When Jhordan Haye, Ed.D, joined CareerCatchers as a Grants AmeriCorps VISTA, he brought a career defined by service, from his early years as a stockbroker to a decade in education as a dually certified English and Special Education teacher.
Looking for a new way to grow his skill set, Jhordan set out to learn grant writing. While searching AmeriCorps VISTA listings, a position at CareerCatchers caught his attention, an opportunity to put his writing talents to work supporting workforce development and financial stability in the community.
Jhordan’s transition into the nonprofit world wasn’t without its own uncertainty. Moving from a leadership role in education into an entry-level VISTA position was a big adjustment. But meeting Mana and Kunda changed his outlook.
“I felt that these were people that not only cared about the clients but cared about each other,” Jhordan shared, reflecting on Mana and Kunda’s leadership.
Since joining CareerCatchers, Jhordan has made meaningful contributions. He supported the Cafritz Grant and others and continues writing grants that fuel the organization’s work today. He also participated in the Marylanders Digital Equity Program, deepening his understanding of the digital divide and strengthening his ability to write grants that address it effectively.
Jhordan’s experience reflects the heart of CareerCatchers’ work: bringing people with diverse backgrounds and skills together in service of a shared mission, helping others find opportunity and stability.