12.2009
Every holiday season, Dave Rosenberg gives us the option of spending what would normally be office hours volunteering for a good cause. This year, we spent an afternoon at Transitional Housing, Inc. (THI), an organization working to end the cycle of homelessness.
THI provides safe temporary housing, as well as programs to promote self-sufficiency, for women and children who have no other place to go. The difference THI makes in its residents’ lives is profoundly apparent.
When we arrived at THI, gracious staff and residents thanked us in advance for our time with a delicious homemade lunch while they shared a little about themselves. We heard first-hand the personal stories of two residents who are now also staff members. You would not believe what these women have been through.
There’s no way to sugar-coat their harsh realities, like having eaten out of garbage cans just to survive. And having spoken with them, there’s also no denying how strong these women are, or how far they’ve come.
After some meaningful conversation, some hugs and even a few tears, they showed us the specific job we were there for: a room full of donated gifts and non-perishable goods that needed to be divided among a long list of people in need.
Many of the donated items were basic essentials we might take for granted — tissues, pillows, socks, etcetera — but everyone we met expressed sincere appreciation for every little thing they’d been given, including even those few hours of our time. The whole experience was both sobering and inspiring. If you’re looking to donate or volunteer, please consider THI.
If you would like to see some photos from that day please visit our blog or facebook.
12.2008
This past December, Rosenberg Advertising employees interviewed about 100 people in one day. Every one of them was in high school.
The interviews were a role-playing exercise organized by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), an organization that helps at-risk adolescents stay in school and prepare for the work force. As hypothetical employers, our job was to give soon-to-be real job candidates both practice and practical feedback.
We were fortunate enough to spend a little one-on-one time with some of the most promising and motivated students at Cleveland’s East Technical High School. Each student interviewed for one of five popular summer jobs: painter, clerical assistant, childcare worker, general building and maintenance worker, or parks and recreation worker. After the interviews, we evaluated them on everything from their interview attire to their knowledge of the job.
The students impressed us with their preparation, positive attitudes and readiness to learn. Our acting skills may have been less impressive. Nonetheless, the role-playing led to conversations that let us share real-life advice. Plus, it allowed us to get a feel for some of tomorrow’s leaders — and let’s just say we left feeling pretty darn good.
