To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Binding a packet is just one of the many things students learn about digital printing from Daren Stone at Workforce Enterprises in Gramercy, Manhattan.

"It rivals that of a college course in digital printing," says volunteer Carllita Bell.

A year-and-a-half ago, Stone, who got his degree in printing, designed the class to teach people who rely on social services. Stone volunteers five days a week for each nine-week program.

"When they leave, they have a tangible asset, that they can say, 'This is something I can do, they have an idea of what the printing world's like,'" says Stone.

The students, some of them unemployed, disabled or with criminal records, warm up quickly to Stone's tough love.

"This is not a huggy, feely class and my students will tell you and my co-workers will tell you, I am very real," says Stone. "And if it's not right, I am going to tell you it's not right."

"He has helped me so much on this career," says recent graduate Noel Garcia, who is now employed by Workforce Enterprises.

Stone says 50 percent of graduates find jobs.

"The whole idea is to try to get them a position before they even leave," he says.

During the training, the group sometimes gets "live projects" with other organizations that use the trainees for printing projects. The client fee helps pay for the free training.

Recently, the students worked on a printing for the courts system. Stone says live projects are the best way for his students to learn.

"It goes to customer service, it goes to the production manager, it goes to the production people. We talk about quality control, customer service, packaging, shipping and receiving."

Timothy Bryant, another student, says the training will help him in any job.

"It gives me the ability to know that I am a dependable individual, that I can come in on time and dedicate myself to a particular job and see it through from the beginning to the end," he says.

Stone has multiple sclerosis, and his colleagues say his dedication is even more inspiring to students because of his condition.

"The students have to respect him getting here on time. He's here before anyone, takes him two buses and two trains to get here. So there is not much room for other people to excuse themselves with, 'Oh my bus was late,'" says managing director Joe Hunt.

So, for not making excuses and giving students the tools they need to succeed, Daren Stone is the latest New Yorker of the Week. For more information on the program, call 1-646-580-3563 or visit www.we-nyc.com.