Columbus Works, Inc.

"...more and more of our Neighbors are seeking out our programming because of our reputation for effectiveness. In fact, Columbus Works, Inc. was recognized by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners as a?2023 Community Partner of the Year?because of the consistent results our model for workforce development produces. ? One impactful part of that model is our "Columbus Works @Work" Transitional Work Program in partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Through this program, Members needing extra support to get work-ready receive intensive on-the-job training while working part-time to begin earning income. After 12 weeks, these Members become eligible to move up to full-time positions at NCH and other quality employers. ? One of our Members who has done remarkably well in our Transitional Work Program is Tae..." Read more about Tae's story here: bit.ly/3UUpUGO #ColumbusWorksWorks #WorkforceDevelopment #OhioJobs

Not only are flowers blooming all around us, but at Columbus Works, Inc., success is as well! ?? ?? ?? We'd love to introduce you to one of our Members, "Ms. M": "We met Ms. M. when we made our monthly visit to a local shelter for unhoused individuals. She signed up to enroll in our JumpStart workplace readiness training program. We didn’t know it at the time, but her life had just been turned upside down. She had been gainfully employed and had a good work history. She had spent some time working as a flight attendant, had worked in customer service at a call center, and was also a trained paralegal. But Ms. M. had also been fighting a battle with her mental health. Things in her life began to take a turn for the worse, and she sought out care after experiencing suicidal thoughts. Without much family or social support, she found the courage to enter an in-patient psychiatric program. Unfortunately, while hospitalized, Ms. M. lost everything – her job, her home and her possessions..." Read more about Ms. M's amazing story of transformation here: https://lnkd.in/erceag_X #ColumbusWorksWorks #WorkforceDevelopment #OhioJobs

The classroom was buzzing with joy and excitement. We had just wrapped up the graduation ceremony for our new Members who completed our 4-day JumpStart job readiness training course. I walked up to one particular new Member, April, to congratulate her. She opened her arms to embrace me. As she pulled back, tears began streaming down her face. "This is not just about a job. The things that I learned here this week, I'm going to be able to take back to my family. This is going to help me with my relationships. I prayed for something like this. This is about so much more than just a job for me", she shared. ? I've replayed the scene described above in my mind several times over the last two weeks. It is a reminder of the tremendous impact that Columbus Works has on our Neighbors who've sought us out to help them change their lives. The sentiments that April expressed are what we've come to understand about so many of our Members. ? They've had to contend with?barriers?to finding work. Obstacles like having no transportation, lack of childcare, past convictions, untreated mental illness, or even homelessness pose serious risks to an individual's ability to successfully remain employed. By the time they find Columbus Works, they're often deeply discouraged, insecure, and disheartened. ? But after just 4 days of engaging with our staff in a?trauma-informed curriculum?that helps them to build?workplace skills?and find their?confidence, they begin to see new possibilities for their lives. And, like April,?they begin to?hope?again! Over the next couple of weeks, I'll share more with you about the people we're serving, the impact Columbus Works is making, and the vision we have for a community where all of our Neighbors have access to the kinds of jobs that allow them, and our city, to thrive. We would love for you to join our mission of moving Central Ohioans out of poverty through sustained employment! ? This month, we have a goal to raise $12,000 so that we can provide our workforce development programming to even more Neighbors who need our support.?Every donation contributes to making a difference in the life of someone like April. Inspire Hope. Donate Today! ? https://bit.ly/3yeExgH #ColumbusWorksWorks #WorkforceDevelopment #OhioJobs