Testimonials

Excerpts From a United Way publication, Up Close and Personal 2007

Albert Johnson works in the Direct Client Contact Unit at Job and Family Service and volunteers his time to help others as a way of thanking those who have helped him along the way. After school and during the summer, his sons attend Emanuel Community Center on Race Street; the center is a United Way organization.

"I don't know what I would do without (Emanuel)," Johnson said. "They've made us feel like part of the family and since we don't have family around here, they fill that gap. They're an extension of our family."

Even Johnson's sons have gotten in on the volunteering. "They'll help out at different events Emanuel offers," Johnson said. "Emanuel has adopted us into their family and I am forever grateful. I am grateful I can expose my sons to things - like the book signing (Coffee and Conversations) - at such an early age that they may never have the opportunity to do."