Building Futures Helps Graduate Rebuild Life

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Anthony, behind on his child support payments, was facing jail time. That’s when he turned to Jennifer Gajdosik, Case Manager for the Community Services Agency’s Building Futures construction pre-apprenticeshipprogram. Anthony (not his real name) had successfully completed the program and was now gainfully employed but because he still owed over $400 in back child support, the judge was threatening to jail him, which would cost Anthony his job and any chance of putting his life back together. Gajdosik arranged a meeting with staff of the Child and Family Services Agency, Mayor’s Services Liaison Office, where staff Denise Williams and Ora Graham “took the time to hear his story and to connect him with the Legal Self Help department,” Gajdosik says. After CSA stepped in with a short-term loan to cover the back child support, Anthony was able to return to court where “Judge Lopez heartily congratulated Anthony on his full-time employment, lifted the contempt order and referred the parents to a financial review so they can agree on child support and avoid court in the future,” says Gajdosik. “This is exactly the kind of economic self-sufficiency Building Futures was designed to foster,” says CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. “We’re proud of both Anthony – who will make a great apprentice and employee -- and of our staff, who stepped in to help our graduate!” photo by Sylvia Casaro