Taking the Journey
David Spickard, CEO, Jobs For Life
May 2009

On Saturday, April 28, I completed the Country Music Half Marathon - a 13.1 mile run through the streets of Nashville, TN with 32,000 other runners committed to making it to the finish line. It was hot!  Miles 11-13 were brutal, and yet once I reached the Cumberland River bridge and could see the finish line, I knew I was going to make it.  There's nothing like the feeling of crossing the finish line with the satisfaction of completing what you started and knowing your effort will impact lives for generations to come.

Taking part in this race was the kickoff of Jobs for Life's Journey to End Joblessness - an effort to raise awareness and funds for JfL's mission to provide a solution to the devastating effects of unemployment and underemployment in our communities.  29 friends sponsored my run helping me secure $8,765 for JfL's mission - ensuring that 35 lives will be transformed through their investment ($250 is JfL's cost per person served). 

Our hope is that this is only the beginning.  Over time, we expect to see many of you - friends of JfL - taking part in races or events in your community to raise awareness and funds for JfL's mission.  While in 2009, 1,152 people have been served by JfL, a 28% increase from this time last year, we are facing an overwhelming crisis.  Hundreds of thousands of men and women woke up this morning with no job and nothing to do, wondering how they are going to make ends meet.  So many have lost their value, dignity, and purpose with no hope for the future.  We need your help.  If you would like to find out more about joining the Journey, please contact us at info@jobsforlife.org or 888.408.1565. 

Like JfL's workbooks say, "The journey is the reward."  Join us and we'll take it together.