A few months

ago I wrote about a program the Fulton Industrial Business Association

had just established in conjunction with The Housing Authority of Fulton

County called "A Few More Steps." It is designed to work with

young ladies (age 12-17) residing in public housing and participating

in the Section 8 program in Fulton County, and help them take a few more

steps in the right direction by exposing them to monthly activities and

wholesome attractions throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. Additionally,

the program provides firsthand experience regarding career paths and education

options for the participants.

When I first

reported on the beginning of the program, I envisioned the Fulton Industrial

Business Association (FIBA) members would take the lead in participating

and providing some monetary support for these events beginning in April

2002. We have done that. My purpose today is simply to report on our progress.

The first program

of "A Few More Steps" took place in April. The group went to

visit the Atlanta History Center and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. It was

a wonderful time!

The second

program, in May, took place at the Fulton County Ariport (Brown Field).

We learned about the history of the airport; toured some of the airport-related

businesses; listened to a presentation from the commander of the Fulton

County Airport's police precinct; talked about tips on filling out job

applications with FIBA member business professionals; and talked about

necessary job readiness and life skills with other FIBA member business

professionals. We had lunch at the Flight Deck Cafe and a grand day was

had by all.

In May, FIBA

also was fortunate to receive a Community and Investment Grant from United

Way of Metro Atlanta for $2,000 in support of this program. We are quite

proud of that and sincerely thank United Way.

Additional

events and learning sessions are being planned for upcoming months. The

experience haas truly been a rewarding one for those of us involved in

"A Few More Steps."

It is for that

reason that I invite YOU to participate in this rewarding experience by

helping us to enhance this program by designating a contribution to FIBA

specifically to "A Few More Steps" to help the participants

know "the community" continues to care that they make it in

life. FIBA, as you are aware, is a 501{c}3 organization and all such contributions

are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Any amount is appreciated

and you will be invited to also participate with us as we plan future

events.

I invite you

to help us to continue to create opportunities to expose these young ladies

to positive activities, role models and career choices on their road to

self-sufficiency and becomming productive citizens. We do not want these

young ladies to become pregnant, drop out of school, turn to drugs, or

otherwise lose hope. FIBA invites your participation in "A Few More

Steps."

[Patrick Stafford

is executive director of the Fulton Industrial Business Association. He

can be reached at [email protected].]