Faith based social services: 
State-funded, church-based job training program 
takes ex-cons "From Parole to Payroll." 
Oakland, California
August 29, 2001

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The Allen Temple Baptist Church and the Oakland Private Industry Council received a $279,000 grant from 
the state of California to help parolees find jobs. As the federal government considers financing faith-based 
social services, various state governments already have such programs in place. 
"The church has a special duty to help those in need and those who have no where else to turn," 
said Senior Pastor Dr. Rev. J. Alfred Smith Sr.  
State and federal funding for church-based social services remains controversial. 

Jerome Walker, 29, recently released from prison, attends the job-training program where counselor Bill Smith helps him and others work on their resumes. "This will be my chance," says Walker. "I heard about this program from my home boys, word of mouth kind of thing. My parole officer's going to like the idea, too." 

David Nelson, 38, was released from prison 3 weeks ago (after ten years).  Job counselor Bill Smith (right) helps him and others work on their resumes. Nelson learned about this program from his parole officer. "I go to pick up my daughter and newborn grandson from the hospital today," says Nelson, "so I got to get something going financially. This program's helping me get back on my feet."

Job counselor Bill Smith

Jerome Walker, 29, recently released from prison, 
watches a video about job interviews at the church-based training program.

Willie Glass, 43, was released from prison 3 weeks ago.  Job counselor Bill Smith (right) helps him and others work on their resumes.  Glass says he sees no problem with state-funding of this church-based program. "If it gets me a job," says Glass, "that'll be a good thing."

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