About two years ago, I hired a new assistant who was referred to me by one of the staff members from Penny Lane Centers. This young gentleman was part of the Penny Lane Transitional Housing Program, which helps— “Emancipated Foster Youth provide housing, life and job skills training to young adults who have grown up in group homes or foster care, who have no family to return to when they emancipate at age 18, and who would otherwise be homeless. In addition to independent living and job skills training, the program provides a clean, furnished apartment and emotional and academic support for young adults who have no family support system in place. (Description is from the Penny Lane website- www.pennylane.org).”
My assistant, who was only 19 years old, was one of the most productive and intelligent employees I have ever had. I really did not want to pry about how he ended up in the “system.” However, he did not let his challenging past interfere with his present or future. He was always on time and dressed very professionally. His computer aptitude, writing capability and verbal communication skills was truly advanced.
Since his hire, I have been involved with Penny Lane in North Hills, CA. Penny Lane is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that cares for over 2,900 abused, abandoned, and neglected children each year in the Los Angeles area. Founded in 1969 as a home for a handful of troubled teenage girls, Penny Lane has grown to provide services to children and families.
I am a huge advocate of “ABN: Always Be Networking.” I strongly believe that you can kill two birds with one stone when you are actively involved in community service endeavors or volunteering with non-profit organizations. When you are helping your community, not only are you doing something rewarding but you are also meeting new contacts and forming strong relationships with people whom you would not ordinarily meet elsewhere. In addition, you are also able to display your expertise when you donate your time for a worthy organization. When other people are able to see your value during your community service efforts, they immediately become confident in your capabilities within your profession. These activities WILL LEAD INTO REFERRALS.
Our company, Criterion Resources, is hosting an event called, “Networking with Purpose”, which will be taking place on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. It will be held at the Offices of Criterion Resources: 21900 Burbank Blvd. 3rd Floor Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The admission price is $20.00 per person at the door. We will accept credit cards. ALL PROCEEDS FROM ADMISSION WILL GO TO PENNY LANE.
The event will serve two purposes. First, we will be making a presentation about how to network effectively in order build more business contacts or to find new employment opportunities. Secondly, the event is a fundraiser for the Non-Profit Organization, Penny Lane.
I have recently joined the Board of Directors of Penny Lane. One of my main missions in life is to help in their fundraising efforts.
I hope you can come to support such a great cause that has added tremendous value to abused and neglected children for so many years.