AtWork Franchise Owner Honored with Award for Giving Back to the Community

By: AtWork Group | 0 Shares 298 Reads

July 17, 2024 // Franchising.com // RALEIGH, N.C. - AtWork® is thrilled to announce that Raleigh franchise owner Jerry Bland was named one of Franchise Business Review’s 2024 Franchise Rock Stars in the giving back category. Bland works with local organizations such as Sober Living of America and InterAct of Wake County to provide second chances to many community members.

“Jerry is a diamond in the rough, and we are very lucky to partner with him and AtWork,” said Robert White, Raleigh site director of Sober Living of America. “He is extremely understanding of the challenges we face and works with our people to become productive members of society.”

After a long, successful sales career, Bland opened AtWork Raleigh in 2018. He quickly learned that running a staffing agency is much more than helping companies fill job openings. Bland has found a true passion for working with local organizations and providing second chances to many who might otherwise not succeed in the workplace.

AtWork Raleigh’s partnership with Sober Living of America began in January 2023 and has helped more than 120 people find work. Bland has also worked with InterAct of Wake County for five and a half years, helping domestic violence victims find work to continue their journey toward independence.

“We are passionate about helping those in our community who need it most by connecting them with the right work opportunities,” said Bland. “Working with our Raleigh-Durham partner organizations daily is a feeling money can’t buy. They help people escape a life of crime, addiction, and hardship to find purpose and rebuild their lives. We are thrilled to be part of their journey.”

One example of Bland helping change people’s lives is Tracy Thompson. From the age of 17, Thompson led a life of crime that resulted in three prison sentences. He went to Bland at AtWork Raleigh to try to redefine his future. Bland found him a job in the manufacturing industry, which Thompson quickly adapted and excelled in. He has gone from living in a halfway house to a full-time position with the company.

“Tracy’s story is a true testament to the work Jerry is doing in the Triangle,” said Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork. “We are so proud to have Jerry a part of our franchise family and thrilled his dedication to helping others is recognized with national awards like these. We look forward to watching him continue to grow his business and change the trajectory of even more lives.”

SOURCE AtWork

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