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

by Georgia Center for Opportunity | Nov 19, 2024

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.

Op-Ed: Hidden costs of getting a raise for America’s working poor

by Eric Cochling | Oct 2, 2024

Op-Ed: Hidden costs of getting a raise for America’s working poor

As Congress continues to debate the Farm Bill and the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a critical flaw in the U.S. safety net system remains largely unaddressed: benefits cliffs.

Our research, alongside studies from the Atlanta Fed and others, highlights a troubling reality. Many vital safety net programs penalize participants for working and earning “too much” money. These benefits cliffs mean that working poor who receive even a modest raise can suddenly see important benefits like child care, food stamps, and Medicaid dramatically reduced or eliminated entirely.

The loss often far exceeds the raise that triggered it. Compounding the issue, each of these programs is typically administered by different agencies and caseworkers in most states, leaving recipients unable to get a comprehensive view of their financial situation.

Read the full opinion in The Black Chronicle.

Op-Ed: Hidden costs of getting a raise for America’s working poor

by Eric Cochling | Oct 1, 2024

Op-Ed: Hidden costs of getting a raise for America’s working poor

As Congress continues to debate the Farm Bill and the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a critical flaw in the U.S. safety net system remains largely unaddressed: benefits cliffs.

Our research, alongside studies from the Atlanta Fed and others, highlights a troubling reality. Many vital safety net programs penalize participants for working and earning “too much” money. These benefits cliffs mean that working poor who receive even a modest raise can suddenly see important benefits like child care, food stamps, and Medicaid dramatically reduced or eliminated entirely.

Read the full opinion in The Center Square.

Strengthening Partnerships: Valley Hospital & Community Organizations

by Kimberly Sawatka | Sep 26, 2024

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!

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

Free ‘Jobs for Life’ classes underway in the Fountain City

by Kristin Baker | Sep 5, 2024

Free ‘Jobs for Life’ classes underway in the Fountain City

This week, we launched our Jobs for Life program with an inspiring open house, highlighting the life-changing opportunities available to individuals in our community. Through this free program, participants gain critical job skills, build confidence, and set themselves up for long-term success in the workforce.

At Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK Columbus initiative, we believe that investing in people is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. Our partnership with Jobs for Life ensures that individuals not only receive job training but also the support and mentorship needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

In the news coverage from WTVM, you’ll see how this program is already creating a positive ripple effect in our community. From improving local employment rates to fostering a sense of belonging, Jobs for Life is transforming lives—and it’s just the beginning.

Watch the news coverage from WTVM 9 Columbus, GA.