Supporting Workforce Development

As we aspire to be a community with an inclusive economy where all people thrive, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights hurdles inhibiting that progress. Though the virus affects finances for many businesses and individuals, people of color and women bear disproportionally negative consequences. These financial and career losses will likely widen wealth and career gaps. Our local nonprofit partners have been working and innovating on how to support those most impacted by the economic downturn.

Last April, Start Garden shifted their model from launching 10 new businesses to supporting 68 existing businesses through their Comeback Fund. These new businesses did not qualify for federal, state or local grants because they were still in the incubation phase. Rende Progress Capital, another nonprofit partner, launched the RACE4Progress fund to reduce lopsided impacts on businesses owned by people of color. “This loan fund is changing lives and helped people in need both with sustainability and opportunities that they have been excluded from in other relief programs,” says Eric K. Foster, RPC cofounder.

THE WORK CONTINUES

A year later, nonprofits still find new ways to serve clients and mitigate economic consequences. Women’s Resource Center’s mission to improve women’s workplace and economic opportunities has been especially critical because of the pandemic’s uneven impact on women in the workforce. This impact results both from the economic downturn and the burden on working mothers as schools went virtual and childcare options declined. “The World Trade Organization has said that internationally, nationally, locally, this is probably rolling back decades worth of gains by women in the workforce,” says Michelle Bryk, Women’s Resource Center, program director.

WRC notes that Black women face even more barriers, because COVID-19 disproportionately hurts Black communities. Also, repeated instances of highly publicized racial violence takes an emotional toll. These factors force one in four women to consider downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce.

This is a critical moment for corporate America. Companies risk losing women in leadership and future female leaders. They risk unwinding years of painstaking progress toward gender diversity.

Sandra Gaddy, Women's Resource Center CEO

All these factors increase demand for WRC services. They are looking for ways to expand their services and remove barriers to accessing them, while continuing to serve over 600 women in our community annually. They walk alongside women finding paths to financial assistance. Women like Wynnielle who pursued education, a job change and skills training through pandemic shutdown, with the support of a WRC coach. Wynnielle joined the New Beginnings program, which helps women thrive after incarceration, and quickly found a path to gain a certificate in welding. Her perseverance resulted in a full-time job offer from a local metal manufacturer. “She’s an amazing woman and an amazing mother,” says Julie Harper-Shears, her WRC career coach. “Even when tough things happened, she had that drive and said, ‘I’m going to succeed,’ and she did!”

Wynnielle with her welding certificate from Grand Rapids Community College

photo courtesy of Women's Resource Center

Many WRC participants during this past year have needed help with housing, mental health and food support. WRC also offers mentoring services, resume-writing support, career planning, job search resources, skills-building classes and a professional clothing closet. While WRC works to help women restart as quickly as possible, whether they are under- or unemployed, they know that they cannot do it alone.

We’re also hoping to work with employers to educate where there are blind spots. We remind them that a mom who doesn’t have daycare at night is not going to take your third shift job, because where would her children go? We need to ask, as a community, how to help people get back up and back into the workforce.

Michelle Bryk, Women's Resource Center program director

MULTIPLE APPROACHES

West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology is another Community Foundation partner that has been adapting services to provide access to opportunity for those who are under- and unemployed. WMCAT programming empowers students to shape and strengthen their own pathways to career, income security, college and academic success. “The pandemic was disruptive for many of us, but the resiliency our students demonstrated this spring was incredible. As they completed the program while working and caring for families, we saw firsthand what it looked like to persevere during one of the more difficult moments we’ve faced,” said Jamon Alexander, WMCAT director of workforce development.

Jolie, during a clinic simulation at WMCAT

photo courtesy of WMCAT

Jolie is one of these students. She was hired at a Meijer pharmacy after completing her coursework and passing her certification exam early in the pandemic. A wife, mother, refugee and WMCAT graduate, Jolie is on the path to economic security for her family. “This program makes me stronger,” she shared.

A PATH FORWARD

Our nonprofit and community leaders intentionally demonstrate how our recovery can ensure economic prosperity for everyone who calls West Michigan home. They show us ways to renew an inclusive workforce through adaptable, intentional supports for those who need it most. They are reminding us that no one can do it alone, but, by working together, we can make a great difference in our community.