MyWay Mobile Storage of Pittsburgh joined the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP) in their Community Service Committee’s fourth Boys and Girls Club Career Day event. The theme of the November 8th event was “Visions of Opportunity” with the goal of providing a venue for the kids to give their future some thought. Partners in the event included Community College of Allegheny County and Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.
From Left to Right: Ed Sickmund MyWay Mobile Storage, Marlon Ferguson Veterans Place, Michelle Senko PPM Realty, Emily Platts Howard Hanna and Preston Moore Howard Hanna
Fourteen teenagers from the LaRosa Boys and Girls Club in McKeesport attended the “Fourth Annual Career Day” at RAMP’s West Liberty Avenue offices. The event included lunch for the youth before they returned to school. Slice on Broadway donated several pizzas that were eagerly devoured.
Ed Sickmund, MyWay Mobile Storage of Pittsburgh Market Owner and RAMP Affiliate member said, “We really love to get out in the community and give back. The RAMP Community Service Committee events are one way we do that.” Sickmund continued, “It was great to hear the youth from the Boys and Girls Club talk about their goals in life. They all have hopes and dreams, but may not have a plan. This event was designed to get them thinking about how to reach their goals and show them options.”
“Some may wonder how a REALTOR® Association fit into a career day,” Jeff Zirngibl, RAMP Membership Director commented, “There are so many jobs of all different levels that touch each property sale from the mortgage professionals that preapprove the loans, to the REALTOR® who lists and shows properties, to the title company, home inspector, home improvement contractor, moving and storage company, closing company, etc. Many jobs are involved in each transaction.”
Staff from Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) showed the kids the affordability of education at a trade school or community college. From a certificate program to a 4-year degree, the students were given many different options to achieve their goals of starting a career. CCAC showed the students that education—a key first step in any career plan—is within reach for them.
Marlon Ferguson, the Executive Director of the Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, said, “I talked to the youth about growing up in a depressed area in our region to let them know that with a plan, they can reach their goals. I challenged the students to have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D.”
Ferguson was a talented basketball player with good grades in school. This enabled him to play basketball and get an education at the University of Pittsburgh. He followed that with 7 years in the US Navy and was able to thrive in the world. It was a better outcome than some of the kids he grew up among. Ferguson could have played professional basketball, but knee injuries stopped him. Today, Ferguson uses his knowledge and resources to help our military veterans who need a lending hand to get back on their feet.
Ferguson added, “What I do today was not what I envisioned when I was a teenager. I thought I’d be an NBA star. But I’m doing important, fulfilling work. Sometimes, things don’t work out, so you need something else to fall back on.”
About the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP):
Since 1911, RAMP has served real estate professionals and the community as western Pennsylvania’s most effective voice for private property and industry professionalism. RAMP began with 30 members and has since grown to include approximately 2,100 residential and commercial realtors. RAMP has remained at the forefront of public policy and member advocacy. With full-time government affairs and education programs, RAMP is uniquely positioned to provide its members with the tools they need to do business successfully and ethically. By shaping legislation and preparing REALTORS to serve their clients more effectively, RAMP has delivered the American Dream to five generations of Pittsburgh-area property owners. Visit http://www.realtorspgh.com/.
- About RAMP’s Community Committee:
RAMP’s Community Service Committee is responsible for engaging with the general public by coordinating public service projects. This committee’s activities provide a service or assistance to citizens who are less fortunate. The mission is to maintain and enhance RAMP’s image and community awareness through community outreach projects. In addition to Boys and Girls Club Career Day the 2019 calendar included feeding the homeless and underemployed, volunteering at the Light of Life Rescue donation center, Senior Curb Appeal Day, and the Hats/Gloves/Scarves/Sock Drive.
About Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard:
Veterans Place is dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans here in the Pittsburgh region. Founded in 1996 and located in Pittsburgh’s East End, Veterans Place works to help vets become engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities. Each year Veterans Place helps more than 300 veterans who were living in Pittsburgh’s emergency shelters and on the streets.
About MyWay Mobile Storage:
MyWay Mobile Storage is the leading provider of moving and storage solutions and located in a spacious 25,000 square foot facility in West Mifflin, PA to better service their customers in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area. They provide quick and easy do it yourself moving containers that can be delivered right to your door and stored in their climate controlled, secure storage facilities. MyWay Mobile Storage is a RAMP Affiliate Member and Market Owner, Ed Sickmund, was honored with their 2011 Affiliate of the Year award. Sickmund and MyWay Mobile Storage are also involved with the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals, Business Networking International, Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard and the South West Communities Chamber of Commerce.