JobsWork MKE is a nonprofit organization that brings a business approach to reducing poverty in Milwaukee. It prepares and encourages motivated individuals living in poverty to achieve economic self-sufficiency through sustainable employment. It is a unique service model that provides intensive, long-term support for job seekers until they reach the goal of getting out of poverty through full-time employment that provides family-sustaining wages and benefits.
Primary Focus Area: Job training, placement & support
Requesting Funding for Operating Support
Operating Budget: $991,000
Lutheran Affiliation: ELCA
Programs:
The Employee Development program uses a comprehensive job readiness model with three phases: preparation, stability employment, and advancement. Individuals interested in becoming a JobsWork MKE member must go through five distinct steps, which include barrier assessment and remedy, life skills training, spiritual renewal and motivation, and completing a Career Readiness Workshop. Members work with staff to develop a personal advancement plan, which outlines the barriers faced by that member and the steps to be taken to overcome barriers.
The Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative is led by JobsWork MKE and works with large area employers collaboratively to employ residents and purchase from businesses in disinvested Milwaukee neighborhoods. Members include health care providers and universities.
Who is Served: JobsWork members reflect the following demographics: 80% come from Milwaukee zip codes with high poverty rates, 56% do not have a valid driver’s license, 33% have not completed high school, 31% have felony records, 89% are African American, and 100% have been exposed to and are negatively impacted by trauma. The organization currently supports 120 individuals and serves approximately 100 new individuals each year.
Location: 2821 N Vel R Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Website: https://www.jobsworkmke.org