In the midst of this economic storm, God has continued to use Uptown Alliance to train men and women for a variety of hospitality and construction industry jobs. So far this year, 46 people have graduated from one of our classes and we currently have a construction class with 20 students. Our friends Grace Evangelical and Germantown United Methodist Churches have been especially generous with their time and resources by sponsoring Jobs in Community (JIC) programs and providing volunteer mentors for graduates. In a year where many nonprofit organizations have closed their doors, God has used this ministry to be the hands and feet of Christ in a greater way than ever before.

In his letter to the Roman Church, the Apostle Paul exhorted the believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and called this a spiritual act of worship. This year, believers from many local churches partnered with Uptown Alliance to bless those in need of true hope. As 2009 draws to a close, I would ask you to consider partnering with us as well. On average, it costs approximately $1700 to train one JIC participant. The harvest in Memphis is indeed plentiful. Your partnership will ensure that we shine the light of Jesus Christ to those most desperate for his healing touch.

Change and Hope

There has been a lot of talk lately about change and hope. For many that live and call the inner-city of Memphis home, hope is a rare commodity. Even for those who manage to navigate the poverty, hunger, homelessness and crime, it’s easy to wonder where is the hope?

But there is hope. God planned to have his son Jesus Christ live in the hearts of all who believe in Him. Through Christ’s resurrection He gives each one of us hope. Hope that one day there will be a righting of wrongs. Hope for the coming day when God shall wipe away all tears, that there will be no more sorrow, nor dying, nor pain; Hope that he will make all things new. This is the message that Uptown Alliance brings to the least of these. It transcends all cultural, geographical, racial and social barriers.

Jesus is the Hope for all mankind.

In these stressful times where do you find your hope – in the economy, your job? I pray that as you reflect on Psalms 130:5 that you find that your hope hinges on nothing more than Jesus Christ.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
— Psalm 130:5

Love your Neighbor

As a welcoming gift for those entering our job training program, participants receive a coffee cup filled with candy, pens, scripture cards and a handwritten note of encouragement. The cups are a gift of agape packaged by the Ladies of Grace (Grace Evangelical Church). This simple act of kindness continues to have a profound impact. One of our students said, “It is humbling to know that someone who doesn’t even know who I am would take the time to do this and to pray for me. It really means a lot.”

Thank you Ladies of Grace for assembling and donating more than 150 cups for our JIC program.

JIC Shadowing Program

This program is our own version of follow the leader. Here participants learn the ins and outs of different positions by following our industry partner counterparts.

Prayer Concerns

• Our current graduating class as they begin their job search.
• Pray for new Bible study class that will begin later this month most of these folks are seekers.
• That God will provide needed funds as we experience a major downturn in giving.
• New mentors.
• Safety for the youth from Grace Evangelical Church who will participate in our upcoming Memphis Connection experience.

What We Do

Uptown Alliance is committed to the economic and social empowerment of those residents of inner-city Memphis who need it most. Our mission is focused on two initiatives.

• Providing basic job training which creates employability; the first step toward economic self-reliance.
• Developing leadership and organizational skills as well as social connection among residents; building the basis for a strong
  community

Who We Serve

• Average age:33
• 59 percent are female
• 96 percent are African-American
• 40 percent are single with dependent children
• 50 percent food stamp recipients
• 30 percent lack high school diploma or GED
• Average annual income <$7000
• 80 percent currently unemployed
• 39 percent live in 38107

Hospitality Training

• Graduation Rate
  • 65 Enrolled in Training
  • 53 Graduated
  • 81 percent Graduation rate
• Job Placement
  • 75 percent placement of graduates
• Wage Analysis
  • Starting: ranging from $7.25 to $10/hour ($8.63 Average)

Construction-Related Skills (Plumbing & Carpentry)

• Graduation Rate
  • 41 Enrolled in Training
  • 25 graduated
  • 61 percent graduation rate
• Job Placement
  • N/A
• Wage Analysis
  • Starting: Ranging from $10.50 to $17.50/hr. ($14.00 Average)
• Soft Skills Training
  • Conducted “soft skills” workshops for Refugee Empowerment Program (REP).
  • 22 youth participated in our six-week-long summer youth workshop for workforce development.

Other Developments

• Expanding into the Binghampton community in addition to the following communities we are currently working in: Uptown, Frayser, Winchester Airport areas.
• Working with three ministry partners
  • Impact Ministries
  • Hope Christian Family Centers
  • Refugee Empowerment Program
  • Early summer of 2009 we will be adding A+ Certification to our training curriculum.

Our nation has been through a great deal this year with respect to the economic situation. Words like recession, unemployment and bailout scream from our television screens, and if you’re like me, it can all get pretty unnerving. Uptown Alliance is not immune to the downturn, and unfortunately we have had to make some difficult decisions with regard to our budget. However, we continue to be faithful to our mission of providing Christ-centered job training in the hospitality and construction industries. Though these industries have been hit by the tough economy as well, our clients have generally been successful in finding employment within two to three months of graduation.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are mindful of the challenges that face many of our partners. However, we celebrate the fact that God is good and provides for our needs no matter what the “experts” on the news say! Toward the end of his life, King David remarked, I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. (Psalm 37: 25-26)

In spite of the challenges we currently face, we as Americans in the 21st century are still the richest people who have ever lived. God continues to bless us abundantly, and as Christians it is our privilege to join with Him in the work that He is doing on behalf of the least among us. Know that every gift matters, and we greatly appreciate your support. Above all, please pray for us. We are praying for you.

In His Grip,
— Steve

Construction trainees learn tools of the trade.

Recent graduates of our hospitality classes

“It’s almost impossible to find a job without someone to help you.”
— Deziman Hooker

We are also happy to report that he currently employed and was accepted into a Carpenters Local Training program outside Atlanta Georgia.

Olympic Fever

Did you stay up too late recently tuning in to the Olympics? If you were like me, you probably need toothpicks for your eyes in the days surrounding the games. But who can blame us? To simply watch these Olympic athletes was a wonderful thing to behold. The drama and stories behind many of these athletes were quite inspiring. However, one thing that we did not see was the team of individuals working behind each athlete. Of course, Michael Phelps is the one that ultimately had to perform – and perform he did. But what about the families, coaches, doctors, dieticians, etc. that tirelessly work with each athlete? In short, they cannot go it alone. And as Christians neither can we! Yet how many of us continue to strike out each day trying to solve our trails and bear our own
burdens.

Michael Phelps could not have gone as far as he did without his “team” behind him. At Uptown Alliance we consider you as part of our team. We simply cannot do what we do without your prayers, acts of service and your financial generosity. We thank God for your involvement. With the uncertainty of today’s economy and unemployment rates at levels we have not seen in decades – we need you now more than ever. Please pray for us as we continue to minister to “the least and lost of these”, so that they learn a marketable skill, but more importantly that they will come into a saving & meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Concerns

• New mentors.
• Our newly-formed hospitality class.
• Our new ministry partnership with Refugee Empowerment Program.
• Mothers attending our training program as they continue to struggle with child care and transportation issues.

Update

So far this year, 49 individuals have graduated from our training programs.

Thanks to all of the volunteers from Grace Evangelical Church who ventured down to assist us with repairs around our facility.

Who We Serve

• Average age 38
• 67 percent are female
• 94 percent are African-American
• 40 percent are single w/dependent children
• 54 percent food stamp recipients
• 30 percent lack high school diploma or GED
• Average annual income less than $5000
• 80 percent currently unemployed
• 50 percent live in the 38107 ZIP Code

Hospitality Training

• Graduation Rate
• 63 Enrolled in Training
• 53 Graduated (10 Male )
• 80 percent graduation rate
• Job Placement
• 70 percent placement of graduates
• Job Retention
• 62 percent of placements
• Wage Analysis
• Starting: Ranging from $6.75 to $10.00/hour ($7.45 Average)

Construction Related Skills — Plumbing and Carpentry

• Graduation Rate
• 33 Enrolled in Training
• 18 graduated (16 Males)
• Job Placement
• 72 percent placement of graduates
• Job Retention
• N/A
• Wage Analysis
• Starting: Ranging from $10.50 to $15.50/hour ($13.00 Average)

Beginning this summer UA will offer A+ certification training. The A+ certification is vendor-neutral and consists of two exams. To pass, you must demonstrate knowledge of installing, configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting and repairing desktop systems. Updated in 2006 is the ability to choose the second exam from a list of three specialist exams that highlight one of the following roles: IT Technician, Depot Technician, or Help Desk Technician.

Possibly the most popular entry-level certification, the A+ is for individuals with some computer experience. Once completed this is a widely accepted certification that demonstrates expert knowledge of hardware & software technologies. Jim Dixon with New Horizons Learning Centers says, “This is an excellent certification for anyone who is looking to enter the world of information technology”. According to the About.com 2005 Certification Salary Survey, an A+ certification will earn about $31,000 per year.

Ready, Set, Build

Students participating in our carpentry training program learn the basics skills to enter the construction industry as carpenter helpers. Our training curriculum covers OSHA safety, tool usage, working with various materials, math concepts, blueprint reading and basic carpentry skills.

Once students have completed the required coursework they are required to perform a community service project – putting to use their newly-acquired skill. The final step in our training program is working hand in hand with all of our students in finding them employment. Of all the construction trades carpentry is the largest and fastest-growing.

Prayer Concerns

• With a down economy our contributions have fallen off dramatically – please pray for our funding efforts.
• Recent graduates who are currently in the interview process with our industry partners.
• New mentors.
• Safety for the work crews from Grace Evangelical that will be working at UA in May.

Update

So far this year, 35 individuals have graduated from our training programs.

Light of the World

I’m not a fan of fortune cookies. I love the cookies mind you, but I’m not much on fortune telling. However, not long ago I got one that actually should resonate with most Christians. It read, “Only light can penetrate the darkness.” How true!

In the aftermath of one of the darkest days in recent history of our city — the recent Lester Street tragedy — one of our city fathers said this about prayer, “Prayer cannot and will not change anything.” What a sad commentary. Prayer is the very thing that can be a catalyst for change in this city!

There is no social, economic or educational reform program that will cure what ails our city, nation or world for that matter — only the saving love of Jesus Christ can do that.

Brothers and sisters in Christ I beseech you to fervently pray for the lost and least of these, not only in Memphis but around the world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Uptown Alliance Partners with Refugee Empowerment Program (REP

This spring Uptown Alliance has partnered with REP, which is focused on the needs of refugees in Memphis, particularly for the education of children and self-sufficiency of their parents. Uptown Alliance will provide basic “soft skills” training for
more than 300 refugee families that REP currently services. In addition to soft skills training UA will provide sectoral training for the hospitality and construction-related industries.

Fifty Begin New Class

Our second set of classes for 2008 will begin on March 31. Currently, our construction class has 21 individuals scheduled for training while our hospitality class has 28 individuals enrolled. In the April eNews we will forward specific prayer requests and updates on both classes. In the meantime, please commit to pray for these individuals as they begin their training.

Prayer Concerns

• New training classes that are forming.
• Recent graduates who have yet to find employment.
• Mentors and new industry partnerships.
• Families that will be included in our community building projects.