Employment is the biggest barrier to breaking the cycle of abuse and homelessness.

An extremely important and highly effective program at The Shade Tree is our Job Development Program. Many of our residents do have jobs, but they often lack the skills necessary to obtain employment at an income level adequate to support themselves and their children. The Job Development Program is designed to assist our residents not only to obtain employment but to develop the skills, attitudes, and abilities necessary to move from lower paying jobs into positions that will provide a self-supporting level of income.

Last year 248 women participated in The Shade Tree Job Development Program

The Job Development Program consists of 10 individual classes offered at various times during the day and evening. Class times are varied to accommodate those who are currently working and also to allow time during business hours for those who are job searching and going to interviews. Classes focus on all aspects of employment; job search skills, resume writing, interviewing skills, computer skills, and dressing for success. One important class is completely devoted to maintaining employment and addresses issues such as responsibility and reliability, attitude, employment etiquette, primary and back-up child care plans, how to best schedule medical appointments and how to cope with transportation issues.

Each week we have a small but inspiring 'graduation ceremony' to honor the women who have successfully completed all 10 classes. Pride and dignity abound and self-respect is renewed at these uplifting and moving ceremonies.

Our two full-time 'job development specialists' offer ongoing support, encouragement, and motivation. They are able to provide job leads and information about employment opportunities suitable for our residents. Thanks to our generous donors and community partners we are also able to supply our women with clothes appropriate for interviews as well as for the first few weeks on the job.

The Shade Tree Job Development Program is providing powerful leverage for many local women who are making great strides in moving from a life of dependence to creating an independent and stable home life for themselves and for their children.

The Job Development Program also allows The Shade Tree the opportunity to form partnerships with local businesses who might be interested in offering employment to our residents.