a community thrives

SJCS is participating in the a community thrives campaign with USA Today network.  as a part of this grant process SJCS must raise a minimum of $6,000 in the time period of July 18, 2022 to August 12, 2022 in order to move on to the next step of the grant process to be eligible for a grant of $100,000.  

SJCS will use any funds raised and grant funds received for our Maintenance Lab Program.  

SJCS acquired a warehouse located at 2912 Federal Street in Camden in 2019.  Since that time, SJCS has worked to acquire the funds necessary to develop the property into a space for SJCS programs as well as a much-needed community space local organizations and resident groups can utilize for their various needs.  SJCS will program our space at 2912 Federal Street in Camden with two distinct but related programs: the Maintenance Lab and technical assistance for contractors, when not in use by the community. The Maintenance Lab will be a curriculum created after consultation with property managers, SJCS staff, other workforce development programs, and residents including classes in hands-on training for repairs and specialized courses in basic electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, basic measurements, and math and maintenance schedules. The hands-on training will expand on classes already taught by SJCS: basic repair to drywall, electrical repairs, basic plumbing, and repairs on commonly broken items inside homes: toilets, sinks, faucets, doorknobs, and windows. Both interested current homeowners and job seekers will be welcome to attend the workshops. Those who complete all of the curricula will receive a certificate and will work with SJCS or a partner to find placement in the maintenance field through job counseling and soft skills.  SJCS will also provide technical assistance to small construction contractors. We will rely on our extensive knowledge of construction to work with small local contractors to improve their businesses. Currently, small contractors use rudimentary accounting techniques, have limited knowledge on scaling their business, and are often working out of their vehicles. SJCS will provide space for contractors to conduct business and will engage the small contractors to grow their business through business action planning.