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Mark Your Calendars! |
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Ronald H. Brown 2008 Leadership Awards Gala
This Year's Honorees Include a Special Posthumous Award to the late
Mr. Fred Rogers.
Friday, December 5, Westin Convention Center Hotel, Silent Auction and Reception Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m., Followed by Dessert Reception and Dancing. |
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Urban League Sunday 2009
With Special Guest Reverend Dr. Floyd Flake, Hosted by Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
Faces of Empowerment
Fifty-three-year-old Alphonso was forced to close his business in 1999 after Wood Street had been shut off to traffic for six weeks. He turned his convenience store into a convenience stand elsewhere downtown, and kept it going for two years before the constant threat of thieving youngsters made him give up. Off and on for the next five years he was a jitney driver. Finally at the end of his rope, the now 61-year-old Alphonso applied to the Mature Worker Program at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
“When I arrived at the Mature Worker Program I was cocky, mad, down and depressed,” says Alphonso. “Mr. Brown listened to me carefully. Then he told me something I’ll never forget: ‘It’s hard to accept change, but when you accept it, you move on.’ …He was right.”
Rodney Brown, director of the Mature Worker Program at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, made a difference. “Mr. Brown genuinely cares,” says Randolph. “Sometimes you can tell if a person is just doing their job or if they are doing their job to help you. Mr. Brown helped me.”
Once in the Mature Worker Program, Alphonso was sent to Bidwell Training Center for a year to learn office and computer skills. He uses those skills today as the administrative assistant at the Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC), where he earns $9 an hour and has full medical benefits. Alphonso also manages the energy assistance programs at MWCDC.
“This program helps you help yourself. It uplifted my spirits, and gave me patience, understanding and determination, says Alphonso. “I appreciate the stability of my job. The work we do at Mt. Washington is important. I’m a part of helping make this community better. That makes me happy.” |
