By PATRICK STAFFORD

A few months ago I wrote about a program the Fulton Industrial Business Association had just established in conjunction with The Housing Authority of Fulton County called "A Few More Steps." It is designed to work with young ladies (age 12-17) residing in public housing and participating in the Section 8 program in Fulton County, and help them take a few more steps in the right direction by exposing them to monthly activities and wholesome attractions throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. Additionally, the program provides firsthand experience regarding career paths and education options for the participants.

When I first reported on the beginning of the program, I envisioned the Fulton Industrial Business Association (FIBA) members would take the lead in participating and providing some monetary support for these events beginning in April 2002. We have done that. My purpose today is simply to report on our progress.

The first program of "A Few More Steps" took place in April. The group went to visit the Atlanta History Center and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. It was a wonderful time!

The second program, in May, took place at the Fulton County Ariport (Brown Field). We learned about the history of the airport; toured some of the airport-related businesses; listened to a presentation from the commander of the Fulton County Airport's police precinct; talked about tips on filling out job applications with FIBA member business professionals; and talked about necessary job readiness and life skills with other FIBA member business professionals. We had lunch at the Flight Deck Cafe and a grand day was had by all.

In May, FIBA also was fortunate to receive a Community and Investment Grant from United Way of Metro Atlanta for $2,000 in support of this program. We are quite proud of that and sincerely thank United Way.

Additional events and learning sessions are being planned for upcoming months. The experience haas truly been a rewarding one for those of us involved in "A Few More Steps."

It is for that reason that I invite YOU to participate in this rewarding experience by helping us to enhance this program by designating a contribution to FIBA specifically to "A Few More Steps" to help the participants know "the community" continues to care that they make it in life. FIBA, as you are aware, is a 501{c}3 organization and all such contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Any amount is appreciated and you will be invited to also participate with us as we plan future events.

I invite you to help us to continue to create opportunities to expose these young ladies to positive activities, role models and career choices on their road to self-sufficiency and becomming productive citizens. We do not want these young ladies to become pregnant, drop out of school, turn to drugs, or otherwise lose hope. FIBA invites your participation in "A Few More Steps."

[Patrick Stafford is executive director of the Fulton Industrial Business Association. He can be reached at fibamail@bellsouth.net.]

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