ReWork continues to nurture success

Workforce development program helps members on the road to family-sustaining careers

ReWork Richmond, the partnership among St. Stephen’s Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Church Hill, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building, and Challenge Discovery Projects, continues to match program participants—called members—with employers in the Richmond area.

The mission of this workforce development program is to empower underemployed adults living in Richmond’s East End by helping them obtain the skills and support needed to qualify for, and ultimately gain, thriving living wage careers.

Born of the capital campaign that St. Stephen’s conducted as part of its centennial observance, the organization takes a unique, comprehensive approach to employment. ReWork provides support and job sourcing to create lasting career opportunities, as opposed to entry-level jobs. The program is structured to provide an array of personal support and employment referral services tailored to meet the individual goals of each ReWork member.

With financial support from St. Stephen’s, and many invested community partners and individuals, ReWork Richmond is making a difference in the lives of East End adults and families. Members are excited to be a part of ReWork and their progress is visible as they are placed in new employment or enrolled in classes in order to reach their goals. Interest in ReWork is increasing dramatically, and we are enrolling new members each month.

By Deb Lawrence

MEMBER FINDS ROLE IN HEALTH FIELD

One such member is Sheila P. who was recommended to ReWork by one of our partners, Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building. When Sheila came to ReWork she was seeking long-term employment in substance abuse counseling. Sheila had not been able to put her skills and training together to create a sustaining career for herself, and she was moving from job to job, living below the poverty line. The ReWork team has been able to help Sheila explore appropriate employment opportunities that will provide her with upward mobility. As a result of her work, Sheila is now employed with the Virginia Department of Health in a position that includes full benefits and room for growth. Sheila reports that she has never been so happy, knowing that her future is bright.

TRANSPORTATION IS ESSENTIAL TO EMPLOYMENT

Reliable transportation is a major necessity for being successfully employed. ReWork’s “Wheels for Work” initiative helps members secure affordable transportation to travel safely to their

Sheila P. with Ferdie Baruch of the ReWork staff.

work. Donated vehicles make a profound difference to many of our members, supporting their rise out of poverty.

If you have a vehicle you no longer need, please consider donating it to ReWork. We’ll make it easy by helping you determine the vehicle’s value and take care of all the paperwork. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Contact Mark Murphy, markmurphydmm@gmail.com or 203.249.2164.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

We also seek committed volunteers to provide career and financial coaching, to assist with resume writing and interview skills, or to connect us to potential employer partners. To explore how your generosity and skills can help, contact me at deb.lawrence@reworkrichmond.org or 804.869.3704.

Parishioner Deb Lawrence is executive director of ReWork and the former director of outreach for St. Stephen’s Church.

As a result of her work, Sheila is now employed with the Virginia Department of Health in a position that includes full benefits and room for growth. Sheila reports that she has never been so happy, knowing that her future is bright.