From Homelessness to Employment: How Online Security Guard Training Creates Second Chances

Homelessness is an ongoing concern in our country. In many cases, the unhoused are simply victims of circumstance and would never choose to be on the street. However, being homeless presents its own set of challenges, not the least of which is the lack of stability and support needed to access job resources and follow through on opportunities.

The Minnie Bell and Annie Lois Foundation has taken on this challenge, and in partnership with Defencify, is offering training, mentorship, and job placement support to marginalized people in Georgia.

Pauline Respress is Minnie Bell’s daughter. She and her husband, who was nearing retirement, were looking for ways to be of service and began taking food and supplies to the unhoused, but quickly realized that unless they could do something to “cure” the root cause of their displacement, there was little chance the effort would amount to more than putting a band-aid on a gaping wound.

“As we began to talk to the population more, we saw the need and desire for work re-entry support. They didn’t want a handout. They wanted to get some skills so they could help themselves. So that was how the second pillar of our foundation was born.”

How the Relationship with Defencify Came to Be

Pauline’s husband had worked in security before. He thought it would be a good part-time job for him in retirement, discovered Defencify’s online courses, and got certified.

While discussing ideas for helping their transitional people get back into the workforce, Pauline had a lightbulb moment. Defencify seemed like an excellent choice.

“A lot of men in these transitional houses weren’t able to get labor jobs, like in construction, and they certainly didn’t want to sit all day. Many were in their late 50s or early 60s, but they still wanted to work. They needed something low-key that didn’t involve heavy lifting or ladder climbing, and security was perfect for them. The work keeps them active on patrol but does not require a lot of physical risk. Programs like this help them get back on their feet.”

Putting Ideas into Action

Watching her husband go through the Defencify modules inspired Pauline to reach out to the company.

Working with Defencify CRO Steven Sheiner, they set up the program, and Steve helped them set up a branded Academy with the foundation’s logos.

Unfortunately, after passing 10 men through the program, Pauline realized it was financially prohibitive to continue. She called Steve to negotiate a payment plan, but instead he offered to provide it for free, referring to it as a “Mitzvah,” the Hebrew word for an act of kindness or moral responsibility.

“He said, ‘What you’re doing matters. To help you continue empowering others, Defencify will donate the Georgia licensing courses you need to maintain your program."

Those words have since changed everything for many in transitional housing. So far, 23 individuals have been certified through the program, gaining the skills and confidence they need to lift them out of their circumstances.

“The guys are so proud to wear that uniform, to have viable skills, and contribute to society. They are on their way to rebuilding their lives, and it’s everything to them.”

Every Journey Starts with a First Step

Having gone through the course himself, Pauline’s husband was in a position to help the men navigate the software, so he facilitated and proctored the training. The local library offered tablets and free space to conduct the classes.

“When they got stuck, he could just jump in and say, ‘This is how you do it, this is what I did.’”

Even though some participants weren’t technologically adept, there was always someone there to ensure a good result.

“Some of the men hadn’t been on a computer for 10 years, but they were able to get through it. Sometimes the software would freeze up, but we were always there to help them keep going. Usually, it was a Wi-Fi issue, so we’d have to exit the program and restart. Other than that, everyone found the software easy to use – and were incredibly proud when they completed the course.”

So far, 23 men have been certified through the program. Some are still waiting for employment, but the foundation supports them with resume services and job placement with local security companies.

Being of Service: Security is More Than Just a Job

For individuals in transitional housing, taking the Defencify certification is always an option, but people are not pushed in that direction if they feel it’s not for them. As a result, those who do sign up for the course are excited to be there. They are motivated to pursue guard work and, as a result, take great pride in the process because they’ve chosen their own path.

One of the ways the foundation supports their return to work is through soft skills development, and Pauline sees many parallels with security work.

“The job is all about service. It’s about compassion. You’re serving people, and that’s a soft skill we emphasize in the Back-to-Work program. When we describe the kind of soft skills the job entails, it attracts a certain type of person. If you don’t naturally have those qualities, it’s hard to teach them.”

The foundation’s support does not end once they’ve landed a position.

“If they get stuck in a situation at work, if they have interpersonal problems or things of that nature, they always have someone to lean on. We offer life coaching, and I mentor individuals as well to ensure they always have someone to reach out to until they are completely independent.”

With 23 graduates so far, the results speak for themselves. But that doesn’t stop participants on both sides of the job from weighing in.

“I got a call just yesterday from one of the guys, Ricky. He said, ‘Pauline, I’m loving my job. I love where I work!’ And the companies they’re working for, they embrace them in return. It’s incredible.

“One of the companies we partner with called me up about a guy I sent them, and he said, ‘Pauline, he is such a gem. We love him. He’s on time, and he does a great job.’ It’s a win-win for everyone involved: the men, the companies that hire them, and the transitional housing.”

We asked Pauline if she had any advice for organizations that might be inspired to implement programs like these, and she had some wisdom to share:

“Don’t be afraid to ask. Even if you initially get a ‘no,’ perseverance pays off. Refine your approach, wait a few months, and ask again. If I had given up when I realized the program was too costly to run, I would not have met Steve or partnered with Defencify. If I did not have strong faith, I would have given up a long time ago. This is the path we’re on.”