We believe in a dynamic world of work where all people - regardless of race, justice system involvement, or where they live - have an opportunity to thrive.
We champion the potential of every person to succeed in a rewarding career and work to strengthen policies that provide pathways to opportunity for all workers.
We do this by providing skill development for in demand jobs, comprehensive support, extended career coaching, direct connections to employers, and advocating for workforce investments that promote quality skills training, strengthened career navigation and second chance hiring practices.
Upcoming
Events
& TE@50 Calendar
TE@50 Kickoff: All TE newsletters (Alumni, Policy, Volunteer and General Public) announce yearlong
events celebrating Towards Employment AT 50! Supported by board and TE@50 Leadership Council.
Book of the Year Launch: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
Sets the tone for a year of reflection and action with a guest writers from across the workforce ecosystem.
Work & Reentry Experience: A powerful live performance featuring TE alumni and acclaimed jazz artist Dominick Farinacci, presented in partnership with the Cleveland Public Library’s Black History Month series.
Honoring TE Wins over last two decades: Embedded holistic supports, elevated alumni voice, achieved
record job placements, strengthened industry partnerships, secured long-term financial stability, and
emerged as a national leader through the evidence-based WorkAdvance model.
National Reentry Month: Supporting Office of Reentry in organizing events that celebrate the people and programs that provide second chance employment opportunities for Clevelanders. Activities in the TE Building (1301 St. Clair Avenue) Reentry Simulation, Tax Deadline Clinic, Paycheck to Progress Bank
Volunteering Pilot, April Ready/May Success Alumni Career Fair.
Learn more about Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry's Reentry Awareness Month here!
Celebrating 2 CLE organizations turning 50: TE Goes to the movies at the Cleveland International Film
Festival. Alumni and Modern Warrior partners join BEYOND film makers to celebrate the power of stories.
Learn more about the film BEYOND on CIFF's website here!
Generation Work Report Release: Documenting a 10-year collaboration to improve employment outcomes for young adults, particularly young adults of color in partnership with young workers.
Sharing TE Stories: Generation Work Report; NEO Employer Resource Network (ERN) Growth; Paycheck to Progress - Career Connects Volunteer Financial Workshop.
Alumni & Employer City Clean-Up Day: TE teams up with local employer, policy and community partners to beautify parks and public spaces around St. Clair Superior Neighborhood.
Celebrating Alumni & Building Social Capital: TE staff and board launch new tradition of connecting graduates to community contacts, networks, and resources that support long-term career success. First gathering focuses on entrepreneurship - helping alumni explore how business owners build relationships.
Alumni & Community Block Party: TE joins St. Clair Superior ArtFest for Food, music, dancing, stories, and celebrating art, culture and community - 50 years of connections, changing lives and building futures.
TE@50 Breakfast Series Kickoff: An annual conversation series that brings together alumni, employers, policymakers, volunteers, and community partners over breakfast to explore innovative approaches to building skills, promoting second-chance hiring, and understanding the “Future of Work.”
“Dignity of Work” Podcast Premiere: A real-time take storytelling podcast featuring TE alumni and staff
reflecting on the meaning of work and perseverance.
50th Anniversary Gala: A signature event on Friday October 2nd featuring the premiere of “50 Years of TE”, an original documentary capturing our history, impact, and future.
Work & Reentry Experience: A powerful live performance featuring TE alumni and acclaimed jazz artist Dominick Farinacci, presented in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College.
Alumni Holiday Bash: A joyful celebration of giving and receiving for TE alumni and families, closing out a year of legacy, love, and lasting change.
How to Support & Sponsor
Donate & Volunteer
Whether it's monetary or the gift of time spent at TE, we are grateful for all forms of donations that support Clevelanders. Discover the many ways to make a difference in the lives of those in your community - consider donating or volunteering today!
Stay in Touch!
Support us by following us and spreading the word! We know not everyone can make it to every event, but by following our social media you can help expand our reach to serve more Clevelanders. Use the buttons below to follow us on various platforms:
Sponsor TE's 50th Gala
For 50 years, Towards Employment (TE) has helped Clevelanders build pathways out of poverty through the power of work — connecting thousands of people to careers and advancement opportunities, while strengthening our region’s workforce. In 2026, we celebrate this legacy — with events and opportunities to power the next 50 years of impact.
