One of our clients, Wes, was referred to our Pathways group by another Supported Housing provider. A series of stressful life events had led to him becoming homeless. Upon referral, Wes felt welcome at our Monday Coffee and Connect chats and quickly started to build new relationships. This was just the beginning.
Wes was eager to make some positive changes and a fresh start, so we told him about the opportunity to try the Pathways barbering course.
In his late forties, he was excited about the chance to learn new skills. Before we knew it, Wes had signed up for the first course of barbering. His passion, hard work and talent quickly blew everyone away – including the barber who was mentoring him!
It was a journey that went far beyond the hair salon. Wes at last felt a real sense of self-worth and confidence that he had not experienced for a very long time.
“The barbering course has been truly transformational. I am finally able to build roots.”
Having passed the course with flying colours, Wes is now onto the second round of barbering training. Not only he is able to continue to build on his learning, but he can also support others.
And there is no stopping him! This September, happy with scissors in hand, he will be starting a course at Bedford College.
It is stories like these that remind us what happens when we come together, to create real opportunities for the people we serve: They thrive.
More corporate partners providing opportunities
The team at Productive Partners, (an organisation supporting the healthcare industry) would likely agree. They recently selected the King’s Arms Project to be a corporate gold partner. We, of course, were delighted by the opportunity to collaborate. Like us, they value their people, staff, and relationships.
Our Corporate Partnership Plan which we started last year has 3 levels (gold, silver, and bronze), based on a partnering organisation’s level of funding support. Our goal is that this is a mutually beneficial partnership, offering value to those who choose to support the community they are a part of.
It is a very powerful way to add value to projects and drive positive change. In addition to Productive Partners, KAP is also privileged to partner with:
Smart Mist – Gold
Woods Hardwick – Gold
Bedford Driver Hire – Silver
BW BookKeeping – Bronze
Through sharing some of their profits with us, these local businesses play a valuable role walking alongside our clients on their journey through homelessness. Their regular support helps to foster quality collaboration, dedicated to changing lives in Bedford.
Now, if that’s not something worth sticking together for!
