Lithonia Office

Business Owner Training And Computer Literacy Program

Since 2004, AMEN, Inc. has been collaborating with the City of Lithonia to provide business information and training to the Lithonia and surrounding DeKalb County Communities.

The objective of this partnership with the City of Lithonia is to complement the adult literacy program through the provision of business and computer-related skills training to small business operators in the Lithonia informal sector, unemployed youths, and disadvantaged young adults – particularly women.

The partnership has been very successful and the programs are becoming more and more in demand.

So far 25 participants have completed training in three Business and computer classes held in 2005 – 2006.

Participants who successfully completed the training received Certificates of Completion awarded by AMEN, Inc.

Participants’ comments about the programs

“Even though the information was general, to meet successful individuals who could enlighten us even a bit in a two hour span was great. I just wish one subject could have been extended throughout weeks instead of minutes”.

“I enjoyed the insight that professionals with years of experience had to share with us”.

“I have enjoyed this class because I have gotten a good overview of what to expect, and ideas and thoughts about business”.

“I would like to say thank you for all the knowledge I have gained”.

“The speakers were informed and knowledgeable individuals”.

“I enjoyed the positive energy and willingness to help us further our lives”.

AMEN, Inc. Supports Youth Enrichment Program for Georgia DeKalb County youth.

AMEN, Inc. has collaborated with Marvelous Light Consultants (MLC), LLC. to implement a two-week Youth Enrichment Summer Camp for 14 to 16 year old youth enrolled in the Georgia DeKalb County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) Program.

MLC is a faith-based organization that is committed to providing consulting services to individuals, community programs, ministries and/or faith-based programs. MLC promotes growth, self-ownership, economic empowerment and accountability to self and the community.

The focus of the Youth Self-Advocacy program is about developing and teaching youth self-advocacy skills that would help them to prepare for future career goals.

The theme for the program was ‘On Your Own – Young Adult Self-Advocacy’.

15  boys and girls attended the program that was hosted in the AMEN, Inc training classroom.

The objective of this project was to help youth learn some new lessons, become independent, and successfully take control of their lives

The program consisted of classroom presentations, role-playing, site visits, reading and research assignments, and some entertainment.

After each day’s session the participants were asked to give an assessment of what they had learned.

AMEN, Inc was actively involved in the program, and provided technical assistance. Ms. Mason conducted two sessions on ‘Youth and Entrepreneurship’, AMEN Area Director spoke on ‘Entrepreneurship as an Alternative’. In her presentations, Ms. Mason helped to raise the awareness of the participants  to the role of entrepreneurship in empowering  them as individuals, strengthening their families, and building economically healthy communities. 

Future AMEN Programs 2006

Based on the needs expressed by participants  and citizens of the community the following programs have been proposed for the rest of the year.

• Business Plan Workshop – 5 weeks
• Introduction to Business Workshop (Repeat) 7 weeks
• Computer Literacy for Seniors – 6 weeks
• Computer Basics for Business Owners 8 weeks
• Where to find Money for your business – 3 hours
• Legal Questions about your business answered – 3 hours
• Business Essentials for Start-up and Growth – 3 hours

Further dates and venues will be announced shortly.