North Georgia Works with Founder Doug Hanson and Gary Dillinger

Never Let Surviving Keep You From Thriving

North Georgia Business Owners and Leaders, did you know you can help your business by helping rebuild lives through a business partnership with North Georgia Works?

If you’re looking for hard-working, dependable employees, you don’t want to miss this episode of North GA Business Radio!

Special guests Doug Hanson, Founder of North Georgia Works and Gary Dillinger, a NGW program graduate, speak with host Phil Bonelli about the high-impact program North Georgia Works has created to help its participants integrate into the workforce, giving them not only a job but a means to self-sufficiency and dignity, while providing local businesses with access to a very affordable labor pool of skilled workers who are eager to work!

North Georgia Works! mission is made possible through their incredible business partners who invest in their men and provide them with work opportunities that go even beyond their 12-month program.

North Georgia Works! is a 501(c)(3) Christian ministry and a transitional workforce development center for men. They are partnered with United Way of Hall County in their ONE HALL poverty initiative.

They provide men with the opportunity to change their lives from the inside out: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and habitually. This is accomplished by means of recognized discipleship literature and personally modeling Christ-like behavior.

The men are given a curriculum proven for life change — incorporating soft skills, cognitive skills, and executive functioning skill development. The gentlemen are also provided with employment opportunities determined by their personal skill set, experience, and industry needs.

The final result of this exceptional program is a man who has conquered his past, is active in his present and is building toward his desired future. An equipped man. An employed man. An empowered man. A North Georgia Works! Man, who has discovered that North Georgia Works! is: “Where Work Works!”

Key moments in this episode are:

00:00:07 – Introduction to North Georgia Business Radio X
Phil Bonelli introduces the show as a celebration of local businesses with guests Doug Hanson and Gary Dillinger from North Georgia Works.

00:02:12 – The Vision Behind North Georgia Works
Doug Hanson shares the vision behind North Georgia Works, a transitional home for men transitioning from jail, courts, shelters, or the streets to a place of wholeness and graduation.

00:06:31 – The Program and Business Partners
Doug explains the program’s focus on work and accountability, with 40 business partners providing employment opportunities for the men in the program.

00:10:08 – Gary Dillinger’s Story
Gary Dillinger shares his journey from addiction and living in motels to his introduction to North Georgia Works and the divine intervention that led him to the program.

00:14:20 – A Turning Point
Gary Dillinger reflects on reaching a turning point in his life, leading to his decision to join North Georgia Works after facing challenges and losing stability.

00:16:31 – Understanding a New Demographic
Gary shares how he and Lyn went to church and had lunch with Chef Wang, providing them an opportunity to understand a new demographic and learn from their experiences.

00:17:27 – Finding Purpose and Taking Action
Gary talks about how starting North Georgia Works was a new mission for him, similar to starting a business. He emphasizes the importance of identifying needs, taking action, and being persistent.

00:18:30 – The Power of Small Acts of Kindness
Gary shares how small acts of kindness, like writing personalized letters and involving homeless people in moving, helped build credibility and change attitudes, emphasizing the impact of little things.

00:23:53 – Personal Responsibility and Accountability
Gary discusses the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, highlighting the three key needs for success – a job, transportation, and shelter – and how North Georgia Works helps individuals fulfill these needs.

00:28:07 – Success Through Enthusiasm and Value
Gary reflects on his successful sales experience and attributes it to his positive attitude and focus on providing value, offering a sales lesson for business leaders to share their vision enthusiastically and add value to the marketplace.

00:32:46 – Feeding and Savings Program
Doug explains how the program allows the men to feed themselves and also helps them save money through Peach State bank. He also mentions that the men can order online and enjoy having some income.

00:33:43 – Opportunities for Skill Sets
Doug discusses the various skill sets the men bring in and how they can quickly learn and contribute to the profitability of companies. He encourages businesses to reach out to Michael Giddens at North Georgia Works for potential partnerships.

00:35:30 – Creating an Environment for Thriving
The conversation delves into creating an environment for employees to thrive by providing them with responsibility and accountability. It emphasizes how people rise to expectations and the positive impact of modeling behavior.

00:37:02 – Being Bright Lights
The discussion highlights the idea of being a bright light in the workplace and how employees can be a positive influence by doing their best. It also touches on the concept of hope as a way to help others prepare for eternity.

00:39:29 – Growth and Progress
Doug shares the growth of the program, with 52 graduates and 40 business partners in just five years. He also reflects on the program’s origins and the support received from the community.