Kenyell Jefferson was previously on the Chattanooga Housing Authority trespass list, meaning he could not step foot on any CHA property without running the risk of being arrested and charged with trespassing. However, Jefferson’s family lived on CHA property making it extremely dangerous to visit them. “It was hard not being able to see my kids whenever I wanted.” said Jefferson. Jefferson was taken off the trespass list after he completed the Jobs for Life program at Hope For The Inner City on Roanoke. The program is designed to get inner city residents a job and for some immunity from the trespass list. Parish is no longer on the trespassing list and now has a job for a local landscaping company.AT A GLANCEWhat: Jobs for Life enrollmentWhen: Beginning April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through FridayWhere: Sign up at Hope for the Inner City at 1800 Roanoke Ave.
Getting a job was a big deal, but it was just the beginning for Kenyell Jefferson.
He was unemployed when he enrolled in Hope for the Inner City’s Jobs for Life program, held at the Sheila M. Jennings Health and Wellness Center near College Hill Courts public housing complex.
Since graduating this year, he has landed a job with Outlook Landscaping Service. By fall he plans to enroll in business management at Chattanooga State, toward a goal of opening his own hair salon and tour bus business.
But Jobs for Life has paid off in an unexpected way, too.