The Joseph Project is an effort inspired by Robert L. Woodson Sr.’s book, “The Triumphs of Joseph,” about community-based initiatives. In the effort, churches host week-long class sessions to teach job-seekers the “soft skills” that help them in job interviews and in their beginning steps on the career ladder. Sen. Johnson has played a pivotal role alongside the church’s pastor, Jerome Smith, in facilitating the effort since it began in September 2015.