Freeport housing authority celebrates scholarship winners, institute graduate
FREEPORT — For the first time in his life, Jason Murray has a job that he loves.
A Workforce Development Institute Graduate and Freeport resident, Murray currently works for Berner Foods.
At today’s Housing Authority of the City of Freeport annual scholarship luncheon, Murray was recognized by Housing Authority CEO Larry Williams as a “true success story,” and asked to join the Workforce Development Institute as an instructor.
“When I see potential, I never want to let it go,” Williams said. “When I started out, I wasn’t 100-percent sure (the Workforce Development Institute) would work. Jason is 100-percent proof that the program works. (Jason) has impressed me so much and has such a unique story to reach others in his path.”
The Workforce Development Institute strives to give unemployed residents the tools and training needed to successfully apply for and maintain employment. Weekly focuses include teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability.
In a short video before Williams’ presentation, Murray shared his story, explaining that he was raised by “the greatest family,” but struggled with respecting authority figures. Murray also said that legal troubles as an adult made him struggle to find and maintain consistent employment. The Workforce Development Institute, he added, came at just the right time in his life.
“It didn’t take long until I knew the class was a game-changer,” Murray said in the video. “By the second week I was dreading the weekend because we didn’t have class. … My mom told me recently that for the first time in my life, she doesn’t have to worry about me. Words can’t explain what that means to me.”
The 4th annual luncheon also honored recipients of the Dr. Peter Flynn scholarship program. The eight recipients each received $1,000 toward continuing their education. The scholarship was created in 2012, and named for outgoing interim Freeport School District Superintendent Dr. Peter Flynn in honor of his 50-year dedication to education.
Any graduating high school senior going on to college that is a Housing Authority resident was eligible to apply. Williams said that if there is a low number of students that fit the criteria, the applications are opened up to all of Stephenson County. This year, only one recipient is a Freeport Housing Authority resident.
The event, which also functions as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund, raised more than $900 in a pre-event 50-50 raffle. This year the housing agency hopes to raise $15,000 to go toward next year’s scholarships and event costs through the raffle, a silent auction and corporate sponsors. In 2014, the luncheon raised about $10,000.