St. Paul Church of God in Christ
Community Development Ministries, Inc
SPCDM
Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training Program
With a foundation rooted in profound faith and dedicated service, Pastor Kevin A. Ford exemplifies leadership in community development and workforce empowerment. He holds the position of President at SPCDM. This organization has significantly contributed to transforming lives and bolstering Chicago's workforce over the past quarter-century.
Emerging from a distinguished lineage of religious and community service, Pastor Ford is the grandson of Bishop Louis Henry Ford, a prominent figure who served as International Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, and the son of Bishop Charles Mason Ford, a former Chairman of the National Board of Trustees. Continuing this legacy, Pastor Ford dedicated over 30 years to public service within Cook County, culminating his career as Program Manager in the Bureau of Administration Planning Department for the Federal Homes Program.
Currently, he has been appointed to the National Economic Development Committee of the Church of God in Christ by Presiding Bishop John Drew Sheard. This committee's mandate is to advocate for construction Unions across the nation. In addition, he has been appointed to the African American Employment Plan Advisory Council in Illinois, where he contributes to advancing equitable employment opportunities and workforce inclusion statewide.
Under Pastor Ford's leadership, SPCDM has successfully guided numerous individuals into meaningful career pathways. His strategic vision has fostered increased diversity within Chicago's labor market and established vital partnerships that expand opportunities for future generations.
In response to a student asking: "Pastor, why do you care about us so much?"
Pastor Ford articulated: "I care because God has placed a calling on my life to serve you. I believe every individual possesses remarkable potential. When you succeed, it not only transforms your life but also uplifts families, strengthens communities, and prepares you to be the skilled leaders and builders our society needs."
With over twelve years of dedicated service, Betty J. Jones has played a pivotal role at SPCDM, where she holds the position of Executive Director. Her leadership is characterized by a steadfast commitment to community development, driven by faith and a profound dedication to empowering individuals through education and skill development.
In her capacity, Director Jones oversees comprehensive pre-apprenticeship and career readiness programs designed to equip participants with essential skills for success in the building trades. She actively contributes to curriculum development by co-teaching courses focused on personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of technical proficiency and skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Her programs encompass a broad spectrum of training areas, including trade-specific mathematics, workplace safety protocols, construction industry culture, and industry-specific knowledge. Director Jones also facilitates the attainment of industry certifications and credentials, providing vital information on apprenticeship opportunities, coordinating site visits to training facilities and active job sites, and enhancing interview skills for program participants. Director Betty Jones’ unwavering faith, strategic vision, and dedicated leadership have established SPCDM as a reputable pathway for graduates.