Network organization aids in workforce development
Melvin had been bouncing between temporary jobs when he discovered Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council (CSCDC), a NeighborWorks network organization in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He had heard about CSCDC’s Transitioning Out of Poverty Services Program, also known as TOPS, from Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and his goal was the same as TOPS’ goal: self-sufficiency. He wanted to find a job that could land him in his own apartment, instead of one with multiple roommates. He wanted financial stability.
He had thought about driving a truck, but didn’t have the required commercial driver’s license – or the money for the training he’d need to get one. “The TOPS program helped me finance my classes and gain some financial stability and security,” he says, adding that now he has more confidence. “I have my CDL and I’m driving for a company I love. And my finances are looking upward.”
Financial stability is a focus of many organizations in the NeighborWorks network: 144 network organizations report that they provide Financial Capability Services. Meanwhile, 76 organizations provide Workforce Development Services. Those services may focus on job placement and/or retention services, job training, referral services and more.
That focus is year-round, of course, but it’s in the spotlight during April with National Financial Literacy Month, a time to heighten financial literacy awareness and resources.
In addition to workforce development, CSCDC offers housing counseling and budgeting, credit review and repair education, and free guidance through the repair process with the goal of homeownership. The organization wants to grow its TOPS program, which currently meets with six to 10 individuals with low incomes for six months at a time. Dana Crawford, manager of Family Services, is the program counselor, meeting with clients weekly and working with them to plan a budget and discuss goals. She introduces clients to money management workshops, resume writing and job skills training, which includes practice interviews.
Referrals often come from other divisions of CSDC – when someone comes in for help with an electric bill, for instance – and from adult education classes and local training schools. Crawford counseled Melvin when he came in two years ago, and they still keep in touch today. Melvin even appeared in a commercial for the program.
In addition to obtaining commercial driver’s licenses, TOPS graduates have gone on to get training and pursue work in phlebotomy and as medical assistants; they’ve been certified in welding and as yoga instructors. “As long as it’s accredited, we try to keep an open mind,” Crawford says.
Her clients have families with a history of financial struggles, she says. “It’s a cycle that’s hard to get out of unless you have some sort of support. That’s what the program provides. It’s a long-term solution. We are here to help them break out of the cycle.”
Adds Melvin, “TOPS is a great program for anyone who’s looking to start a new career and just needs a little push to help you get to what you’re trying to achieve.”
