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.
The Job Development and Life Skills Programs wish list for 2009
is below. To donate one of these items,
please call (702) 439-2855
-
Voice
amplification system
-
12 Computer
systems
-
12 Flat
screen monitors
-
Copier
-
2 6'
Folding tables
-
Life
skills, job readiness and job retention DVD's
-
250 Pocket
folders
-
250 2009
Pocket calendars
-
A lockable
bulletin board (3X5 or larger)
-
Audio-visual
equipment
Last year 126 women obtained
jobs through
The Shade Tree Job Development Program.