On May 30, 2013, Anita Williams Davis and Indiya Frazier were honored by the Camden City Mayors Youth Council (MYC)* at an Honoree’s Reception held at Camden County Community College. Davis, KRA Program Manager, was honored with two Certificates of Recognition for Corporate Leadership, one from the MYC, and one from the Camden County Board of Freeholders, acknowleding both her personal and professional accomplishments and services provided to the Camden, New Jersey community. Frazier, KRA Outreach Specialist, received the MYC’s Young Adult Achievement award, which honors those who inspire peers and youth to volunteer, who consistently perform acts of kindness, and who are committed to community initiatives. Ms. Dana Redd, Camden Mayor, was experiencing a scheduling conflict, so Anthony D. Lingo, MYC Co-Chair, presented the awards to the deserving KRA Corporation staffers.
Davis, one of KRA’s foremost experts on workforce development programs that serve jobseekers with limited or no work experience, joined the MYC in 2010, and serves on the Education and Employment Committee. She joined KRA as a Job Coach, and today directs the operations of a comprehensive Job Skills Training Directly Related to Employment Program**, a multi-service TANF and WIA training and job-placement program for youth and adults. Frazier, who has been a member of the MYC since 2011, joined KRA as an OSY Career Agent, but moved into an Outreach Specialist position, in which she is able to work with TANF and GA customers, as well as youth enrolled in WIA/OSY. Frazier applies her experience and expertise to three MYC Committees: Performing Arts, Educational Training, and Health and Government.
Knowlton R. Atterbeary, KRA President & CEO, commented, “We are extremely proud of Ms. Davis’ and Ms. Frazier’s accomplishments and recognition. It’s important to note that they are not required to devote their valuable time and energy to the MYC; they volunteer for this worthy organization that provides Camden’s young people with an active role in addressing issues that affect them. All of KRA congratulates Anita and Indiya on their dedication to community involvement and service on behalf of Camden’s young people.”
*Since 2008, the City of Camden has sponsored the MYC, which convenes twice a month to participate in committee meetings, team-building trainings, leadership seminars, and public-speaking workshops. During the summer, the MYC researches youth programs available in Camden neighborhoods and conducts a survey of their peers to identify important issues affecting the City’s youth. Throughout the school year, they meet with each other, as well as local youth organizations, to discuss the issues identified from their survey. Mayor Redd meets with the Council to listen and respond to their issues and regularly invites the Police Commissioner, Human Services Chief, and School Superintendent to be part of these meetings so they can address issues immediately.
**KRA/Camden serves four distinct jobseeker populations. Area businesses benefit greatly, as candidates from all four programs receive training, pre-screening, referral, and follow-up services based on the requirements of individual employers. For TANF recipients, the (1) Community Work Experience/Job Skills Training Program (CWEP/JST) provides assessment, career coaching, job-readiness/life-skills training, community-based work experience, and job-placement and services. The (2) General Assistance Program (GA) provides the same services as CWEP/JST, but for individuals who do not have children in their care. For young customers not enrolled in a school, the 3) Youth Employability and Success Program provides GED preparation, as well as training and certification in Microsoft Digital Literacy and Hospitality Services. The (4) Open Entry Program serves jobseekers who have been sanctioned for previous non-compliance with TANF rules and regulations.
