Not Your Everyday Sort of Magic

Donna Satterthwaite • Jan 09, 2023

“Magic will find those with pure hearts, even when all seems lost.” – Morgan Rhodes

Magical. Rarely will you hear the word ‘magical’ connected to the word ‘Bootcamp.’ But that is what the Fall 2022 50+ Refresh Bootcamp was. The seven-week program, launched in November 2022 is a collaboration between the Juanita C. Grant Foundation and Employ Prince George’s Encore Program to equip ten 50+ year old participants with competitive, market ready, “age-proofed” resumes along with job searching and interviewing skills. Participants were given exposure to using transferable job skills across specific in-demand industries and the gig economy, through expert guest speakers. A federally funded program awarded to Employ Prince George’s to provide customized training to older job seekers, this initiative provided program participants with their own laptop and a weekly stipend during the training session. The curriculum designed and implemented by the Juanita C. Grant Foundation was based on research of “best practices” of workforce development programming for older adults.


But here’s the thing. The program became more than your typical workforce development program. Within a few days after the program’s kick-off, we realized that over 60% of participants shared “lived traumas” that were part of their historical barriers and negative messaging creating a profound sense of self-doubt and a bleak sense of hope over the course of their lives. A key factor in addressing these issues was to first create a “safe and confidential” space for them to express themselves honestly and openly. In doing this, we were intentional in acknowledging the smallest of achievements and providing one-on-one support when needed. Literally, I would walk around and whisper to some trainees to “be patient” when they doubted their ability, for example, with the computer.


I would often greet them at the start of a class with a slide showing an affirming quote. Several phones would come out to take a photo of the message. They also looked forward to my reading a daily affirmation out loud in a call-and-response manner. The support and acknowledgement extended beyond the instructors with each Bootcamp participant giving encouragement to their fellow training colleagues. If someone hadn’t arrived at their usual time to class, another participant would call to check on them. They would bring snacks for the group. They held a birthday celebration for me at the end of a class. When I was attending to one participant and my co-instructor, Corletta “Cory” Clay was assisting someone else, participants a little further along in a subject would help others unprompted. Cory and I were always lifted and nourished as well by this group. They are amazing humans.


The power of the bonding cannot be measured. We will form an alumni group to come together periodically. They will come together anyway and keep lifting each other up.


Every single one of them would bring value to the workplace. They are driven. Reach out to the Foundation if you are hiring to learn more about them or if you want to attend our second Bootcamp starting in March 2023.


What an honor to be a part of this magical journey. 


Donna Satterthwaite

Board Vice Chair and 50+ Refresh Bootcamp Instructor


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By Bernice Lowe Flowers • 02 May, 2022
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By Donna Satterthwaite • 12 Jul, 2020
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