At an inaugural roundtable discussion in October, Columbia students representing NSP-Manhattan set out to bring about greater job opportunities for residents who have traditionally been overlooked. Broadway Community Inc. Gina Kline '02, Candice Ashton '03, and Whitney Duncan '02 directors of NSP-Manhattan moderated the discussion. They acknowledged that local organizations bring a breadth of experience and know-how to the table, which will serve NSP well in its work to build a referral network of community services that provide job training, education and other social services to members of the community. By setting up effective lines of communication to local employers, social service agencies and our clients, we are building bridges in the community and empowering the residents to improve their quality of life. NSP-Manhattan, launched in September 1999, is made up of about 20 Columbia students.
Volunteers serve as local business and social outreach coordinators.
The former contacts prospective employers, while the latter reaches out to social service agencies that offer assistance with child care, transportation or literacy training in helping those in low-income communities secure jobs. Providing residents with good jobs not only helps families and improves lives but also benefits employers who will gain employees eager and ready to work. Ultimately, the hope is to set off the domino effect of community revitalization. NSP was founded in October 1998 by Yale students Brian Kreiter and Kirsten Lodal, spurred by the 1996 welfare reform act signed by President Bill Clinton. NSP was established to help alleviate the pressures of welfare reform and to help others in need find meaningful employment, through alliances with community groups.