The History of Work Force
Work Force began in June 1999 under the leadership of Beth Wilton. The concept was stolen (with permission) from a similar program running in the West End of Winnipeg.
In early March of 1999, after much planning and prayer, Beth made a list for the Lord of what was needed to make this ministry a reality. Here is her story!
In early March of 1999, after much planning and prayer, Beth made a list for the Lord of what was needed to make this ministry a reality. Here is her story!
"My starting date with the youth was for June. I told Him I needed $15- 20,000 to pay the youth for their work, mentors to work with the youth, a church to partner with, agencies and schools that would be open to letting me tell kids about the program, a person to help in the summer and kids to come. In early April, nothing much had happened and time was running out. I had no money, bodies or location. I told (I mean asked of course!) the Lord to either start opening some doors or let me know how many doors had to close before it was a “no go”. By early May all my requests had been met and of course many miracles experienced. One man alone gave us enough money for our first year.
I had met him only once. We started with many North End youth wanting jobs at the beginning of June."
I had met him only once. We started with many North End youth wanting jobs at the beginning of June."
Work Force over the years has had two goals: to teach youth employment skills so that their confidence, self-esteem and skills will grow so that they will be more prepared for work when they are ready to get a job. Secondly it is help them know that Jesus loves them and to journey with them as they discover and experience the future and hope He has for them. These continue to be our goals for the teenagers involved with Work Force today.