Retention and Community of Support

Retention – Our strategy breaks down the isolation of unemployment and replaces it with the productivity of a job and the support of a community. We want to ensure that applicants not only begin working but stay working. We accomplish this through regular contact with applicants and employers and through monthly Job Friends meetings.

Move-Up Placement and Mentoring – We see entry-level employment as merely a first step for our applicants. Those who stay on the job for at least six months and regularly participate in Job Friends meetings are eligible for Move-Up assistance. Move-Up applicants obtain employment earning $9 per hour more with benefits. We connect applicants with educational and vocational training programs and matched them with a mentor from the professional community for ongoing support, encourage and friendship.