Phoenix Employment Ministry’s (PEM) mission is to empower homeless and nearly homeless people by helping them to find and keep satisfying work. PEM, which saw its first clients in 2003, is a nonprofit organization that operates under the direction of The Reverend Don Skinner. Don recognized the need for an organization dedicated solely to helping those most in need of employment and, with the assistance of a talented and committed board of directors and volunteers, has placed many clients in jobs. PEM is funded by contributions and grants and does not charge clients or employers for its services.

PEM believes that “satisfying” work is the key to obtaining and retaining employment. It helps clients to understand their particular skills, talents, and propensities and guides their job search to channel their efforts most productively. Assistance includes resume preparation, referral to child care, and other types of assistance that may be prerequisite to employment, including transportation to job sites for applying/interviewing and other job-related purposes, and general coaching and encouragement.

Staff, clients, and volunteers meet at 8:30 a.m. and participate in job search activities until 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The day begins with “check-in,” a time for all to share their state of being with the others and to share a daily devotion and prayer. Then clients pursue, with the help of staff and volunteers, their individual paths to achieving employment.

Clients are required to treat the job search as a job; they must arrive on time dressed in business attire. Volunteers are expected to set an example for these necessary habits for obtaining and retaining employment. Volunteers have the opportunity to know clients’ individual histories and to adapt their assistance to individual needs. Good judgment and compassion should guide volunteers’ relationships with clients.

Linda Cunningham serves at the Coordinator of Volunteers. Contact her at 452-4655 or ljcunn@bellsouth.net whenever you need assistance with your work at PEM.

Volunteers are encouraged to visit PEM to see if it offers the type of volunteer work that they seek.