Letter to the Community | Transformation | 2010 Annual Report

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Transformation.

We see it happen daily in the lives of our clients. And in 2010, we began transforming our own organization. Our new strategic plan focuses on making long-term impact in the lives of our clients, with a goal to extend support beyond that first entry-level “gateway” job to a career pathway.

2010 was our time for planning, gaining community and financial support and piloting new programs.

All this work set the stage for transformative projects coming in 2011, including:

WorkAdvance: Towards Employment is leading a collaboration of local workforce and economic development organizations awarded a national $5.5 million Social Innovation Fund grant. Focusing on the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, our goal is to serve 1,000 Northeast Ohio residents entering or advancing in the workforce over the next five years.
Keybank Advancement Academy: A new program for graduates of our job readiness workshops who are employed in entry-level “gateway” jobs. The Academy will support career advancement through individual coaching and educational, motivational, and networking opportunities on Saturdays and evenings.

Follow along with us in our 2010 annual report and see what transformation looks like. You’ll find it in the partnerships we formed with employers, in the growth and impact of the Urban YouthWorks program, and in the exciting new life of an ex-offender no longer defined by his past.

We offer a special message of thanks to outgoing Board President Shelly Peet. Over the past twelve years, Shelly’s leadership has helped Towards Employment create lasting change. We are so grateful to our many partners, our donors and our staff for helping us to be agents of transformation.

Sincerely,

Jill RizikaExecutive Director

A Note of Thanks to Shelly Peet

Some people make a lasting mark with the work they do. Shelly Peet is one of those people.

Eleven years ago, in the midst of a busy and successful career as Director of Human Resources at TRW Automotive, Shelly agreed to chair the Towards Employment Human Resources Committee. As she continued to grow in her career, with a move to Nordson Corporation, first as Chief Information Officer and then Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Information Officer, she brought a unique leadership style ― with transformative ideas about rewarding staff, responding to a difficult economy, and managing growth. She came to the table with remarkable energy and tireless support for our mission.

When executive director Walter Ginn announced his retirement, Shelly chaired the executive search committee. She continued to take on increased responsibilities at Towards Employment, as Vice President and finally President of our Board of Directors. Her enthusiastic support for Towards Employment has inspired countless others, and led to almost $200,000 in financial support.

What we will remember most from Shelly’s tenure at Towards Employment is her calm wisdom and thoughtful approach. Thank you, Shelly – you have forever enhanced Towards Employment and the lives of those we serve.

Next: Transformation in Action