In tough economic times such as these, developing workers’ skills and providing them with job opportunities. While unemployment rises, the Chavez Center is actually creating jobs for the community. In fulfilling a vision of a better future for its community, the Chavez Center offers many job development opportunities in 3 main program areas.
- Day Labor and Civic Integration
- Technology
- Cooperative Development
- Career Development
Not only to these services increase the employability of members, but they also increase the members’ ability to contribute to the larger community. With more self-confidence and the appropriate career skills gained from our programs, members can pursue long-term employment.
Day Labor and Civic Integration
The day labor program at the Chavez Center opens up the doors to short-term employment for its members. Although these jobs often just last a day or two, they provide the vital income for families to make ends meet and supplement their financial security. The members of program offer many specialized skills, and are hired out at fair wages. Aside from short-term work, the day labor program also offers workshops and classes for members to develop more skills, which will enable them to find steadier work. The areas of development include civic integration, English language, vocational skills, and leadership team opportunities.
Technology
Through the technology program at the Chavez Center, community members can enroll in classes that teach them the basics of computer and software use. Not only does this endeavor close the digital divide that exists in under-resourced communities, but it also qualifies graduates of these classes for a plethora of jobs in our technology-based world. Through a partnership with the STRIDE Center, the Chavez Center was able to offer another component to its technology program: a rigorous computer repair class.
Cooperative Development
Not only does the Chavez Center develop skills to improve members’ employability, but it also creates job positions through its cooperative development program. Last year, the Center developed and launched an eco-friendly house cleaning cooperative run by its workers. Currently, an eco-friendly landscaping cooperative is in the training stages, and will be launched later this year. So look forward to that new exciting business!
Career Development
The Career Development Program was implemented to assist job seekers in the Monument community as a means to empower them as they navigate the current job market. In these difficult economic times our program will provide specific case management assistance: one-on-one counseling, job seeking, interviewing skills, resume writing, personal and professional coaching to name a few. Our program also provides clients with the tools and resources to find employment, enhance workplace skills, build self-esteem and guidance as they reach the next level in their professional career endeavors.