Rev. James Kendrick Jr. acting Director of “Images of Hope of Central Ohio, Inc. (IOHCO),” a not-for-profit community development corporation with a focus on the betterment of the human resource. Our philosophy is to build and enhance the human resource with the anticipation that community revitalization will follow. It is our desire to assist those who are under-served, under-educated and under-employed so that they may be able to get back into the competitive workforce by providing life-changing skills to meet their needs.

Our Mission, Focus and Philosophy

IOHCO is a not-for-profit entity with focus on the betterment of the human resource. Our philosophy is to build and enhance the human resource with anticipation that community revitalization will follow. To adhere to our mission statement, that is, to be a premier point of contact to assist those who are underserved, undereducated and underemployed to get back into the competitive workforce by providing life-changing skills to meet their needs.

Our Strategy

Our strategy is broken down into three simultaneous activity tiers, or better said building blocks.  First Education: we are committed to provide remedial training in the basic areas that are urgently needed to be competitive in the workforce. Reading, basic mathematics, computer and life skills training, just to name the core curriculum. After a thorough assessment of individual needs, a tailor-made strategy will be designed to expedite the client(Hoper) to success. This assessment could lead to a referral recommending completion of a GED.

The next tier is Mentoring. We have established a comprehensive mentoring program where each client (Hoper) will have an assigned mentor to help them while they make their transition back into mainstream society. The mentor is not a counselor but a good listener who is willing to walk along the side of the person who is attempting to find meaning to life’s challenges. In a non-judgmental way, the mentor encourages and validates forward progress.

Finally, Job Development. This area will provide for a set of skills that can be used to enhance employment. All clients (Hopers) will enter into a training process where they will construct a small building (shed) learning the basic skills, such as wiring, plumbing, drywalling, etc. A teaching team of certified professionals in the various fields of building construction will teach in classroom and practical settings to prepare students for job related scenarios.  At any point of time when the client becomes efficient enough to function in any of the training areas, for example, painting or drywalling, they will be allowed to take on paying assignments.

At the completion of the training process, Hopers will have the skills to be part of a team that can flip / renovate houses. In addition, they will be able to function as a handy-person. The ultimate goal is that some potential employer will hire the Hoper and enter him /her into a journeyman’s program in building construction for full certification.