Depression-Era Nonprofit Continues Job Training Mission
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A group that's been helping people find jobs since the Great Depression is heading to the South Bronx in hopes of expanding its mission. NY1's Asa Aarons filed the following Employment Report.The American Bank Note building has seen plenty of changes during it's 100 years overlooking the South Bronx. Now, it's a center for organizations making a new commitment to the area.
It may seem empty now, but in a very real sense, it's filled to the ceiling with dreams.
They are the dreams of the men and women of Fedcap, the group that first took on unemployment during the Great Depression and now provides jobs for thousands of people.
By November, Fedcap hopes to have the building humming with high end sorting gear to form the core of a state-of-the-art commercial mail processing center.
"Over the next three to five years we would like to have 100 to 150 jobs here in the South Bronx for residents of the South Bronx," said Lyell Ritchie of Fedcap.
Fedcap's outreach includes vocational, mental health and educational support. The program has helped thousands of people overcome the crushing burdens of homelessness or substance abuse.
"A good job is a very powerful mental health intervention. If somebody is unemployed and desperate, relying on other people, all the therapy in the world may not help. But if somebody has a job, a structure, a reason to get up in the morning, a paycheck, a sense of worth, that is very important," said Elspeth Cameron Ritchie of Fedcap.
You've probably seen many of the Fedcap success stories without knowing it. The organization's clients handle much of the MTA maintenance. Fedcap members are also charged with keeping the Statue of Liberty clean and looking good.
Larry Turmon is one of those success stories. Five years ago, he says he was homeless, helpless unsatisfied, dissatisfied.
The man who climbed out of hell will now be involved in keeping others from falling into it. Larry is eager to show folks in need how life changing a job can be.
"A wonderful thing. To be able to be instrument, to reach out to other people," Turmon said.
The Bronx facility is just one of many Fedcap centers in the area. For more information, visit if you'd like to find out more go to fedcap.org.
If you have an employment story, a job, a new interview technique, or something you want to share with those looking for work or those doing the hiring, contact Asa Aarons at askasa@ny1.com.