Making Business Happen in Camden County

The Camden County Prosecutors Office & The Camden County Workforce Investment Board in a joint community program effort, established a work & educational enhancement program for Camden City Youth. This program, funded by the Department of Labor, has brought together the best of Camden’s resources in the justice system, workforce system and the faith based community in Camden City.

The CCC Program provides positive yet reality based experience that prepares the youth for work, career opportunities and self-sufficiency.

If you would like additional information on The Camden Community Connections Program, or would like to participate by providing a job for one of its youth or becoming a mentor, please contact Martha Chavis @ 856.414.0044 or Chavis.ccwib@verizon.net

A feature story on the career of Martha Chavis appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer IMAGE Section “GOOD DEEDS” with reporter Lucia Herndon on July 31st. Please note that being chosen for this column is a VERY selective process. People who are highlighted and interviewed have had a lifetime of commitment to the communities they serve. They are leaders and highly respected citizens who have dedicated themselves and their careers to serving their community. Being selected for this column is the ULTIMATE praise and recognition for someone we are all proud to know.

A special thank you to the following CCC youth who were featured in the terrific picture with Martha:

Brian Coleman, Soloman Still, Yessenia Rivera, Wilson Evangelista, Jamela Thomas, Tamara Pearson, Kahlia Young, Baldwin Centeno, Lazaro Martinez, Reysa Reyes, Carlos Torres & Vaugn Milton.

Camden Community Connections Program Director, Martha Chavis, appeared on the CNN Headline News, Channel 47, "Comcast Newsmakers" Show with host Joe Bisicchia.

The five minute interview, that was taped on May 16th, focused on the Camden Community Connections Program. The interview aired several times a day at :54 after the hour from June 15th through June 21st.

Pictured above at the CNN Headline News and CN8 Studios, are Joe Bissicchia, host of "Comcast Newsmakers" and Camden Community Connections Program Director, Martha Chavis.

Camden Community Connections is very proud of the progress and personal growth of our youth participants who have dedicated their time and energy to improve their lives. These are but a few of the many success stories at the Camden Community Connections Program.

Shaahid Garrett is an 18-year old Adjudicated youth, born and raised in the city of Camden . He loves being around all types of positive people, and enjoys teaching any topic, subject, or skill. Shaahid hopes to someday become a self-employed real-estate broker, owning his own company.

Shaahid was referred to the Camden Community Connections program in December 2004, by his probation officer. During a conversation with the YCS clinicians, Shaahid admitted that he feels he doesn’t have any “real” friends and that he wants to succeed in life, so that he could leave his impoverished neighborhood. Through continued sessions with the clinicians, Shaahid will continue to verbalize his concerns and learn to develop the techniques, which will enable him to focus on his goals, to stay positive, and to fight any urges of succumbing to the pressures received from the environment of which he resides.

Shaahid entered Camden Community Connections with an academic mission: to Fast-Track the Education component in order to quickly receive his GED. After several sessions and minimum assistance from the Education instructors, Shaahid took the GED practice test, scoring 40 to 70 points above average in all subjects. On February 8 and 9, Shaahid took the GED exam with maximum confidence. As of this day, the results are pending.

Where is he now? Shaahid is an active participant of Camden Community Connections. He has been meeting regularly with the Education instructors and with Mr. Al Walker, the Director of Operations, seeking advice and assistance with educational, as well as, personal issues. Shaahid is currently enrolled in Camden County College , where he is expected to complete 12 semester hours in May 2005.

Ebony Richburg is a 15-year old Pre-Adjudicated youth, who was born and raised within the city of Camden . She enjoys swimming, skating, and swinging in the playground. Ebony aspires to one day become a registered nurse

Ebony was referred to the Camden Community Connections program in April 2004, by her school, Charter Promise. YCS clinicians meet regularly with Ebony. Their interactions have helped her to develop organizational skills and a positive inner motivation towards her goals in school. Ebony has also enhanced her communication skills, which enables her to conduct positive conversations with family and peers.

Ebony completed Destinations in June 2004 and the Calvert assessment in November 2004. When the Education instructors assigned her to participate in a writing assignment, Ebony created an original poem entitled, “The Way I Used To Be,” revealing her hidden talent for writing.

April-November 2004, Ebony participated in numerous workshops facilitated by the Life Skills Instructors. She studied the concepts of Overcoming Obstacles, Making Positive CHOICES, Defining a Purpose, Combating Peer-Pressure, Becoming a Leader, Maintaining Self-Control, and Maintaining Relationships. She also participated in various field trips and in Job Readiness Training, with sessions facilitated by the subcontractors of Image & Attitude, Computer Consultants, Sports Connections, and Jazz Journey.

In November 2004, Ebony entered the Community Service Training Program. She chose the Camden Children’s Garden and the St. Joseph ’s Child Development Center , where worked as a Child Care Youth Aide Volunteer.

Where is she now? Ebony is an active participant in the Camden Community Connections Program. She is a junior at Camden Academy Charter High School and continues to volunteer at St. Joseph ’s Child Development Center.

Brian Coleman is a 14-year old Pre-Adjudicated youth, born and raised within the city of Camden . He enjoys writing, performing the raps that he creates, drawing, playing sports and video games. Brian has hopes of one day of either becoming an NBA star or a comedian.

Brian was referred to the Camden Community Connections program in June 2004, by his mother. During Brian’s time in the program, YCS clinicians met with him regularly, and helped him to develop relaxation and calming techniques, which would enable him to be able to express himself more easily when in conflict with his peers, the staff, and with himself. During his program experience, Brian accomplished many milestones:

Brian completed the Calvert assessment in November 2004. He is currently in the honor roll at Penn Tech, where he earned an invitation to a special breakfast in honor of all those who has shown special scholastic achievements. Brian seeks assistance, whenever necessary, from the CCC education counselors. He continues to show a great interest in the topics discussed in all facilitated classes as evidenced by his enthusiastic participation.

Brian attended and completed the required amount of workshops and classes facilitated by the Life Skills counselors and program subcontractors of Sports Connections, Image and Attitude, Jazz Journeys, and Learning for Life. Brian completed computer training, earning him a certificate of completion. His accomplishments enabled him to be awarded advancement into Step-Up phase of the program in September 2004.

November-December 2004, Brian He elected to volunteer at Sacred Heart’s Christmas Food Banquet and selected the Camden Children’s Garden at the Waterfront as his community service site, receiving a certificate of appreciation from the establishment.

Where is he now? Brian is a Freshmen at Penn Tech. He is also a resident artist for CCC Virtua. He was asked to do a mural for the community with a group of other

Sharmyra Pearson is a 17-year old Pre-Adjudicated youth, who resides within the city of Camden . She enjoys singing, drawing, and reading. Sharmyra has aspirations of someday becoming a professional singer, lawyer, or fashion designer.

Sharmyra was admitted to the Camden Community Connections program in November 2003. Since she began meeting with the YCS clinicians, Sharmyra has made significant progress with beginning to verbalize her true feelings. Sharmyra has come to recognize her negative patterns of behavior and continues to seek support and ideas of change. During her program experience, Sharmyra accomplished many milestones:

Since completing the Destinations, TABE, and the Calvert assessments, Sharmyra’s effort into education enhancement has improved. She has improved two skill levels and has mastered five assigned tasks in English, Reading , and Math. Sharmyra completed Safe Haven in December 2003. During this time, she was very active and compliant as she participated in the assigned workshops. Sharmyra claims to have mastered and adapted the concepts of CHOICES, Goal-Setting, Relationships, and Overcoming Obstacles in her dealings with her family and peers. Because of her positive participation in the workshops facilitated by the Life Skills counselors and the program’s subcontractors, Sharmyra was approved to move into the Step-Up component of the program in March 2004.

Sharmyra has shown great enthusiasm and dedication during her participation in the employment component of the program. She’s participated, with positive interactions, with the sub-contractors of Jazz Journeys, Image and Attitude, and Learning for Life, she worked as a CCC student aid, and in May-August 2004, Sharmyra chose The Learning Tree as her community service site. After a brief summer break, Sharmyra returned to begin her Paid Work Experience at the Children’s Garden at the Waterfront.

Where is she now? Sharmyra is currently an active participant in the Camden Community Connections program. She is in the Paid Work Experience phase, being paid $5.50/hr for approximately 29 bi-weekly hours. She unknowingly serves as a role-model to the other participants, who have hopes of accomplishing the goals achieved by Sharmyra Pearson.

Jonathan Martinez is an 18 year-old Adjudicated youth, born in Brooklyn , New York , but currently resides within the city of Camden . He enjoys playing football and basketball. When asked about his future employment goals, Jonathan says he wants to someday obtain any position which would require him to work with his hands.

Jonathan was referred to the Camden Community Connections program in April 2004 by his Probation Officer. Almost instantly after arrival, Jonathan became comfortable speaking openly to the YCS clinicians about his issues regarding his pending charges. He would also seek their advice on personal issues, especially those regarding the upbringing of his son. Jonathan was always receptive to recommendations and eventually came to make positive decisions on his own. During his program experience, Jonathan accomplished many milestones:

Jonathan asked the education counselors for their assistance in obtaining his GED. The counselors would spend time prepping him in Math and Social Studies. He came to excel in all areas he understood, developing a keen interest in what he studied.

Jonathan completed the Ansell-Casey in June 2004. He enjoyed answering the questions and offered positive feedback upon completion. Jonathan attended many workshops. He also attended a seminar entitled Teens on Track, earning him a certificate of completion from Planned Parenthood. After completing the required workshops of the Life Skills component, Jonathan was approved to enter the Step-Up phase of the program.

Jonathan had positive participation with the subcontractors of Image and Attitude, Sports Connection, and Jazz Journeys. He participated in community service with Camden Community Connections as a Movie Critic and a clerical assistant. Jonathan obtained unsubsidized employment at two different sites. In July-September 2004, he was employed at Uptown Blues in the Pennsauken Mart, earning $6.00/hr, and in October-January 2005, he was employed at a Wal-Mart in Cinnaminson , earning $7.00/hr.

Where is he now? Jonathan currently works at a Hess Gas Station on Admiral Wilson Blvd in Camden . His progress is being monitored monthly by the Camden Community Connections Employment Coordinator. Jonathan continues to receive assistance from the CCC staff whenever possible.

Letitia Shelley is a 19-year old Adjudicated youth, born in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , but currently resides within the city of Camden . She enjoys dancing. Letitia’s short-term goal is to obtain employment with the assistance of Camden Community Connections. Her long-term goal is to someday become a successful psychologist.

Letitia was admitted to the Camden Community Connections program in July 2004. She has been meeting regularly with the YCS clinicians, obtaining advice on various personal issues. Letitia proves to be very mature and decisive in handling the obstacles that lay in her pathway to adulthood. Letitia completed Destinations in August 2004. She is actively pursuing her GED while enrolled in the Camden Community Connections GED-Prep program.

In August 2004, Letitia completed the Ansell-Casey assessment. The results yielded an indication that Letitia regularly practiced the pertinent life skills which were scheduled to be lectured. Between August-October 2004, Letitia participated in various workshops. She participated in a Leadership and Entrepreneurship workshop, a computer training workshop, and sessions facilitated by the subcontractors of Sports Connections, Jazz Journey, and Image & Attitude. Letitia received praises of excellence from all instructors.

Letitia experienced numerous personal issues throughout the month of November, which cause her to have inconsistent attendance. Despite her absences, the instructor and clinicians have been keeping updated on her whereabouts and well-being, and invited her to return to the program as soon as time permits and her situation resolves. Letitia returned to the program in December 2004. She worked at Virtua as a Kitchen and Copying Assistant December-January 2004.

Where is she now? Letitia is working at Rosewood Nursing Facility in Maple Shade . Her progress is being monitored by the Camden Community Connections Employment Coordinator monthly. She continues to report, whenever possible, to the education counselors for assistance in obtaining her GED.

Congratulations
to
Shaahid A. Garrett
on his
GED score
of
2440 !!!.

Shaahid only missed a perfect score by mere 60 points !!
What a great accomplishment.
The Staff of The Camden Community Connections
is very proud of your achievement. Keep up the great work.

The following pictures reflect just some of the many educational and life-skill opportunities that are provided by the Camden Community Connection Program

Camden Community Connections provides youth with a broad range of activities and the opportunity to experience various careers. Our youth are regular monthly "Guest Hosts" the 3rd Wednesday of each month on 89.7 WGLS- FM radio talk show called "The American Dream, hosted by Stanley El.

Jonathan Cruz '(Pictured above) Takes to the Airwaves"
as he fields questions during an airing of "The American Dream",
on talk show radio, 89.7 WGLS-FM .

Nesmith & Cruz enjoyed the opportunity to experience what it would be
like to have a career as a radio broadcaster.

THANK YOU !!!

Our personal thanks to Mr. Stanley El , host of "The American Dream", for his continued commitment and support of our youth and the
Camden Community Connections Program.

Camden City business & community leaders ( seen here) provide guidance and program support as they share their ideas and opinions with Camden Community Connections Program Director, Martha Chavis . ( far left)

Part of the program provides "Mentors" including numerous volunteers
from the Camden Fire Department

Camden Community Connection Youth provide volunteer support to various Camden City projects including the distribution of toys during the holidays.

Part of the Camden Community Connections Program helps our youth understand the needs of those in the community who are less fortunate. One of youth prepares much needed food baskets for Camden City residents.

Dressing for success and learning the necessary skills for job interviews are an integral part of the Camden Community Connections Program. Youth are provided training in preparation of their first job interview.

Our thanks to Boscov's Department Store for their generous
support and for providing interview Business clothing for your youth.

Their continued commitment to the communities they serve is an inspiration to us all!.

Life and social experiences play key roles in the development of the Camden Community Connections Youth. During a recent trip to Philadelphia, our youth visited the national tour of the "Titantic Exposition" followed by a business luncheon at "Zanzibar Blue. ( Pictured above and below)

Name	Title	Email Address	Contact Number
Martha Chavis	Project Director	Chavis.ccwib@verizon.net	Telephone: 856.414.0044
Al Walker	Dir. of On-Site Operations	Awalker.ccwib@verizon.net	Mobile: 856.373.1521
Norma Santiago	Dir. of Employment	N/A	Mobile: 856. 373. 1527
Monique Payton	Employment Coordinator	N/A	Mobile: 856. 373. 1525
Alvera Banks-Hill	Case Resource Coordinator	N/A	Mobile: 856. 373. 1522
Martin Sartin	Program Recruiter	N/A	Mobile: 856. 373. 1526
Roger Ortiz	Program Recruiter	N/A	Mobile: 856. 373. 1523

204 Kings Highway South
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034
T: 856.414. 0044 F: 856.414.9050
E-Mail wib.cc@verizon.net