Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Williams. Them and their team share their story with us below:
ALWAYS Ready was founded in 2017 by Maurice Williams and Terence L. Lee (deceased). A great need was realized by both of them with regard for men to be able to obtain employment & become self-sufficient through additional services. They believed that this could be achieved by providing assistance with resume creation, interview preparation, and professional clothing.
Maurice is a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, who served for 20 years and retired in 2013. He became increasingly frustrated upon retirement when he realized that that were no resources specific to men in his quest for new employment after he retired. Terence who served in the banking industry and was in between professional careers also recognized the lack of available resources that could assist men in their search for a career. As a result, they started ALWAYS Ready!
After Terence’s untimely passing, Maurice made it life’s work to help men in need and to follow through with their God-given vision.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We work diligently to accomplish the mission, vision, and purpose of the organization and it hasn’t been a smooth road. Due to the lack of funding help the organization has been operating as self-sustaining entity. In 2019, we were officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) Tax-exempt Nonprofit organization. Since then, we have applied for several local and national grants, but they weren’t awarded at the time because of ALWAYS Ready (AR)not being known by the funders at the time. To date, AR received its first grant was awarded in 2022, from the AETNA/CVS community initiative thanks to the help of our Community Development Analyst Ms. Maria G. Sosa of AETNA Healthcare.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ALWAYS Ready?
ALWAYS Ready (AR) empowers underserved unemployed men identified as veterans, unsheltered, and justice-involved through Workforce Development (i.e., resumes, employment referral, and other services) to include professional attire, & Peer support to inspire positive changes.
Services provided to our clients are free of charge. AR is part of several partner community-based organizations that serve homeless persons & those with disabilities and Salute to Souldiers who bring awareness to veterans of color. AR is also known to assist sober living facilities by providing case management when it comes to employment services and referrals.
Maurice is a well-known and respected specialist throughout the Workforce Development profession. Additionally, he has served organizations that were for-profit, non-profit, drug rehabilitation centers, cash-aid recipients, justice-involved, veterans, and career centers. Prior to Mr. Williams’ transition was previously employed at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) as an Equal Opportunity Specialist, Reasonable Accommodation Program (RA) Manager, and MD-715 Coordinator. Duties included guaranteeing that their subordinate commands did not discriminate against job applicants or employees because of a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability (physical or mental) religion, genetic information, or reprisal for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) activity.
What sets us apart from other organizations and what the readers to know is that we are doing the work, we are in the community, and are pivoting to attending more outreach events to establish more of presence in our city. I am reminded what my mother used to tell me before she passed away in 2020, and that was “when there’s a will there’s a way!” We are dedicated to our clients and their perspective outcomes regarding employment and other ventures that they may have. We continue to do what we do because it is the right thing. Instead of talking about it, we’re about it. Maurice holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Business of Science Degree in Human Services (BS) with a specialization in Families & Children both from the University of Phoenix (San Diego).
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
ALWAYS Readys mantra is Ready.Set.Go
Ready. For your job search.
Set. You up with peer support and combined group support.
Go. To your employment interview prepared.
Without your continued support it would be impossible to continue this mission.
We thank you for your prayers & enthusiasm about what we’re doing. Feel free to contact us regarding any partnerships or donations. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and happily received!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: always.ready.sd.
