Regional Director Michael Breeden (left) presents some of the 30 pairs of men's shoes collected by Region 3 to the staff and residents of the Christopher Place Employment Academy, including Yolanda Thompson (r).
Region 3 DORS Staff (Baltimore City) searched their closets and basements and enlisted the help of male friends and family to collect shoes for the men of the Christopher Place Employment Academy. Regional Director Michael Breeden led the project.
Donations of these work and dress shoes help the men prepare interview and begin employment. The project is part of Region 3’s commitment to community and their desire to outreach beyond the scope of their everyday work.
Once collected, Region 3 staff carefully reconditioned, polished and shined the shoes before presenting them to Yolanda Thompson of the Christopher Place Employment Academy, who represented the staff and residents. Said Ms. Thompson, "Your help is allowing us to make changes in their lives."
About Christopher Place Employment Academy
The mission of the Christopher Place Employment Academy, a program of Catholic Charities, is to find employment and housing as well as provide long-term support for homeless men in Baltimore. The intensive residential program focuses on self-esteem, motivation, responsibility and a commitment to sobriety and stable living in addition to teaching the skills needed for finding and keeping a job. Nearly 500 men have successfully graduated from the Academy since its inception in 1996.