HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)- New Directions of Horry County, Inc. serves those who are homeless, at-risk of becoming homeless, and victims of domestic violence.
This week it was one of three non-profits who participated in the Lowcountry Day of Giving. The group raised more than $1700 through donations and that amount will be matched by the Waccamaw Community Foundation.
Organizers with New Directions say they will designate a good amount of that money towards it job readiness program.
That program launched in January of this year. During the 1st quarter, the program had 62 clients (20.4%) secure jobs and another 28 (9.2%) secure jobs move into permanent housing. An additional 16 clients have been placed in other programs that are better suited to their needs, such as addiction recovery.
Kerry Blasker is one of the people a part of the program. He moved to Myrtle Beach from Philadelphia last year and found himself homeless.
“When I came down here I had no self-respect for myself. I got myself respect back. I got my dignity back and it’s made me a better person,” Blasker said.
Blasker now has a job and is working towards accomplishing his other goals.
“It’s a process and the process works and thanks to these people yeah it works and hopefully in the next couple of months, I’ll have my own place, I’ll have a house,” Blasker added.
Organizers says the program continues to display success stories
“In April we had 74 people working, we had another 28 who were working and had gotten out into permanent housing. So we’re looking at 50% with jobs and housing just this month,” Executive Director Kathy Jenkins said.
Jenkins said in the future the group looks to grow the job readiness program and build a shelter for women.
