STRIVE named inaugural grantee for new Ares Charitable Foundation to advance equity through economic opportunities for women
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STRIVE is the proud recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Ares Charitable Foundation. The grant will support STRIVE’s flagship Career Path program for women in New York and Atlanta as part of its Women’s Empowerment Initiative, including the enhanced coaching of STRIVE alumni.
Career Path specializes in targeted occupational training for entry-level careers in Healthcare & Office Operations, Construction, Transportation and Logistics, among other in-demand, employer-driven industries that offer life-changing economic trajectories for individuals and their communities.
“We award grants to deserving organizations that help ensure equitable access to the knowledge, resources and opportunities that people need to reach their full potential,” says Michelle Armstrong, Executive Director of the Ares Foundation. “Without question, STRIVE’s industry-driven career preparation, mentoring and lifetime upskilling services for alumnae reflect that vision.”
The grant will support STRIVE’s Women’s Empowerment Initiative that aids unemployed and under employed women living below the poverty line to train for good jobs and access upward mobility.
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STRIVE Birmingham launches in the Magic City |
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From left to right: STRIVE Birmingham Program Director Archie Stewart; Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin; STRIVE Birmingham Executive Director Quiwintre Frye and STRIVE Board Co-Chair & Alum Roy Castro at the STRIVE Birmingham Partner Reception |
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Last month STRIVE Birmingham held a joyous reception for early local partners and investors to gather in celebration of our grand opening in the Magic City this June.
What an incredible turnout! We welcomed supporters, community organizers, partner organizations, advisory board members and friends of STRIVE who came to share their excitement and spread the word that STRIVE has come to Birmingham. We are grateful for the continued partnership of our early supporters, including Alabama Power Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Daniel Foundation of Alabama, the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, Protective Life Foundation, the City of Birmingham and especially to Mayor Randall Woodfin for his passionate championing of STRIVE.
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“STRIVE Birmingham is a game changer. An intentional design of opportunity that provides a path for people. For this I am grateful. This effort will change lives in Birmingham.” - Mayor Randall Woodfin |
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STRIVE Birmingham will launch its first cohort with STRIVE's signature Career Path program. Given the high industry demand of the region, this pilot program will offer an on-ramp to careers in healthcare and office operations. STRIVE will be a key partner in the Birmingham Region Health Partnership, supported by the Good Jobs Challenge.
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April is Second Chance Month; a time to reaffirm the importance of providing returning citizens the resources and supports needed to reenter society successfully. A key component of this process is access to quality employment with pathways to strong careers.
STRIVE New York joined over 20 community partners and 40 employers for the Brooklyn Job Fair at Barclays Center hosted by REFORM Alliance and BSE Global. Over 2,200 job seekers flocked to the arena to learn about job opportunities, workshop their resume and interview skills and receive crucial wellness resources.
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STRIVE New York Executive Director Ayesha George and staff at the latest Brooklyn Job Fair at Barclays. |
“Job fairs are essential for communities and individuals fighting multiple barriers to economic mobility--especially returning citizens,” says STRIVE New York Executive Director Ayesha George. “44% of STRIVE students come to us bearing a justice impacted background, and we are committed to providing best-in-class training and support referrals for our reentry students. Because everyone deserves a second chance."
STRIVE's Fresh Start program is tailored to address the complex needs of returning citizens as they navigate multiple barriers to quality employment. Through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, students are prepared to reenter the workforce equipped with individualized case management, occupational training and credentialing, and lifetime wellness support from STRIVE. Fresh Start is made possible thanks in part to Gotham Gives and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
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Leveling up with digital skills in Atlanta |
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STRIVE Atlanta Executive Director Jomal Vailes (6th from right) with Accelerate Atlanta partners. |
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STRIVE Atlanta is proud to be part of the inaugural launch of Accelerate Atlanta, a training initiative designed to provide essential digital skills for individuals looking to level up in their career development. The first cohort of the Accelerate Atlanta Experiential Lab has just graduated the program, having gained immersive, hands-on experience in the M365 Suite and a personal laptop sponsored by Inspiredu Atlanta.
“The feedback from STRIVE Atlanta alumni who took part in this life-changing initiative is outstanding," says STRIVE Atlanta Executive Director Jomal Vailes. "I'm honored to be working with this phenomenal coalition and I'm excited to witness the impact that this program will have for community members across Atlanta."
The Accelerate Atlanta Coalition, convened with support from Microsoft Philanthropies, consists of STRIVE Atlanta, Atlanta Technical College, The City of Refuge, Techbridge, NPursuitCareers, TAG-Ed, Westside Works and InspireEdu. It was developed to innovate and pilot new approaches to deepen understanding of need and improve job placement outcomes of digital skills programs through ongoing partnership with leading workforce developers and thought leaders committed to moving Atlanta forward. Future iterations of the program will focus on leveling up with additional digital skills, such as software development and cybersecurity, creating stronger pathways for a more inclusive talent pipeline.
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Building Futures in New Orleans |
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Jacob was referred to STRIVE Future Leaders @ Café Reconcile in New Orleans by a local community partner organization who knew the program could help Jacob gain access to the culinary work experience he was looking for while helping him shape his personal goals.
As Jacob moved through crucial hands-on experiential learning and training for the hospitality industry, he developed a stronger understanding and vision for where he wanted his career path to go and how he wanted to get there.
Since graduating, Jacob has secured full-time employment working alongside renowned culinary professionals at Rosedale Restaurant and is quickly advancing by applying the life skills and personal development tools he learned through the STRIVE Future Leader Program @ Cafe Reconcile.
“This program will help you prepare for your future,” says Jacob. “If you take it seriously you can build a legacy for your family and benefit your community.”
STRIVE Future Leaders, our program for justice-impacted young adults ages 18-24, is made possible thanks to generous funding from the US Department of Labor. Read more STRIVE Future Leader graduate success stories on the DOL Blog.
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Celebrate the Power of STRIVE Women |
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Honoring 25 Years with STRIVE |
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STRIVE President & CEO Phil Weinberg with STRIVE New York Senior Employment Specialist Ms. Virginia Barr and STRIVE New York Executive Director Ayesha George |
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Last week at STRIVE Headquarters in East Harlem our National and New York teams gathered to honor STRIVE New York Senior Employment Specialist Ms. Virginia Barr who is celebrating her 25th year of service with STRIVE.
"When I was going through hard times myself, working at STRIVE made me want to keep showing up for others," says Ms. Barr. "I don’t honestly know how many I have helped. But even if it’s just one person, it’s worth it.”
STRIVE currently has three employees who have served on staff for over 20 years.
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Join the STRIVE Young Professionals Network |
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The STRIVE Young Professionals Network is an engaged community of supporters dedicated to facilitating greater awareness about STRIVE and our commitment to ending systemic generational poverty through equitable access to career opportunities.
As you navigate the challenges and wins of your own professional journey, be a part of our philanthropic network and invest in the upward mobility of STRIVE graduates as they embark on their own career paths towards economic empowerment.
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STRIVE is proud to be a featured grantee as part of Hearst Gives Back Volunteer Week. Through engagement with STRIVE students, including provision of professional clothing and interview preparation, Hearst is helping STRIVE students gain access to career opportunities and economic empowerment.
If you are in Manhattan this week, stop by to view STRIVE in the video display (above) featured in the windows of the Hearst Building on the corner of 57th and 8th streets.
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We want to hear from you! |
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