CDC Workforce Training & Development...
" I think CDC is a wonderful organization. I am getting work experience and helping our community at the same time. It has helped me become a better worker. I am learning responsibility, new skills, and how to act in life." (Workforce Trainee)
"I keep coming back to this class not only because I learn about interpersonal skills, but mainly because of the love and affirmation of the leaders and my classmates." (Dale Carnegie graduate)
The Workforce Training Program provides job readiness training to prepare participants for the work force. Each semester, we interview and select twenty young people to engage in a multi-faceted semester-long program where they receive work experience, as well as mentorship and training that will equip them for a life of service. The four components include: computer training, Dale Carnegie® classes, community service, and practical work experience at our neighborhood ice cream store. Through this variety of experiences, the students are able to try out, learn and exercise their diversity of gifts. During the program we connect the students with mentors who help them in their transition from this program to their next job or educational experience. This enables us to provide a comprehensive support system designed to enable the new employees to keep their jobs and remain successful in the work place.
Each of the four components is designed to give each young person a well-balanced training. Computer training encourages resume writing, job searching skills, software competency, and leadership training. Community service experiences give teens an opportunity to give back by serving middle school students in our after-school 
Breakthrough Creative Arts program at Hutchins. They participate in leadership training and support with our adult staff in areas such as arts, drama, music, computers, Biblical teaching and recreation. Working in an ice cream store, The Freeze, engages young adults in daily interaction with customers while also encouraging them to make management decisions such as marketing and new product suggestions. The store also provides a valuable service to the community as a restaurant in the heart of the neighborhood. Our newest component is a unique partnership with Dale Carnegie® classes to give young people a significant competitive edge in today’s competitive job market. This spring, twenty-four CDC youth earned certificates of graduation from the Dale Carnegie® program! Through twelve weeks of training, students learn valuable organizational and people skills which will serve them for the rest of their lives. These four components create a nurturing Christian environment of positive relationships with aduls, where Christ’s love is both spoken and experienced daily.
The Freeze...
We recently re-opened our very own ice-cream parlor. Formally known as Tastee Freez, the store has assumed the new name given by local Detroit youth. "The Freez" not only serves as a great ice-cream parlor, and job training facility, but also a great place where young people can hang out after school.
Hours of operation:
TUES - SAT 11am - 9pm SUN 12pm - 5 pm Closed MON
The Freeze is located at 8902 Second Ave (on the corner of Hazelwood and Second Ave.)
(313) 871-6437 Tabitha Minus - Manager
Please pray for relationships with businesses who would be willing to partner with the Workforce Trainees to provide employment after the program is completed.
Please pray for resources to provide our teenagers with opportunities that are not readily available in our community.
For more information, e-mail Mark VanAndel.