, Joyce made up her mind that she would attend this program. She even nicknamed Darius “Brother Persistent,” as she received so many phone calls from him.

She says if it weren’t for Darius’ persistence, however, she would not have started the program and be where she is today. Joyce is now employed with Buffalo Rock and truly enjoys her job. Joyce recalled the moment she was offered the job, saying, “Have you ever seen anyone cry because they got hired? Well, that was me!” We are so proud of Joyce and her accomplishments!

Antoinette Hollis

Antoinette says that while her spirit was longing for a change, she was not ready to give up or surrender some of her earthly ways. However, one day, she received a call from Darius asking if she would be interested in attending our program.

She half-heartedly told him yes, but she really had no intention of going to the class. After multiple calls from Darius, Antoinette decided to give the program a try. Once she got here, she says that she continued making excuses. But, after receiving help and encouragement from the staff, Antoinette decided she was going to stay and complete the program.

She learned several skills throughout the six weeks in the classroom and says that her favorite guest speaker was Tasha Scott. Tasha reminded Antoinette that she can still dream big, and if her dreams don’t scare her, they aren’t big enough. This instilled the mindset in Antoinette that she can still set goals and achieve them.

Vesta Richardson

In March of this year, Vesta began searching for a job. She knew she was ready to branch out and do something different with her career. She sent numerous resumes but unfortunately never received any calls for interviews. By this point, she says she was feeling discouraged, desperate, and insecurities were beginning to take over her mind.

Vesta prayed that God would open her eyes to new ideas and opportunities. One day, as she was scrolling through Facebook, she came across an ad for Hope Inspired Ministries. She says, “I felt my pulse race and thought to myself that this is the opportunity of my prayers.”

Vesta filled out our online student application, and Darius called her soon after. She says that Darius was the first person who she shared her personal life story with, outside of family, and she felt validated by his loving and compassionate response. After speaking with Darius, Vesta knew she would attend the H.I.M. program.

Through the program, Vesta learned many wonderful truths through the wisdom of speakers, teachers, and her peers. She learned that we are all more alike than we are different. She learned we are all broken, but more importantly, we are all forgiven.

Today, Vesta has the confidence she was lacking. After struggling with interviews, she now feels more prepared after learning the “One Two Punch” and “STAR Method” from our Site Director, Gene. In fact, she has already landed a job at Food Outlet! We are so proud of Vesta and excited to see her future unfold.

Wallace Sailem

Before coming to Hope Inspired Ministries, Wallace was working a short-term job, but he knew he had more to offer. Wallace was ready to break the cycle of working just to make ends meet. Wallace came across one of our H.I.M. signs that reads, “Can’t Keep A Job? Let Us Help!” Shortly after, his wife handed him a Hope Inspired Ministries flyer. This was the confirmation Wallace needed to take the next step and enroll in our program.

Wallace completed our program and was awarded Honor Graduate. This award is only given to one graduate per class and is a high honor at Hope Inspired Ministries. Currently, Wallace is working at Kamtek, and he has even offered to volunteer as a lunch provider for the students in our next class.

John Williams

Before Hope Inspired Ministries, John says he wasn’t doing much of anything. He mainly spent his days sitting around and drinking. He had been out of the workforce since 2006 due to a work related injury, but that all changed with a knock on his door.

One day, John’s friend stopped by to tell him about a free hotdog and hamburger cookout going on down the street. His friend had spoken with Darius at the cookout, and he shared all the information he learned with John. John says, “The next thing I knew, I was in the classroom!”

When class started, John felt a little apprehensive. He remembers feeling a little strange with all of the new faces to learn. However, as he and his classmates began to open up about their life journeys, he started to feel more comfortable.

Throughout the program, John learned many useful skills, but more importantly, his relationship with God grew. He enjoyed participating in devotion each morning, and he particularly loved when Dr. Latting came to lead devotion. John says, “Hope Inspired Ministries brought me out of a hole that I was in, and I know that I will always come back to this place that changed my life.”

Ramona Zimmerle

Ramona has lived at Pathways for the past 12 years, which is where she first learned about Hope Inspired Ministries. She enjoyed the program so much, that she was here early every single morning, and never missed a day of class, earning her the Perfect Attendance award.

Ramona says that she learned about behavior, life skills, and employment while she was at H.I.M. She enjoyed hearing guest speakers, like Jacquie from Bama Wellness, and she had fun creating and presenting her life map. Ramona says the life map exercise taught her a lot about herself, and she expressed, “It felt like I had a weight lifted off me.”

This week, Ramona will begin an internship with Grace Klein Community. Her goals are to get her own apartment and work part-time at a grocery store.

The post Meet Our Birmingham Graduates! appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

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Cynthia Bush

Last year was a difficult year for Cynthia due to the coronavirus outbreak. Cynthia has an outgoing personality and considers herself to be a people person, so when COVID began, she felt broken and miserable. She missed seeing family and friends. While going to get groceries at Piggly Wiggly one day, she noticed an area outside of the store where Hope Inspired Ministries was giving away free hamburgers and hot dogs. She decided to go over and get her blessing, never really recognizing that this blessing was bigger than a burger. While waiting on her burger, Mrs. Farrah asked her if she would like to come and take classes at Hope Inspired Ministries. Since beginning the class, we have seen Cynthia grow leaps and bounds. She was always willing to help people and never took the time to focus on herself. With help from the staff encouraging her that it’s okay to say no sometimes, she finally understood what boundaries were and how important it is to guard her heart above all else. Now, she is happy and whole and is interning at Grace Klein Community where she thrives in helping others. We are so proud of her and know that God has a plan for her life.

Audre Cane

Prior to Hope Inspired Ministries, Audre had several unpleasant experiences, but God was always with her. She was working, but it was simply a job where she was trying to get from one point to the next. She heard about Hope Inspired Ministries through Pathways Women’s Housing. Mrs. Zeola and Ms. Sinika told her that she would love Hope Inspired Ministries and that we would help her find a job. They knew what she wanted and needed.

Since starting the class, God has opened many doors for Audre, and she has grown her relationship with God even more through this process. God also opened a door for Audre to continue her career in Cosmetology, and she is now working full time at Super Cuts in Vestavia. We are so proud of her accomplishments and how she continues to teach other people how to fish as well.

Sarah Cochran

Before coming to Hope Inspired Ministries, Sarah’s life was one of inconsistency and instability. She struggled with a severe addiction for the better part of her twenties. Having a little boy at 30 years old helped her to be determined and get better, but she always tried to do it on her own. “Something always seemed to be ‘off’ and missing,” she recalls.

In July 2020, Sarah and her son went to and completed a residential rehabilitation program for women and children. From there, they went to a women’s shelter called Pathways, which is how Sarah heard of Hope Inspired Ministries. Sarah eventually moved into her new home right when class started, which gave her time to work on herself.

With the encouragement of Mr. Darius Haney over the phone, she came to H.I.M. and immediately loved the atmosphere when she walked into the building. She learned that it’s okay to be broken but not to wallow in her emotions – good or bad. She learned that she’s not alone, and with God in her life, anything is possible. She learned to love herself again.

Since completing the class, Sarah has been actively pursing employment and has gone on several interviews. Her goal is to go to school through Generations USA, where she can study Information Technology. We are proud of her for being dedicated in pursuing her dreams.

Annette Robertson

In December, Annette ended a relationship with an abusive man that she had known off and on for four years (whom she tried to help). As a result, she was left alone on the side of I-65, while he took her van and headed north outside of Alabaster. This led her to live in a shelter in Columbiana. Within a few months’ time, she went from having a job, a vehicle, and a place to call home, to being all alone in a strange city. This was her wakeup call. Something had to change.

After a few months, Annette came to Birmingham. God led her here with an open heart and mind. She hopes that she can inspire and bring hope to someone out there feeling hopeless, alone, and lost, just like Hope Inspired Ministries did for her. Since starting the class, she has blossomed into a beautiful woman of God and went from quiet and shy to now confident and talkative. We are proud to announce that she has been hired at Springhill Suites near the Summit as a housekeeper and did an internship with Grace Klein Community along side some of her classmates. We are so proud of her!

Jackie Saunders

In early 2021, Jackie was homeless due to her health. While she was in the hospital, she contracted COVID-19.  Since then, she’s been in a lot of pain and has not fully recovered. She could not work, and the homelessness led her to Pathways, a shelter in the Birmingham community. There, the intake worker, Bailey, told her about Hope Inspired Ministries. She gave her a pamphlet to read, and that’s when she decided to enroll in the nine week class.

When she started class, it was more than what she thought.  She has learned a lot about interviewing and the ten things that require zero talent that all employers are looking for in employees. Some of those things are: a  positive attitude, showing effort, being on time, and having passion for what you do.

Tasha Scott, a guest speaker, talked to us about setting goals and making new habits. She said, “To get different results, I need to make new actions.” For Jackie, that meant going back to school and finishing her bachelor’s degree in human resources, and eventually studying to become an R. N. Jackie is ready to get back to her church, get back into the full swing of things, find a job in healthcare, and get her life back on track. She thanks Jesus for allowing her to go through this process at Hope Inspired Ministries.

Hellen Vasquez

The post Meet the Birmingham Class 2021-2 Graduates! appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

Dewayne recalls the week he met Nate, stating, “One night that week, I was a lost sheep, in the cold, homeless, and sleeping by the McWane Center. The cold was unbearable! It was one of those nights that was the coldest we’ve had this year. I was so cold that I couldn’t think straight, much less sleep. It was so cold it hurt. I couldn’t stop shivering or relax enough to go to sleep. Yet, for the first time in my life, I spoke to God. I told God that I knew if I called on Him for comfort, He would be my comforter. I’m glad to say that He touched me that night with comfort, warmth, and sleep.”

It was then that Dewayne’s renewed life began, and God’s blueprint for his life started to reveal itself. The very next day was his first day at Hope Inspired Ministries.

Through Hope Inspired Ministries, Dewayne learned that God has a purpose and vision for his life. Additionally, he learned character building and behavior modification skills, how to fill out a job application, and what to expect in a job interview.

Dewayne also gained invaluable wisdom from our volunteers who serve as guest speakers and mentors. Dewayne’s mentor showed him unconditional love and reminded him that our past does not define our future. One guest speaker, in particular, gave Dewayne an immense amount of hope. He says, “Brother Matt Bostic gave us a powerful illustration of the importance of guarding our heart at all costs and to constantly ask God to open the eyes of my heart. I learned through Christ Jesus who strengthens me, I have the courage to walk the straight path of God’s inheritance.”

Dewayne is so appreciative to all of the volunteers and staff members at Hope Inspired Ministries. During the program, he received glasses and was able to obtain his driver’s license. He is currently working in construction and considers his H.I.M. classmates as family.

Dewayne says, “Some may ask, how can a person with my past testify that God answers and finds his lost sheep? The answer is because I was a lost sheep. I pray that if the day comes where I come across a lost sheep, I can lead him/her back to our wonderful Father.”

Watch Dewayne share his story here.

The post H.I.M. Changed Dewayne’s Life appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

We caught up with one of our newest mentors, Elizabeth Roth, recently, to ask her about her experience as a H.I.M. mentor.

The post Mentor Makes A Difference in Her Community appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

Johnny (pictured left) came to Hope Inspired Ministries unemployed, depressed, and at a stand-still in life. He was searching for a change. After reading a pamphlet about Hope Inspired Ministries, Johnny was intrigued by the information about God and education, and he knew this program was what he needed. After the first day of class, Johnny was filled with excitement and couldn’t wait to tell his friend and roommate, Rickey, about H.I.M.

Similar to Johnny, Rickey (pictured right) was in a hard place in life before Hope Inspired Ministries. He was stuck in a day-by-day routine, not working, and only inviting what the street had to offer each day. When Johnny explained his experience with H.I.M., Rickey knew he had to see what this program was all about.

We are proud to report that through Hope Inspired Ministries, both Johnny and Rickey have turned their lives around. They learned about work ethic, body language, interview skills, character development, and behavior management. They grew in their relationships with the Lord, and both men are now employed through Waffle House!

Rickey says, “If it wasn’t for Johnny, I definitely would not be where I am today. Hope Inspired Ministries has been a wonderful and positive learning experience for me.”

There are many other individuals, just like Johnny and Rickey, who need your help. By donating, you are helping us put men and women back to work and allowing them to push the reset button in life. To contribute today, please click here.

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I caught up with Katie recently, and asked her why she likes to bless our ministry with food for the students. She quickly responded, “I love to see the students and meet them. I love to watch their faces light up as they fill their plates and tummies. It blesses me to bring lunch to the students knowing that I’m providing a scrumptious meal to them.”

Katie knows that sometimes it’s their only meal of the day, and that makes her want to do her best. “Food is a universal thing that unites us as people,” she continues. “I love bringing unity and food to the table!”

At Katie’s house, she uses her volunteer work to teach her two small boys about being a servant for the Lord’s Kingdom. She says providing that example to them is important to her.  Sometimes, she lets them help stir the pot and load up the car. “They love to come into H.I.M. and see everyone and be a ray of sunshine to all who are there!”

I asked Katie her favorite dish to cook. She responded that she is famous for her herb baked chicken with cheesy mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans. Those are always a hit.

When asked her favorite thing to tell others about Hope Inspired Ministries, she replied, “It is how they strive to help others survive in this world. They equip them not only with Godly principles but with tools to take with them into the work force and their daily lives. They are like family to the students and make it known that they are loved!”

Thank you Katie for your servant’s heart, and for the blessing you bring to Hope Inspired Ministries.

To make an impact like Katie has, please click here to explore volunteer opportunities.

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