City Gospel Mission
The Mission of City Gospel Mission (CGM) is breaking the cycle of poverty and despair…one life at a time.
Barry Baker
Product Supply in Jackson, TN & Cincinnati, OH USA.
Other involved Alums (16 identified by name in proposal): In 2023, over 30 P&G staff and alumni volunteered their time including Zeke Swift, Brad Trucksis, Chris Heiert, Burr Robinson, Barron Withspoon, Rodney Swope, Kelly Wilson, John Albrittin, Steven Dryer, Dale Ann Watson, William Reeves, Mark Collar, Ken Metzger, Kirk Perry, Bob Byrns and Michael DeBrosse.
Barry has been with CGM for 19 years and is currently its Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer. Among other roles, Barry has led and scaled a wide range of programs to expand their reach and further the organization’s mission to break the cycle of generational poverty and despair.
In his letter of recommendation, Barry writes: ‘For the last 19 years, it has been a blessing for me to serve as the Vice President of City Gospel Mission. I have witnessed the non-profit serve over 10,000 men, women and children each year through a variety of adult and youth programs. I walked alongside Zach, who first came to us through our homeless shelter with an addiction to cocaine. After making progress and phasing up through different steps of our programs, including the JobsPlus Program, Zach is now 18 months sober and has a full time career.”
JobsPlus was founded in 1994 by P&G Alum Burr Robinson and has a 30 year track record of working to break the cycle of poverty through job training and securing employment; to date over 6,000 men & women have been placed in sustainable employment. The JobsPlus Expansion will add 2 new locations in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati to increase the number of people served by 115 for a total of 1,350.
The $20,000 PGAF Grant will be used to support the JobsPlus expansion with curriculum and supplies, volunteer training, staffing and more. These funds will help low-income residents prepare for the workforce, find jobs and develop the skills and support systems to maintain their careers long-term.
Two years ago, I lost my wife of 30 years, my high school sweetheart. Her passing sent me deeper into drug use, and I lost everything—my home, freedom, and dignity. After a year of homelessness, rehab led me to JobsPlus, a life-changing decision.
JobsPlus helped me find employment. Carol, a staff member, guided me through the application process and supported me in interviews. I got the job, earned raises, and now train others. But JobsPlus is more than a job program—it’s a support system. My mentor, Mark, and his wife even helped me get my license and a car.
Feeling alone is overwhelming, but having support makes all the difference. Thanks to JobsPlus and City Gospel Mission, I got a second chance—and they’ve been with me every step of the way.