BRINGING THE DIGNITY OF WORK TO EVERY ABLE AND WILLING INDIVIDUAL
WORK
EMAIL UPDATES
COMING OUT OF PRISON, KEVIN WAS LOOKING FOR MORE THAN A JOB
With roadblocks at every crossroad, Kevin was simply looking for someone to give him a chance. His story is an inspirational reminder of how important work is to our self-worth.
Are Work Requirements Good or Bad?
The discussion around work requirements is important because it challenges us to ask, “What is the purpose of our safety net system?”
Navigating the current economic crisis: A guide to surviving the job market
Key Points As of March 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nationwide unemployment rate of 3.5%. Well-known companies are conducting large-scale layoffs—in some cases, laying off tens of thousands of employees. The BETTER WORK program can help you take...
Georgia is poised to expand workforce opportunity
Key Points Georgia General Assembly, lawmakers unanimously approved House Bill 155, which creates a pathway for thousands of Georgians who might face roadblocks to getting an occupational license to smooth the path for doing so, provided they held a license One in...
BETTER WORK
TRUTH GRAF FOUND HER VOICE AND BECAME A CHAMPION FOR PRISON REFORM
PROGRAMS
BETTER WORK
Bringing local non-profits and businesses together to provide work for our communities.
BENEFITS CLIFFS
A website for identifying unintended consequences of policy that traps people in dependencies.
ALLIANCE FOR OPPORTUNITY
A multi-state coalition designed to create policy that empowers low-income citizens to move above government dependency and find true opportunity.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARKETING YOURSELF: GET YOUR DREAM JOB
COLUMBUS, GA | Free Online and In-Person Training
The training includes discovering what employers care about, mastering interviews, showing your strengths, and dressing for success.
THE CHANGING COVID WORKFORCE
COLUMBUS, GA | Business Training Sessions
Watch discussions featuring leaders from the Columbus-area sharing expertise on how to adapt to the changing work environment during and after the pandemic.
POLICY
IMPACT OF NONWORK
Studies and data showing the impact nonwork has on individuals and communities outside.
STATE PANDEMIC RESPONSE
State-by-state data on the jobless impact of state responses to the pandemic.
PRISONER RE-ENTRY
Resources for returning citizens to help bring opportunity and hope.
HIRING EX-OFFENDERS
How and why businesses can institute second chance programs in their community.
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE
The opportunity for abuse and the lack of accountability is resulting in a system of corruption.
PAID FAMILY LEAVE
How businesses can support and foster strong families through workplace initiatives.
ADDITIONAL POLICY
INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY
Exploring ways to break the cycle of poverty passed from generation-to-generation.
POLICY HANDBOOK
A handbook on the public policies that will lead to a thriving Georgia.
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIPS
Offering opportunities that will jump start opportunity for youth in our communities.
SAFETY NET REFORMS
Addressing safety net policies so that we meet needs while removing obstacles that trap people without helping people.
Cooperation Needed to Solve Welfare Cliff Problem
Confirmed. Welfare Cliffs Pervasive in 8 Southeast States
A review of the welfare cliffs that exist in the southeast of the United States and how legislatures can identify where cliffs exist in their state.
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP IN GEORGIA
Dr. Lerman’s most recent report, focuses on Georgia’s Youth Apprenticeship program, created in the mid 1990s with fewer than 400 student participants. Today, the program has grown to more than 3,000 students in nearly 350 schools across the state.
SYSTEMIC WELFARE IN GEORGIA: PART 1 THE CASE FOR REFORM
Part 1 of 3 in a report on systemic welfare. This report demonstrates how the current system does not meet these assumptions and points to the need for reform.
SYSTEMIC WELFARE IN GEORGIA: PART 2 PRINCIPLES AND FRAMEWORK FOR REFORM
Part 2 of 3 in a report on systemic welfare. In this report we explore the new system as we imagine it could be, give guiding principles, provide a general framework for how the reformed system can function, and establish preliminary steps needed to implement the vision.
SYSTEMIC WELFARE IN GEORGIA: PART 3 HOW THE NEW SYSTEM WILL WORK
Part 3 of 3 in a report on systemic welfare. In the final report we present a structure Georgia’s governor and executive agencies could adopt to effectively and in relatively short order implement a reformed system.
OUR PARTNERS
OUR WORK STAFF
Eric Cochling
Chief Program Officer
Kristin Barker
BETTER WORK Columbus Program Manager
Jace Brooks
Director of BETTER WORK Gwinnett
Luisa Beeco
BETTER WORK Gwinnett Program Manager
Amber Gorman
Program Specialist BETTER WORK Columbus
Erik Randolph
Director Of Research
Kelsey Underwood
Agile Product Manager
