The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

KNOWING all too well the importance of job preparedness, Bahamian Tamika Taylor is expanding on a unique social endeavor that seeks to equip the unemployed with the resources required for a “progressive, long-lasting and fulfilling career”. 

“Showcase” is the name of the social enterprise which was founded by Ms Taylor following a low point in her life in an effort to help those who find themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation in life.

Prior to this venture, she said she always worked jobs which did not suit her personality. But now Ms Taylor believes she has found her calling, which is to serve others. Through Showcase, she said, she is able to channel her desire to do “people work”.

Ms Taylor is a mother, full-time employee and is currently studying human resources. She is also on a mission to help those around her to acquire the tools they need to join the workforce.  

“I never knew what my purpose in life was. My family and friends oftentimes scolded me for helping people all the time, quite frequently, to my own detriment.  Due to the fact that no one understood that I was born with a gift to help others, they unconsciously made me very depressed. Unfortunately, there were no advocates in the curriculum for the social service careers or engagement. Life lessons learned, and after on-the-job training, I realised that I was called for a special work – people work. Therefore, I am so thankful to God, for the opportunity to serve others,” she told Tribune Woman. 

One of main aims of Showcase is get the unemployed back onto the job marked. One way this is accomplished is by providing clothes to those who may not have the proper attire to participate in a job interview. 

“Nearly three years ago, I was working as a full-time employee and barely making ends meet. My wardrobe consisted of about six articles of clothing that I alternated, including two pairs of shoes – one of which had two holes in it and one which I wore to work every day,” she said.

Then, during a visit to Freeport someone reached out to her with the following words, “You can have anything in my closet, no exceptions”.

“It spoke life to me; it was there I decided to impact others in a meaningful way,” said Ms Taylor.

Assistance with proper business attire is only one aspect of Showcase. Ms Taylor intends to also add new training programmes in customer service training (“Who says Bahamian hospitality is dead?”), basic computer skills and adult literacy/numeracy. 

“People can benefit most through our academic and social programmes designed to empower the clients and its volunteers to pay-it-forward,” she said. 

“Recent events in our school system are another indicator why this initiative has been founded. We have to reach our youths through their caretakers – the parents and guardians. Culture starts from the top. We can help them, should they desire to help themselves.”

After Hurricane Matthew, Showcase partnered with several private citizens and the IFC Ministry in both New Providence and Grand Bahama to provide food, building supplies, clothing and water to affected residents. The team worked cohesively to assess the needs of families in Freeport.

As Showcase has been operating from Ms Taylor’s home, an immediate goal is to open a physical venue which the public can access.  

“We will be hosting an open house for the public on February 16. We aim to expand our programme offerings, and subsequently assist low-income individuals with the academic benefits of Showcase, construct an academic facility and expand this programme throughout our chain of islands,” she said.