11 a.m., Cleveland

As the lunch hour nears, 10 people in Cleveland are engrossed in their work, unlike last year when they were unemployed or without satisfying jobs. Thanks to Jobs Partnership Cleveland, a national initiative brought to Cleveland by ShoreBank Enterprise, each has found meaningful employment.

Through a partnership between local employers and churches, Jobs Partnership Cleveland teaches practical job skills from a faith-based context. The 12-week program includes Bible study with a pastor and discussions of work ethics and other employment-related issues. Students then participate in intensive classes led by business professionals who teach skills about seeking and retaining jobs.

The unique formula is working. Each participant found a fulfilling job within weeks of completing the training, despite the soft job market. Word of the program's success spread quickly; the current class has 35 participants and the program expanded to two more churches to accommodate the demand.

ShoreBank Enterprise is pleased by the program's success. Through a variety of employment placement and support services and small business assistance programs, ShoreBank Enterprise proves every day that community-driven approaches create numerous opportunities for changing the world.