Tuesdays with Jay: Welcoming a New Champion for Mission2 ASCEND

Hey Everyone,

This week, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on our Mission2 ASCEND community—a vital part of The ASCEND Collective that helps justice-impacted individuals find meaningful employment. These are people who have faced significant barriers in their journey to secure work, and our program is dedicated to breaking those barriers down.

I’m also excited to announce that we’ve added a fantastic new member to our Board of Directors. He is deeply involved in the justice-impacted community and will be a relentless advocate for Mission2 ASCEND. His energy and passion for second-chance employment will be a tremendous asset to our team. More details will come in an official announcement and press release, but I couldn’t wait to share this incredible news with you all. This addition marks a powerful step forward in expanding our support for those who need it most.

Mission2 ASCEND is all about giving justice-impacted individuals the tools they need to overcome obstacles and build successful, long-term careers. We don’t rely on traditional resumes—instead, we focus on matching their knowledge, skills, and attributes to opportunities that align with their strengths. A few specific tips we provide to our participants include:

1. Focus on your strengths – You are not defined by your past. Identify the skills you’ve developed, both professionally and personally, and how they can apply to the job market. Whether it's leadership, problem-solving, or working under pressure, these are valuable attributes employers seek.
2. Craft your personal story – We guide our participants in shaping their narrative, so they can own their journey and confidently share how their experiences have shaped them into resilient, capable individuals. Telling your story in a way that highlights growth and learning is key.
3. Prepare for interviews with confidence – Re-entering the workforce can feel daunting, but preparation is everything. We help individuals anticipate tough questions and frame their answers in a positive, forward-looking way.

Mission2 ASCEND is about more than just finding jobs; it’s about empowering people to create lasting career paths, no matter where they’ve come from. With the right guidance and support, they can truly thrive.

And don’t forget—our raffle drawing is just three weeks away! We’re excited to see who will take home the $250 Costco gift card. Be sure to grab your tickets if you haven’t yet. Every entry helps support our mission, and your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of our Mission2 ASCEND community.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for being part of The ASCEND Collective family. Together, we’re changing lives.

Best, Jay

Donate now at www.theascendcollective.org/donate or text FundTAC to 53-555.