708 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Job Readiness Program
The mission of Cincinnati Works is to partner with all willing and capable people living in poverty to assist them in advancing to economic self-sufficiency through employment. The Job Readiness program includes a 2-day intensive workshop called JumpStart and one-on-one coaching. Participants learn to interview effectively, answer difficult questions about work history or background, present themselves to potential employers, and navigate various workplace situations. With their coaches, they create individual long-term career plans. When they find a job, Cincinnati Works celebrates with them in a bell-ringing ceremony!
In 2020, much of the training and coaching was moved to remote and virtual options due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coaches remained very busy supporting clients with job retention, finding new interim or permanent work, and navigating benefits and barriers. JumpStart was paused for a few months while retooling for the virtual format. Still, 79 completed training with 57% employed within 6 months; 118 continuing clients also found employment; 90 achieved earnings above poverty, with 53 of those reaching self-sufficiency (at least 200% of Federal Poverty Guideline); and 54% reached 12-months job retention. These accomplishments represent milestones on a path out of poverty for clients and their children!
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