Cheryl Spaulding Stepping Down As Joseph’s Way President
By Kate Rainey
After volunteering over 23 years for Joseph’s People (JP), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping unemployed and underemployed workers, Cheryl Spaulding is stepping down. Mrs. Spaulding co-founded the group in 1995 and has been president since 2001. She will remain on the board as President Emeritus and direct the “Faith” Committee.
“I am passing the baton now because we are getting smaller as people are getting jobs,” Mrs. Spaulding stated. “History says we are going to get bigger again. The group has ebbed and flowed over the years.”
The mission of Joseph’s People is to guide those who have suffered job loss and recover their professional lives and personal dignity. It is the largest faith-based organization of this kind in the Philadelphia area. It has grown to 11 chapters in the Philadelphia area and one in Pittsburgh, with more than 5,000 graduates.
“The future of any organization is guaranteed as long as there are good people to carry on the mission,” Mrs. Spaulding explained. “The new Officers of Joseph’s People each have a long history of working with the organization. I am absolutely confident the future of Joseph’s People is assured in their good hands.”
Ernest W. Russom, III is the new President. He has been Joseph’s People of Central Delaware County Co-Chair and Chapter Leader of St. Laurence for 12 years. He is Executive Director of The Westview Associates, a firm that provides Accounting, Finance and Administrative staffing solutions throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Region.
“Cheryl’s dedication has led Joseph’s People to become the leading job search education group within Southeastern Pennsylvania,” Mr. Russom said. “We will continue her strategy of utilizing professionals within the job search arena to donate their expertise and help members conduct an effective job search. There will never be a fee to benefit Joseph’s People services.”
Ann Marie Barr, the new Vice President, is President of West Grove’s JP in Chester County. She oversees human service advocacy, support groups and assistance for Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish. She works as Mobile Workforce Navigator at Open Hearth, Inc., connecting Chester County job seekers with CareerLink and United Way Financial Stability Center.
Sue Curran, who has been appointed Secretary, is the Chapter Leader of Huntington Valley, Montgomery County. She is the owner of SC Staffing & Consulting, which specializes in placing staff in financial, administrative and HR industry.
Jane Furgas will continue as treasurer, which she has been since 2011. She converted manual records to spreadsheets and on-line banking. She keeps track of banking and heating fund distributions. She has over 30 years accounting experience.
If interested in volunteering, please phone 610-873-7117 or email contactus@josephspeople.org. You may also contact Mrs. Spaulding at Cheryl.Spaulding@JosephsPeople.org
The group has a free forum “Joseph’s People Ltd.” in the LinkedIn directory. To join, send a request and an email will be generated confirming membership.
For more information visit: www.josephspeople.org.
Cheryl Spaulding Stepping Down As Joseph’s Way President
