On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast, leaving its mark as one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history. The economic losses – personal property, homes and livelihoods – were staggering and continue to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals and families.
The Salvation Army engaged NBSA to deploy a Job Readiness Training (JRT) program for displaced Katrina survivors. The Katrina Aid Today JRT Program was launched in June 2006 as a critical part of a larger initiative by The Salvation Army to help 16,000 families – those left most vulnerable in the wake of Katrina's destruction. Through this pioneering initiative, NBSA worked one-on-one with more than 7,300 participants.
"The problem with moving to Houston is that the employers cannot verify information on our resumes, because everything was destroyed. The NBSA helps solve that problem. When I receive my NBSA Certification I can take my credentials anywhere."
- Andrea, Administrative Assistant Certification
"The Job Readiness Training Program helped me to get a job in 10 days. My employer was impressed with my grades – I found the program to be priceless."
- Yolanda, Essential Medical Office Skills Certification
"My thanks go out to all the hard work that the National Business Services Alliance does for people like me. Hurricane Katrina destroyed my home, business, and community, but you have given me the greatest gift of all – HOPE. I have three interviews this month."
- Stephen, Marking Manager Certification
