Over the decades, we have learned that gainful employment is only just a part of what marginalized community members and formerly incarcerated individuals need to transform their lives.
We offer Holistic development of the individual through comprehensive services that not only prepare participants for the workforce, but for life as well. The Workforce Development Coaches / Case Managers play an important role, acting as intermediaries between employers, trainees and the community. They seek out career opportunities that allow clients to learn, grow, and create sustainable career growth opportunities while adding a perspective, dedication, and tenacity.

Our philosophy is that true success begins with personal development, self-reflection and opportunity. In addition to the case manager assigning each participant one-on-one specialized career coaches to develop their career plan, Life coaches are also assigned to guide participants through available resources, referrals and training for personal development. This training includes legal services, healing circles, personal finance and life skills.

Our target population carry life histories marked by poverty, family and street violence, marginalization and inter-generational abuse and neglect. As a result of incarceration experiences, they face additional challenges presented by institutionalization, discrimination, housing struggles, negligible work history, and criminal records which preclude even hopes of employment.
We understand the importance of building trust and an individualized approach that doesn’t follow any kind of specific protocol. Our holistic support system provides a safe and comforting space for our participants.

Community clients obtain assistance from Workforce Development Department staff (Employment Specialists / Career Coaches) who provide job search tips, interview skills coaching, resume development, and job referrals on a weekly basis. Trainees build resumes, search for jobs, practice interview skills, develop computer skills, participate in internships, and learn positive ways to navigate workplace communication.

Item Our Workforce Development Team works with outside employers and businesses to find jobs for trainees and community clients. Our team works closely with various trade organizations and employers developing and maintaining good business relationships in efforts to better assist our trainee graduates and community clients with suitable successful job placements. We are in partnership with WorkSource Centers to assist our participants with work related supportive services such as uniform, transportation, work tools, etc. Through partnership with Southwest College, our Workforce Development Case Managers conduct needs and skills assessments, create employment plan,s and career training pathways for individuals to receive occupational training, paid internships and/or on the job training.


Our hands-on Retail Accelerator Program offers civic, business and life skills development, job specific training and placement, and access to capital for social enterprises. New participants begin the program with comprehensive intake that includes a Needs/Skills Assessment and Diagnostic Testing.

The catalyst of our Equity Accelerator model is our Coach and Case Management Team. All program participants (trainees) are immediately placed with both a Coach and Case Manager who walk with them as they face challenges like living wage employment, and navigating life choices in a healthy way.

Coaches serve as mentors who create a sense of belonging, consistency and guidance that helps trainees move through a new way of life. Always available through their open door policy, the Coaches and Case Management Team help trainees develop plans for the future and direct them toward critical resources. At the core of this plan is our Empowerment Team, a client-led, strengths-based, individualized Evaluation, held every six weeks. Evaluations are facilitated by the trainee’s Case Manager, and include a member of the mental health team, as well as a Coach. Our Empowerment Team creates a safe space in which trainees can authentically reflect on their experiences.

Our goal is to make sure planning is client-led and that a group of dedicated professionals are holding the trainee accountable and in a safe space as they move their lives forward.