Cincinnati Works: A Leading Force in Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in the Community

CINCINNATI - April 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Nearly 200 guests from various facets of the community gathered for Cincinnati Works Day and learned about the nonprofit’s role in the economic development and urban renewal of Greater Cincinnati. By imparting soft skills to job seekers, connecting them with employers, and providing ongoing support to increase employee retention, Cincinnati Works is helping provide the necessary workforce to maintain Greater Cincinnati’s economic and social growth. The event took place at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati and featured a line of prominent speakers, including Mayor John Cranley and Children’s Hospital CEO Michael Fisher.

“When we successfully assist a Member in finding gainful employment, it is life changing for both that individual and those in his or her life. That individual is able to build self-esteem and restore confidence. A new role model and new opportunities are created. The result is a more secure family, leading to a stronger community,” said President of Cincinnati Works Peggy Zink. “We are honored to partner with a life-saving organization like Cincinnati Children’s and appreciate Mayor Cranley’s unwavering support.”

Mayor Cranley said, “Cincinnati is experiencing a renaissance that’s bringing new investment and people to our city. But we cannot lose sight of the people here who are living in poverty and not benefitting from this new urbanism. We cannot just assume the money will trickle down; we must provide real and meaningful opportunity for all. That’s why the efforts of Cincinnati Works and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center are so important. They’re helping make sure this vision becomes a reality.”

Fisher spoke about the ongoing partnership between Cincinnati Works and Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “We’re both looking to strengthen families as a result of the work we do. Cincinnati Works matters to the individuals who come through the program and find a job, but it also matters to organizations, like Cincinnati Children’s, who have jobs to fill. At Cincinnati Children’s we have a set of core values, one of which is to ‘Make a Difference.’ We ask our employees to go above and beyond in the service to others and to Cincinnati Children’s. Fisher continued, “By collaborating with Cincinnati Works, we are getting better-prepared, better qualified workers who know what it takes to make a difference.”

A moving firsthand address by CW Member and CCHMC employee Harold D’Souza outlined the direct and enduring impact that Cincinnati Works has made on his family in overcoming labor trafficking and the many difficult challenges, including poverty, associated with this issue.

“Cincinnati Works helped me gain a job at Cincinnati Children’s. Once employed, they began helping me with financial planning for my new income. In 2011, we became proud owners of a house. Cincinnati Works educated and invited my family to attend financial seminars, legal assistance, advancement services, and regular counselling. After 133 months of our glorious journey in America, our entire family received permanent residency cards: our ultimate freedom of life. I was saved,” said D’Souza.

“Nearly half of the employers we partner with are within the City of Cincinnati; however, we also depend largely on centers of commerce in Northern Kentucky and the Blue Ash/Sharonville area,” said Cincinnati Works Chairman Dave Herche. “On behalf of all of us at Cincinnati Works, we want to thank all of our investors and partners for believing in our work and in our Members.”

As a workforce development agency for the region, Cincinnati Works has helped residents overcome the effects of the Great Recession and capitalize on the opportunities most present in the area. The organization’s reach has expanded to now benefit businesses throughout the tri-state with a dynamic workforce.

About Cincinnati Works

Founded in 1996 by Dave and Liane Phillips, Cincinnati Works has helped thousands of job seekers below the federal poverty guidelines find employment and work toward economic self-sufficiency. Using a holistic approach, the organization offers its Members lifetime access to Employer Partners while providing them with comprehensive support services including one-one-one employment coaching, legal advocacy, transportation assistance and guidance in financial literacy.

Cincinnati Works provides the community a previously untapped source of entry- and mid-level workers, decreased need of public resources, and solution-focused strategy to eliminate poverty in the region – leading to the reduction in poverty-related problems including crime, poor health, and a lack of education. Employer Partners include Children's Hospital Medical Center, The Christ Hospital, Fifth Third Bank, Aegis Protective Services, 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, Down Decor, Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati and more.

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