JOBS NOT DRUGS INITIATIVE
jobs not drugs initiative
The National Association of Minority Contractors—Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter (NAMC-WMAC) created JOBS NOT DRUGS. A member of the ACC/TRANSFORMERS Rite of Passage Experience (R.O.P.E.), a collaboration of organizations funded by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for “Opioid Abatement” program designed to lessen or end the impacts of the opioid epidemic in the District of Columbia;
“JOBS NOT DRUGS” is designed to assist in CREATING JOBS and BUILDING CAREERS! for District residents, especially its youth. The goal is to assist youth to address the opioid epidemic and its impact on employment opportunities.
Effective July 1, 2024, NAMC-WMAC facilitated the Jobs Not Drugs Summer Youth Enrichment Series consisting of three (3) “Jobs Not Drugs Youth Mini-Career Building Workshops” held monthly from July to September, 2024 for youth, ages 16-24 from Ward 7 and 8 that featured:
Effective July 1, 2024, NAMC-WMAC facilitated the Jobs Not Drugs Summer Youth Enrichment Series consisting of three (3) “Jobs Not Drugs Youth Mini-Career Building Workshops” held monthly from July to September, 2024 for youth, ages 16-24 from Ward 7 and 8 that featured:
- Substance abuse counselors, former drug users and law enforcement to educate youth on drug use and its impact on their ability to obtain and sustain employment
- Career counselors to provide guidance and assistance on how to overcome barriers to targeted careers
- Guest speakers on available employment, training, apprenticeship, internship and supportive service programs and services
Youth developed a Career Work Plan, a roadmap designed to obtain a sustainable career. Youth received a “Certificate of Achievement” at the end of the session. Follow-up continued with 4 weeks of employment assistance for each youth’s career search.
The National Association of Minority Contractors—Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter (NAMC-WMAC) was formed in February 2005. A non-profit 501©(6) tax-exempt membership organization governed by a Board of Directors; the President manages its day-to-day operation. NAMC-WMAC’s service area encompasses Washington, DC, Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties in Maryland and Northern Virginia. NAMC-WMAC has as its focus “A Commitment to Diversity.”