A group that has helped over 8,000 people find work in Birmingham is hosting an exhibition.
JERICHO supports people who face real challenges in getting a job.
The multimedia exhibition highlighting the organisation’s work will take place on 21st March.
Matt Smither, marketing and social impact manager at JERICHO, said that the group had originally been founded in response to issues with high unemployment and prostitution in an area of Birmingham.
“We started in the early 90s in a church in response to the area of need,” he said “We’ve made a business and used it to employ these people, so they had their starting point.
“The idea is that JERICHO was a stepping stone into employment – and now we have seven social enterprises to help.”
Last year the group celebrated its 30th anniversary, with the organisation now working to help young people, survivors of modern day slavery and those who have gone through significant challenges in their life.
Amy, 29, who is a victim of social trafficking said: “My life now is definitely better than the past.
“The last two years I was in very dark places – I didn’t know where to go, I was so down.
“My previous life is gone now. They’ve changed me, they support me a lot, both emotionally and mentally.
“You don’t even feel like they support you, you just feel like they are your friends and you can talk about anything. It’s very easy with them, even with English being not my first language, they just give you lots of attention.
“They are helpful and wherever you come from they’re always smiling. They’re like a family, your home.”
Wawa, 77 and a victim of modern day slavery, said JERICHO provides everything the person in distress might need.
“I wouldn’t have survived without them,” she said. “They love and care, always asking if I need anything. All the things that I need are from JERICHO.
“I am very eager to come every day because I feel like I am going to a family.
“They are always there helping people, the ones like me who were very down before, but are not anymore.”
The charity is holding the exhibition to shine a spotlight on the work that has been done throughout the years.
Matt said: “The whole journey was about these people – the exhibition is about showing how JERICHO had helped and how that’s impacted their life.
“Everyone is invited. There will also be an online version which will be accessible anywhere.”
The exhibition would be held at Edward Road Baptist Church at midday on 21st March. For more information, contact the Jericho Foundation at 0121 647 1960 or email enquiries@jericho.org.uk.