Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

In a recent interview with the Sutherland Institute’s Defending Ideas series, Randy Hicks, President and CEO of the Georgia Center for Opportunity, shared his vision for empowering individuals on the social safety net to achieve greater independence and opportunity.

Hicks emphasized the importance of fostering dignity through work, reducing barriers that trap individuals in poverty, and creating pathways to self-sufficiency. He discussed how programs like Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK initiative connect individuals with job resources, skills training, and community support. Hicks also highlighted the critical role of public policies in addressing challenges like benefits cliffs that can disincentivize employment.

The conversation underscored the need for collaborative efforts to build systems that encourage work, restore hope, and help individuals flourish in their communities.

Watch the full interview to explore innovative solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Graduate puts on ‘another shield of armor’ to build career, and a better life.

As the time for his graduation ceremony approached, Michael Averett joined his classmates in a small classroom. He donned his cap and gown. Just down a short hallway, family and friends waited for the ceremony to commence. When asked for his thoughts, Averett said it was a great feeling. “It just feels like putting on another shield of armor to try to conquer my career,” Averett said.

Averett was one of nine students who graduated Nov. 14 from the Jobs for Life program at Victory Mission in Columbus, Georgia. Another group of students is scheduled to graduate this week from a Jobs for Life program at Spirit Filled Ministries.

Jobs for Life is 10-week class that’s free for participants and designed to help adults overcome barriers to employment, build confidence, and get ready for successful careers. “This night means I’ve achieved another milestone in my life to become a better person,” said graduate Michael Averett. The Georgia Center for Opportunity, as part of the BETTER WORK Columbus initiative, hosts the program, with BETTER WORK serving as the hub for the program in Columbus. They partner with local churches, provide administrative tools, and train leadership to host the classes.

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Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Strengthening Partnerships: Valley Hospital & Community Organizations

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Strengthening Partnerships: Valley Hospital & Community Organizations

Featured in the Valley Hospitality Newsletter

We’re excited to share that on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Bella Marshall from our Human Resources team met with key leaders to solidify partnerships that will enhance our workforce initiatives at Valley Hospitality.

Bella had the pleasure of discussing collaborative opportunities with Margaret Jones, CEO of Jobs for Life, and Kristin Barker, VP of Workforce Solutions at Georgia Center for Opportunity & Better Work Columbus. These organizations play a pivotal role in workforce development and align with our commitment to building a strong and sustainable workforce.

The Better Work program is relational which is essential to our goal of life transformation. One way we do this is through Jobs for Life classes o_ered in partnership with churches and non-profits throughout our community.

This program teaches essential skills, incorporates meaningful relationships, and provides ongoing support to Jobs for Life graduates as they transition into the workforce. After completing the 10-week course, participants are not left to navigate the job market alone; instead, they become part of a supportive community committed to their success.

Graduates receive personalized assistance tailored to their unique needs, including connections to job interviewing opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations.

Valley Hospitality is excited to support these e_orts by helping provide these jobs, further strengthening our community through this meaningful partnership!

Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Free job skills courses offered in Columbus

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Free job skills courses offered in Columbus

Local job seekers in the Columbus area might beef up their resumes with the launch of a new initiative. Free job skills courses started Aug. 5 with an open house at Victory Mission.

“It is so great for people who are ready for change in their lives and they’re willing to do the work they need to do to create that change,” Kristen Baker, vice president of workforce solutions for the Georgia Center for Opportunity, said.

Defending Ideas: How to empower those on the social safety net to pursue work and opportunity

Report: Safety-net programs discourage career advancement

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Report: Safety-net programs discourage career advancement

While safety-net programs such as Medicaid and food stamps support those in need, they “discourage career advancement,” according to new research from the Georgia Center for Opportunity.

 

The group’s “Workforce Engagement: A Missing Link in Understanding Income Inequality” examines the drivers behind perceived “income inequality” and offers what the group described as “actionable policy solutions.”

 

The group also suggested offering work incentives for part-time workers to help them move into full-time roles and increase access to vocational training and educational resources.

 

“The number of hours worked plays a crucial role in driving upward mobility for households in the bottom quintile,” Jason Gaby, a research fellow at GCO and author of the report, said in a release. “By increasing their working hours and transitioning to full-time employment, these individuals can significantly improve their financial standing,” Gaby added. “We can create an environment where more people can achieve financial stability and independence.”

 

 

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