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

by Kimberly Sawatka | Nov 19, 2024

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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.

Watch the full interview

STRENTHENING PARTNERSHIPS: VALLEY HOSPITALITY & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

by Kimberly Sawatka | Sep 26, 2024

STRENTHENING PARTNERSHIPS: VALLEY HOSPITALITY & 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!

Free job skills courses offered in Columbus

by Kimberly Sawatka | Sep 5, 2024

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.

Read the full article here

Removing work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jul 9, 2024

Removing work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy

Policymakers at the national level looking for ways to strengthen economic opportunity too often fixate solely on expanding government programs. Instead, they should embrace a simple goal: eliminating barriers faced by people striving to improve their situation. Removing work disincentives in the social safety net is the best place to start.

A clear example of this kind of disincentive is the benefits cliff: a circumstance in which a raise or a new job can trigger a disproportionately large reduction in safety net benefits, making the household worse off.

Aside from the shock to household stability, such experiences can create the impression that accepting work opportunities — such as a job offer, a raise, or working more hours — is not actually worthwhile for a family.

According to the Georgia Center for Opportunity’s benefits cliffs calculator tool, a Utah single mother of two could typically start to see these “cliffs” between $25,000 and $35,000 in annual earnings, or about $12 to $16 per hour.

To read the full article in the Washington Examiner click here.

Opinion: Governor’s signature on school choice bill is good first step

by Kimberly Sawatka | Apr 24, 2024

Opinion: Governor’s signature on school choice bill is good first step

Education is one of the most powerful ways that kids connect with positive role models, ideas and skills that enable them to imagine and pursue meaningful, prosperous futures.

At the same time, these futures are evolving — and fast. Modern technology, new industries and new skills required for work mean that Georgia can no longer skate by having only 34% of fourth graders showing proficiency in math and 32% in reading on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Read the full article here