when we no longer can address those middle-skill occupations as a society
we're going to be losing the middle class in this country I worked two jobs
I would leave before my kids were out I would get home after my kids were put to
sleep you're living at a level where we know accidents kids breaking another
money take us over the limit I really felt like I was drowning one day I go
into my second job and find out that we're laid off I really didn't know was
gonna do how I was gonna take care of my family I ended up taking advantage of
bank works to go through the program and quickly be injected back into the
working world at a living wage is an amazing experience my name is Jerry
Walker I'm from Los Angeles California we're missing those mid skilled jobs
that help individuals move into the middle class
JVs is in program with a mission of helping individuals who face barriers to
employment and to become self-sufficient in whatever their career goal is
it's important for programs like JVs bank works to exist because there are so
many people that could be gainfully employed if they had the right training
and oftentimes the employers are not going to provide that training so if
there aren't programs to get people ready to be employed and then help them
find that work we're going to have a labor force that is not trained and
ready to fill the jobs that are available with only a year of cash
handling experience we can take somebody who's been underemployed and teach them
the things that are needed in order for them to have a wonderful career in
banking the bankers program is free they take
the training they get the interview and graduation the students will meet
directly with each employer and interview for their open positions
I always wanted to work at a bank I like the professional atmosphere I just
didn't think that I had what it takes when I heard about JPS bank works I
really was like maybe I can do it when I heard chenna story about being a single
mom of two children and who drives over two hours to class
I knew this program was just right for her she's smart she's driven this is
gonna change her life forever the JPS Bank works program allowed me to
work for a purpose and not just for the Paycheck it's not a job that they're
linking you with it's not an internship it's a new career Jerry Walker was
absolutely instrumental in helping open this office he's a key member of the
team he's intelligent he's knowledgeable he's passionate he can be an influencer
to other people and I think he has a desire to give back and I think he puts
it in his performance before Jerry the sky is really the limit
speaking at the JVs Bank works graduation is an amazing experience I
know what they're going through and what they're feeling they're getting ready to
embark on a new journey and a new career it's a huge difference and my kids love
it they noticed the difference and my wife loves it too he's much more
passionate about what he's doing and very excited it's worked out great when
someone who was underemployed now has a good career they lift up themselves and
their family and their family members say well if they could do it maybe I
could do it as well and then they begin to lift themselves up what motivates me
the most would be just my kids after I graduate I'm gonna have something that
my kids will be proud of when they grow up it's changed my life already and I
just can't wait to see what else it can do for me for anyone experiencing
chronic underemployment there is a better life for you but you have to walk
through that door JVs changes lives and one of them