Pubdate: Thu, 26 Oct 2006
Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC)
Copyright: 2006 Asheville Citizen-Times
Contact:  http://www.citizen-times.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863
Author: Adam Behsudi

'JOB WON' PROGRAM AIMS TO HELP DRUG DEALERS FIND HONEST JOBS

ASHEVILLE - When Carl Mumpower returned from the Vietnam War in the 
early 1970s, he said he felt out of place and better equipped to deal 
with the uncertainties of combat than the stability of home. Advertisement

He anticipates drug dealers transitioning from their illegal trade to 
honest jobs would face the same situation in a proposed program 
called "Job Won."

The program, presented Tuesday at a meeting of the Asheville-Buncombe 
Drug Commission, aims to help people move out of selling illegal 
drugs and into a job.

"It's not as fun out there as it's portrayed," Mumpower said. "The 
drug dealer's life is not glamorous."

The program got a nod from the commission board at Tuesday's meeting. 
The plan would largely be a community effort and target a specific 
neighborhood, the first being the Shiloh community.

Shad Waters, a Shiloh resident who knows firsthand of what drugs can 
do to a community, pledged his support.

Every Thursday evening, Waters makes an effort to meet with a group 
of men who are known to deal drugs in his community.

He said some have a sincere effort in making an honest living.

"As we try to get them off the corner and off the street we need 
backing," he said.

The job program will rely on volunteer coaches and mentors to keep 
track of participants who would enter a GED program or specific 
skills training. Drug treatment also would be an important part of the program.

Mumpower and Waters said they met with representatives of the Council 
of Independent Business Owners to talk about the idea.

The program hasn't yet been presented directly to any business 
owners, but CIBO executive director Mike Plemmons said he expects 
support from the business community.

"What we heard was very encouraging," Plemmons said. "We're going to 
try to help out where we can."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine