Good jobs for our communities
New York City workers are struggling. According to recent reports, the city is unlikely to recover the one million jobs lost during the pandemic until 2024 or 2025. At times like these, many New Yorkers turn to their community-based organizations for help. Thanks to the City Council's funding for the Jobs to Build On, Worker Service Centers, and Immigrant Protection Group programs, neighborhood organizations are able to provide job training and placement services to help New Yorkers succeed in their career dreams. Here are a few of the workers who have good jobs thanks to City Council programs.
Pathways to union jobs for NYC residents
Tihuan Simpson knew that minimum wage and unsteady work was not the future he wanted. He wanted to be a union carpenter and get better wages, benefits, and training.
Through BuildingWorks, he got the opportunity to become an apprentice and by his 2nd year, was earning a high wage plus benefits and overtime.
Looking back on the training, he says, “I learned how important and valuable team work is and to stay calm and focused while working. The more focused I am on the job, the better my work is. When I first started, I wasn’t just looking for work, I was hoping to always be learning and improving my skills. This program was life changing for me. I look forward to a 35-year commitment in this career and I will give it 100%.”
Renewing self-esteem and training for success
Lashawn Edwards came to STRIVE looking for help getting a job, but came away with a new confidence in herself that empowered her within and outside the workplace. Edwards grew up with an abusive parent and later experienced domestic violence in her marriage. When she found STRIVE, she was living in transitional housing. She wanted to work so she could move into an apartment with her three young sons and take control of her life.
After completing the STRIVE program, she climbed the career ladder before becoming a program coordinator at the New York City Department of Investigation. She schedules trainings for peace officers and tracks expiring licenses.
With her new career and renewed self-esteem, Edwards has moved out of transitional housing and is looking forward to the future. As a survivor of domestic violence, Edwards says that STRIVE helped her gain the confidence that she needed to succeed in the workplace, and in life. “They give you the encouragement that you need,” she says. “People have to break away from low self-esteem and fear. This program gives them the motivation they need to push forward.”
A Good Job for a New Mother
Many New Yorkers have been in Chovair Graham’s position. She had once had a good job, but now found herself unemployed and newly a mother. She knew she needed a job.
Graham discovered SoBRO at a job fair and instantly felt supported. “I didn’t get any discouragement. They said ‘that’s attainable, let’s see what we can do to get you to that point.’”
At SoBRO, she received the Customer Service and Sales Certification as well as assistance getting work attire, resume support, and interview preparation. Most importantly, they helped her understand how to negotiate on behalf of herself. “I knew I wanted a certain salary, but didn’t know how to demand it.
Graham is now working with disabled New Yorkers, assisting them with employment opportunities. She feels a sense a freedom from the financial burdens of unemployment and believes she is setting a positive example for her son. Not a week or two goes by without a call from SoBRO, checking in on her progress and offering support.