Towards Employment, Inc.

Programs: Who we are:a nonprofit organization formed in 1976, te has assisted more than 122,000 disadvantaged adults, empowering them to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through employment. We focus on jobs removing barriers to employment and guiding disadvantaged individuals in northeast ohio to (re)enter the workforce or to advance in their career. Who we serve:we have a dual customer approach, serving both individuals and employers. Adults served are living near or below poverty that are unemployed or in low-wage jobs, with limited work history, unstable housing, limited education, and/or a criminal background. Youth served are 18 to 23 year olds who are in school or out of school that need assistance to remove barriers and to seek and secure employment. Employers rely on us to meet their hiring needs, or for retention and advancement services for their entry-level and middle-skilled employees. What we do:towards employment provides innovative programming and supportive services for individuals; sourcing, retention and advancement services for employers; and policy advocacy on issues related to our mission. We are uniquely focused on outcomes, regularly achieving accomplishments above national averages for similar programs across the country. Our program, community partnerships and strong employer engagement allow us to respond to the unique needs of the disadvantaged population we serve and to move them along specific steps on a pathway to employment. Step 1: prepare for the job job readiness training that prepares job seekers for success in the workplace:- resume creation- job applications- communication skills- behavioral soft skills - interviewing skills- life skills- confidence- self esteem step 2: get the job job search and placement services to get people working:- career path planning - job matching services to find the right person for the right job - network of employers seek out te graduates to fill open positions- technical skills trainingstep 3: keep the job coaching and support that are crucial to long-term success on the job:- coaching and supportive services for the first 6 12 months of employment - smooth transition into workforce for the employee and the businessstep 4: move into a careerfind a position with long-term growth and earning potential through:- educational and networking opportunities for graduates once they master their first job- continued coaching and career guidanceall while providing supportive and legal services- tools and uniforms - child care assistance- transportation assistance- housing issues- background checks - pre-employment physicals and drug screenings - professional license fees - free, timely legal counsel - legal representation for issues that are barriers to either starting a job or keeping a jobtowards employment made an impact in 2014- 464 individuals gained long-term, permanent work, overcoming the barriers of poverty, public assistance, criminal backgrounds, lack of a high school diploma or ged, unstable housing or other significant barriers. The average starting wage was $10. 19; higher than the ohio minimum wage of $8. 10. 290 of the individuals placed had a criminal background. - 1,235 supportive services were provided, helping people overcome barriers to employment with bus tickets, child care vouchers, tools, uniforms, background checks and pre-employment screenings. - 1,027 legal cases were opened, clearing criminal warrants, resolving child support cases, preventing evictions and foreclosures, and resolving credit issues. - 128 people advanced on the job in 2014 with an average wage increase of over $2. 00 an hour. 66 people completed technical training earning a total of 92 industry recognized credentials. - over 290 employers hired from te in 2014, 82 more than once. Benefits to business: dependable, trained new hires are accessible to local businesses with significantly reduced recruitment and screening expenses; and employee retention is increased through post-placement support. Benefits to the community: participants become proud wage earners, able to care for their families and contribute to their communities. Benefits to ohio tax payers: thousands of taxpayer dollars are saved annually in public assistance, prison costs and social services while generating tax revenue from earned wages when individuals transition into employment.