Street Spirit December 2004

BOSS Celebrates the Success of Homeless Graduates

BOSS’s annual graduation offers inspiring examples for homeless clients now working to turn their lives around.

By Sonja Fitz

On Friday, November 19, BOSS, a nonprofit homeless service provider in Alameda County, honored six very special graduates from the Clean City Program – a special program that places homeless workers in street cleaning jobs in partnership with the City of Berkeley. Workers gain skills and experience for six months, and are assisted to find permanent employment.

The graduation celebration, co-emceed by BOSS board members Glenn Clark and Linda Griffin, highlighted six outstanding graduates – all of whom are now working full-time in other jobs – to mark the 10 Year Anniversary of the program.

At the event, Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington presented graduates with certificates from BOSS and from State Senator Don Perata’s office. Grates shared thoughts about their experiences, and the benefit they derived from the Clean City Program.

Rodney Brooks from Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson’s office offered special recognition to longtime BOSS staff member Winston Burton, who created the Clean City Program and many successful employment and training initiatives in BOSS and the community.

BOSS board member BILL White presented Community Service Awards to Berkeley Police Chief Roy Meisner and retired Fire Chief Reginald Garcia – Both of whom have combined stellar public protection records with extensive community involvement activities.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by BOSS’s Executive Director boona cheema and helpers from Harrison House Shelter, with music by the wonderful local band Los Nadies.

During the dinner reception, special recognition was given to David Kears of Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, who worked closely with BOSS over the past year to deal with critical internal restructuring and consulting firm Burr, Pilger and Mayer, who assisted with financial office upgrades.

BOSS’s annual graduation event is a special opportunity for clients and family members to mark their achievements, offering inspiring examples for current clients now working to turn their lives around in our programs.

This year’s graduation sponsors included Miller, Clark, Calvert & Obenour, Bayer Foundation, The Cheema Family, Alliance Metals, Mechanics Bank, Fine Line Construction, Burr Pilger and Mayer, Linda Stoneall, Phyllis Sakahara, CCI Computers and The Daily Cal.

Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who contributed and attended, and congratulations to all our graduates! For more information on BOSS, visit www.self-sufficiency.org or call (510) 649-1930.

To read an article from the February 24, 2005 Daily Cal spotlighting the Clean City Program and one if it's participants Mary Isbell, click here.

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