Partnering for Opportunity: Bakelite and Covenant House Georgia

Professional attire, interview practice, career advice, and a little extra encouragement can go a long way when preparing for the job market.

Earlier this month, Bakelite associates partnered with Covenant House Georgia to host a Job Readiness Workshop designed to help young adults build the skills, confidence, and resources needed to pursue employment opportunities. 

The workshop marked the culmination of a summer-long initiative that combined a professional clothing drive with hands-on volunteer support. Throughout the day, participants received guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, workplace expectations, and professional presentation. Volunteers also conducted mock interviews, providing practical feedback and encouragement in a supportive environment. 

In addition to career coaching, participants had the opportunity to select professional attire donated by Bakelite associates. From interview outfits to workplace essentials, the donated clothing helped attendees prepare for important first impressions and feel more confident as they enter the workforce. 

Recognizing that transportation can also be a barrier to employment, Bakelite donated MARTA rail and bus cards to participants to help support travel to interviews, training programs, and future workplaces. 

In total, the workshop supported 15 young adults served by Covenant House Georgia, an organization that provides housing, education, workforce development, and other critical support services for youth ages 18-24 working toward independent futures. 

This initiative reflects Bakelite’s commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work while creating opportunities that help individuals build brighter futures. By combining practical resources with personal encouragement, the partnership helped participants take meaningful steps toward employment, independence, and long-term success. 

Thank you to the Bakelite volunteers who generously shared their time, expertise, and encouragement to make this initiative possible: Kenya Burroughs, Debbie Campbell, Latasha Crumbley, Dexter Johnson, Tega Kere, Rachael Lyell, Robert Miller, Linda Obata, Brian O’Connor, Jane Palacios, Ganapathy Viswanathan and Paul Vogt. Special thanks to Dexter Johnson and Rachael Lyell for spearheading the initiative and helping establish Bakelite’s partnership with Covenant House Georgia. Their collective efforts helped create more than a one-day workshop. They helped open doors, build confidence, and create new possibilities for the young adults served through this partnership.