Alex Marsicovetere
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stacey Riemer
Since the Urban Ministry Center and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte will merge in May of 2019, my project takes into consideration pre-existing programs and services of both organizations and proposes a potential program to the new organization. The purpose of my project is to intellectualize an effective leadership program that the merged organization could use to help improve the economic mobility of those served. During reflections upon my experience at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, I noticed a recurring theme of men voicing a strong desire to build a better life for themselves and their families by being more competitive for jobs. Although employment services and economic programs are provided by the organizations, a strong leadership program with routine meetings can help foment the communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are desirable in the workforce. The inspiration behind this project emerged out of research on homelessness, conversations with men from the Shelter, correspondence with staff members, reflections and discussions of course concepts, and personal experience as a Chidsey Leadership Fellow.