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How a Raleigh church is helping people stay away from crime and find lasting jobs

A grant from PNC bank is giving teens and adults an alternative path to gang activity. Already more than 200 people have graduated from the program that started at a church in Southeast Raleigh.

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By
Julian Grace
, WRAL anchor/reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — A grant from PNC bank is giving teens and adults the chance to make a life for themselves away from crime and gang violence. Already more than 200 people have graduated from the program that started at a church in southeast Raleigh.

"If you live in the neighborhood where we minister around Bragg street area, if you come out of your house you will be gang impacted. From shootings to police sirens," said Chris Jones, pastor at Ship of Zion Church.

Chris Jones and his wife Jacqueline Jones who started the Transitional Employment Initiative

He founded the Transitional Employment Initiative in 2010 to help Raleigh residents stay away from crime and avoid gang violence. Students who've graduated from the class are all ages, from teenagers to seniors.

“It taught me a lot of job and life skills that I needed," said graduate Miketa Stanford.

After living a life on the streets, she's now working in Georgia as an account representative in marketing.

"I've been holding this position and I've gotten a raise," she said.

Students attend classes in 8-week cycles. They are given job training, financial literacy education and a stipend. When they are finished, the program helps them find a job.

"We don't just accept everybody," Jones said. "We look to see if it's people that really need the program."

PNC Bank has sent trainers to help students with financial literacy and made a financial commitment to the program so they can expand.

TEI is scheduled to start a new class this fall. If you're interested in getting involved, go to the program's website. Currently, Wake County Sheriff’s Office refers possible students to the program.

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