NewsLocal News

Actions

Program aims to connect moms recovering from substance abuse with jobs

Posted at 4:19 PM, Mar 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-02 18:46:24-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Amethyst Place in Kansas City reached the half-way point in its goal to get employers to hire 100 moms who are recovering drug addicts. 

The program, called 100 Jobs for 100 Moms, celebrated 50 moms in recovery who are working.  

Worldwide Innovations and Technologies is one 13 companies enrolled in the program. 
Cathy Cadwalder is President and CEO of Worldwide Innovations and Technologies.  She started hiring moms in the Amethyst Place jobs program two years ago.  

Cadwalder admits that some of the moms returned  to using drugs; but said the majority remain drug free and called them excellent workers.

"Well we have kind of a missionary bent in our company,” said Cadwalder. “Not make a whole lot of money but really to give people jobs and give an opportunity to people who really don't have them.”

Companies don't have to check the workers for drugs. Amethyst Place does all the drug testing for moms in its jobs programs.

The moms are thrilled to have a job with companies helping them get a fresh start in life. 

Desiree is one of the workers at Worldwide Innovations and Technologies. She decided to change her life, and since enrolling in Amethyst Place, she has custody of her two children and said her children are enjoying life now that she is drug-free.

"I mean I believe everyone deserves a second chance you know? Not just people in recovery but people in general," said Desiree.

Amethyst Place is still looking for additional employers to hire 50 more moms to reach their goal of 100 Jobs for 100 Moms.  If you'd like to find out how to get involved,  the other companies participating and what moms in the program have to say, you can click on this link