CFTI’s Workforce Development Program

For the CSC ( Criminal Sexual Conduct ) offender, gaining employment is extremely challenging. This is why we offer entrepreneurship programs that help them “think outside the box” in considering creative ways of becoming employed. Many CSC’s are talented people who can start some sort of business that can bring in a paycheck. Our newest program – Hire Yourself – supplies all the necessary tools to obtain a Michigan Employment Identification Number ( EIN ) as well as any marketing materials, including brochures and business cards. Hire Yourself is a jump start program for those wanting to be blessed with their own business. CFTI staff member Professor Paul Zimmerman helps to train returning citizens who are classified as upcoming entrepreneurs in the use of Microsoft programs including Excel and Publisher, so that each person is proficient in spreadsheets and business fliers. Currently, CFTI stands alone in providing a program such as Hire Yourself for those desiring self-employment.

Michigan’s unemployment rate tops the nation, and is expected to keep rising. If you were coming out of prison, how would these statistics sound? Promising? Guaranteeing success? Actually, unless God intervenes, they have the opposite impact. Many people ask me, “What is the difference between CFTI and the Goodwill Industries Job Readiness Program?” My answer is always the same: Christ is the difference. I love the Amplified version of Psalms 26 and 27 due to the word “expectant.” Psalm 26:1 – I have [ expectantly ] trusted in, leaned on, and relied on the Lord without wavering and I shall not slide. Psalm 27:14 – Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.

CFTI students know in their hearts what they’re facing upon release from the correctional system. However, God’s Word tells us something different. Each student meditates in his or her heart on the need to be “expectant” while waiting on the Lord to answer their prayer for a job. When they are, and when they do – the results are amazing because they then need to choose what job to accept. How awesome is that!

Luke 10:1 says that Jesus sent His disciples out in TWOs rather than alone, to protect them from “wolves.” Since launching this ministry over three years ago, I can see why Jesus did this. Wolves are everywhere, and they do not want your calling from God to succeed. In fact, they will do almost anything to prevent you from being successful in telling others about Christ. I have been attacked and attacked and attacked from day one at CFTI.

Ray Townsend, a good friend of mine who is a retired pastor asked me recently, “Kurt, do you have a partner to work with you at CFTI, or are you doing it alone?” He then opened my eyes to what God’s Word says about sending disciples out in pairs. Since then I have been praying for this partnership.

In March, CFTI held its annual wild game dinner at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. About mid way through the fund raiser a gentlemen approached me only to tell his passion about returning citizens. His name was Mark Robb of Sparta, and he proceeded to tell me that he was in the beginning stages of starting a nonprofit in Newaygo County called “Lost In Unity.” The Grant Wesleyan Church was helping Mark launch the ministry which was almost identical to CFTI until God intervened with a different plan.

After much prayer and with board approvals, Lost to Unity decided to merge with CFTI and the best part is, I now have found my partner for the mission field. Lost to Unity is the Newaygo chapter of CFTI, and with kindheartedness, The Grant Wesleyan Church has now given CFTI a classroom to teach the same curriculum as we do in Kent County. We are also in the process of purchasing a vehicle to transport CFTI students to job interviews, church, and other needed addresses.

May God receive the glory forever and ever.
Kurt M. Glover, CFTI Founder / Executive Director