Stories |
Marie Edwards, Program Director, Jobs-Plus began her professional social service career at BronxWorks in 1995. During her tenure, Marie held positions in a variety of BronxWorks programs and departments, including Homelessness Prevention and Senior Services. After working within many of the Agency's programs, Marie appreciates the breadth of social services BronxWorks provides. "Our holistic approach makes us more aware of the participant with a broad range of challenges and needs that interconnect with the services at BronxWorks," Marie said.
Marie has served as Program Director of Jobs-Plus for over three years. In addition to providing program leadership and oversight, Marie makes an effort to speak with the program's members, many of whom she knows on a first name basis.
Marie has witnessed first-hand the impact the program has had for many members moving toward economic self-sufficiency. One particularly memorable Jobs-Plus member for Marie is Tawan. When Tawan joined the program, she held a Bachelor's degree in Accounting but had very little work experience and described herself as "severely lacking motivation." With support from Marie and the Jobs-Plus staff, Tawan excelled in Jobs-Plus. Years later, she is currently working for New York City Department of Homeless Services. Tawan serves as an ambassador of Jobs-Plus and has spoken at many of the program's workshops. She has even addressed a BronxWorks Board of Directors meeting. Click here to hear more about Tawan.
In addition to her employment experience, Marie has a strong academic background. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Community Health Education and Master's degree in Social Work from Hunter College, City University of New York. Marie also holds a Master's degree in Health Administration from Hofstra University. She is frequently invited to speak on panels regarding homelessness prevention and workforce development.
When asked about the success of Jobs-Plus, Marie mentions its diverse partnerships. "Building strong partnerships is a success not only for the program and the Department, but BronxWorks as a whole. We have partnerships with various employers, training institutions, colleges, and financial institutions," she said.
As she builds relationships, Marie keeps Jobs-Plus members in mind.
#64 Staff Profile: Kiesha Roberts
#63 Staff Profile: Yvette Felicia Thomas
#62 BronxWorks Welcomes Atlas Corps Fellows
#60 Staff Profile: Tyron Johnson
#59 Staff Profile: Genesis Mejia
#58 Staff Profile: Angel Vazquez
#57 Staff Profile: Lijo Varghese
#56 Staff Profile: Tiffany Martinez
#55 Staff Profile: Solomon Smart
#54 Staff Profile: Alissa Tyghter-Gerald
#53 Staff Profile: Reinaldo Cruz
#52 Staff Profile: Estrella Montanez
#51 Staff Profile: Adriana Puello
#50 Staff Profile: Evan Hahn, Bessie Taliaferro, Allison Gangi
#49 Staff Profile: Issa Asiedo
#48 Staff Profile: Agnes Manson
BronxWorks remembers Carmen Hernandez
#47 Staff Profile: Tiesha Scott
#46 Staff Profile: Noel Gonzalez
#45 Staff Profile: Dorothy Whyte
#44 Staff Profile: Diami Virgilio
#43 Staff Profile: Whitney Sample
#42 Understanding Diversity in a Multicultural Community
#41 Rachel B. – On the path out of poverty
#40 Carolyn McLaughlin – One Family Meets Another
#39 Robin Hood and BronxWorks – Synergy in Fighting Poverty
#38 The BronxWorks Board of Directors: Time, Talent, Treasure, and Terrific!
#37 Betances Community Center Advisory Board: “We have PhDs in ‘street’!”
#36 20+ Years of Careers in Service at BronxWorks
#35 Camila R. – By helping another, she helped herself
#34 Jean Smith – A Lifetime of Caring and Lifting Lives
#33 BronxWorks Partners: These Landlords are Building Futures and Community
#32 FEPS – Reducing fear, confusion, and homelessness
#31 Horatio G. – Building his future through language
#30 BronxWorks Blue Waves – Swimming for Fun, Fitness & the Future
#29 Abubacar W. – Big Steps for a Little Boy
#28 Bedtime Stories – Lifting lives through reading & caring
#27 Tyrese M. – “I get another family”
#26 Eva M. – Intra-agency collaboration results in happiness and a home
#25 KC, Shannon, & Christopher – Making Children’s Lives Better
#24 Veronica, NCJW, and HIPPY – “Not alone in this journey through life”
#23 Maria R. – A 23-hour bus ride and her faith saved her life
#22 Ronald G. – "Crossing a bridge to better health and stability"
#21 Stephanie M. – From Attitude to Aptitude
#20 "Reweaving the social fabric of a neighborhood"
#19 Catherine M. – "I'm not a sit-down kind of person!"
#18 Judy Leonard – A Letter to BronxWorks Friends
#17 Rachea C. – Achieving Milestones, Step by Step
#16 Eric Hill – Miles & Music
#15 BronxWorks and Super Storm Sandy – Dedication, stamina, and grace personified
#14 Milagros R. – One dress, many dreams
#13 Heights seniors take the healthy lead
#12 Nidia R. – Minor repairs = major relief
#11 Homeless Outreach Team – Feeling Connected to the World
#10 Cristina, Raymond, Crisbelly & Aaron – Growing up at BronxWorks
#9 Jeniffer M. – From the South Bronx to South Africa: the visit of a lifetime that almost didn't happen
#8 Nathaniel S. – "I'm right there beside you"
#7 Diana S. – Overcoming tragedy: "I'm still here"
#6 Irodney P. – "I want to earn it not have it handed to me"
#5 Natividad C. – A bond of mutual respect and genuine affection
#4 Michael J. – "What was given to me was given freely"
#3 Kathryn Speller – Retiring from work, not her passions
#2 Alfredo C. – "Thanks to you, Dad"
#1 Jonathan P. – Striving for Excellence
We recently celebrated 40 years of service to the Bronx community. Every year BronxWorks expands or offers new programs to best serve residents in nearly 30 locations.
