CFS sponsored a celebration for all individuals employed from our SEMP program for both community and residential participants. A wonderful lunch was served at Bubba Gumps overlooking a snowy Times Square. The weather didn’t detour anyone from attending from Brooklyn to Broadway.
The luncheon was held to honor everyone for their individual success at their jobs and to give everyone an opportunity to meet and socialize. Everyone took great pride in their perspective hot spots in NYC. Most of the jobs are flagship having the busiest and most in demand jobs. Everyone shared their stories and how their lives have changed since they have been employed. Many have never been employed in the past and now are earning up to $18.75 per hour at some jobs.
Both Joshua .B and Joshua Y. started their jobs at the same time. Joshua B. is working as a usher at Carnagie Hall. Joshua Y. is working in sales at the Disney Store in Times Square. Two people opted to work that day, one employed at Cafe Metro Bryant Park and the other gentlemen at Home Goods on the upper west side. Kevin who is employed at Riverpark, at their urban organic garden that supplies fresh grown herbs to their restaurant, told everyone how much he loved his job. Two people hired by Banana Republic Grand Central had never met before. Monique is approaching 3 years as a sale associate during the day and Joseph is approaching a year on the night stock crew.
Brooklyn was also in the house. Angel told everyone about his job at the flagship Modell’s on Flatbush Avenue. Jean, Monique and Emmanuella are employed at TJ Maxx Kings Highway. Again, they are working different schedules and different departments. It was nice for them to spend some time together.
Bubba Gumps ended the event by having a trivia game with prizes. Everyone was given a souvenir key chain of popular areas within the city. Bracelets were also given to celebrate our enthusiasm on everyone’s success. Some individuals received individualized support initially but everyone is currently working independently. Many people have developed wonderful new friendships.
Due to the success of this event, we will continue to host events as more people are getting employed.
Congratulations to all!
View Some Pictures from the Luncheon
