Q3 2021 Newsletter
From our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Wow! We just wrapped up our 11th annual Art for Jobs and God continues to provide in unexpected ways. It may have been another year out of the “norm”, but you showed up, you donated, you volunteered, you purchased art—and because of your support, we have another record year in the books. My heart is full of joy and gratitude!
I also wanted to quickly share how God has been changing my heart...through donuts. For over a decade, we’ve purchased a dozen donuts on the birthday of every full time and part time staff member, but we neglected to do this for our staffing employees. This may seem like a small thing, but birthdays recognize humanity and celebrate how each one of us is made in the image of God. It's a day to affirm that you are seen and valued. It grieves me that I've been more focused on self and am just now realizing this gap in loving our neighbors. But I am always grateful for growth and learning. We are an organization on mission for South Memphis, and more importantly, we are on mission for people . So today this changes!
In big ways and small ways, we are committed to honoring the dignity of our fellow man and to live out the command “love your neighbor as yourself”. So if you start seeing a lot more Advance Memphis staff at the local donut shops, you’ll know why.
Peace,
Steve
Art for Jobs 2021: That’s a Wrap!
You did it! It is only through your support that we can claim another successful Art for Jobs. After 11 years, we still cannot do it alone. Thank you to the 102 artists, 59 volunteers, 51 sponsors, and more than 300 patrons that made Art for Jobs possible. The week of events featured our first-ever sponsor Sneak Preview Party, three days of in-person gallery tours at our 575 Suzette Warehouse, and culminated with our second virtual art sale. Through all of this, we have raised over $235,000, which surpasses last year’s event by more than $20,000! What a beautiful sight to see Memphians, as well as patrons from all over the country, coming together to purchase art and support our South Memphis neighbors. All proceeds from Art for Jobs go directly to programs at Advance Memphis which promote economic stability.
Through this virtual event, we have been able to connect with new patrons and artists that we wouldn’t normally have. We cannot express enough gratitude for the opportunity to partner with our 102 artists—28 of which were new this year! We look forward to seeing how God cultivates these new relationships over the next year. And a huge thank you to Lane Patikas, Art for Jobs chairman, along with her fearless committee members Bryn Wilson and Hailey Roaten, who put in so much effort to make this event run smoothly.
If you weren’t able to attend Art for Jobs, there’s plenty of amazing artwork left! Shop our online gallery here.
Hope for Urban Community
Advance Memphis graduates continue to flourish and it is through their stories that we can provide hope for the next generation. Be encouraged by the stories of Phyllis Bedwell and Roberto Smith.
Phyllis Bedwell
Graduated Work Life in 2011 and Faith & Finances in 2014 | Currently employed at Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc.
"When I first came to Advance Memphis I was a broken woman. I had just come off an addiction of 22 years and I was worried I could never be productive in society since I missed so many years of my life. But Advance Memphis gave me a second chance to live.
How it started was a friend told me about Advance Memphis and I came down and applied. I was put on a waitlist for the class, which I wasn’t expecting, but the wait was worth it. I just couldn't believe how much God was inside that place. People were patient with me and I was so grateful. A lot of the men and women in class were younger than me, but I fit right in because they made me feel welcome. I also learned a lot in Faith & Finances on how to budget my money and how to LIVE again.
I’ve been carrying a job ever since I graduated from Advance Memphis. I worked full time for 7 straight years, but then I got COVID and I had to resign. But God wasn’t finished with me yet. I found a part time job at Alpha Omega Veterans Services where I am today and I love it. I am renting a home, I have two cars, and I have a bank account finally! I am so grateful to share my story because so many need to hear success stories in this neighborhood. I see folks out here who are right where I was, walking around so low. What they need is that second chance that Advance gave me.”
Roberto Smith
Graduated Work Life and Faith & Finances in 2014 | Currently employed at First Evangelical Church
“The only thing I can say about Advance Memphis is they are the bomb! I gained the knowledge of knowing that there are people out here willing to help you. You just have to be willing to help yourself. When I enrolled in the class, I had just gotten out of jail so it was hard to find a job, but Advance Memphis gave me a chance.
I graduated in 2014 and went to work right after. I worked at the Advance Memphis warehouse, KM Logistics, NGP and now I’m full time at First Evan Church. I started work as the maintenance guy at First Evan this January and became permanent by June, and I’m really grateful for that. I wouldn’t be there without Advance Memphis.”
Here We Grow Again
As we shared in the Q1 Newsletter, our warehouses and the jobs we can provide through them continue to be at the forefront of our work in South Memphis. The Lord has multiplied our efforts throughout 2021, and we are excited to share that we will be adding another warehousing customer in October! A current customer of ours has given us the opportunity to add another one of their brands, so by the end of October, we will begin shipping their product across the nation.
With this steady growth, we’ve also recognized a huge need for a warehouse management system which will be implemented later this year. All of these developments are big wins for our small nonprofit, but they are even bigger wins as we consider our mission to train and develop the workforce in South Memphis. We are thrilled that the diversification of our customer base and the additional warehouse technology will provide opportunities for Advance Memphis graduates to grow their skills in the marketplace and be equipped with knowledge that will serve them even beyond their time with us. But friends, keep praying for our connection with these graduates. Pray for their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as we pursue them and encourage them to work at Advance Memphis and in our city. We covet your prayers as we continue to relationally engage!
Want to get involved in our warehouse work? We have some unconventional volunteer opportunities that have come up as we are preparing to receive these new products. We recently had two volunteers from First Evangelical Church come alongside staff to install more pallet racking. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, please contact Kelsey Dees at kdees@advancememphis.org!
If you haven’t heard, Advance Memphis is back to serving meals each week for our in-person classes and graduations! We are looking for volunteer meal providers to partner with us as we serve our South Memphis neighbors attending job readiness and money management classes. Becoming a meal provider is a great way to support our neighbors during their instruction and celebrate their class completion! Would you consider signing up to provide or sponsor a meal for our Work Life or Faith & Finance participants?