Toward Employment's Vision

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.

Our 2024 Impact

2,183 People

Served in varying points of their multi-year career pathway.

330 People

Accessed credentialed training or paid on-the-job training.

561 People

Placed into employment, 249 with justice involvement.

$17.10/hr

Average starting wage for TE participants, $6.65 above OH minimum wage.

77% Retention

average job retention at 90 days, when employees are most susceptible to job loss.

160 Advanced

on the job with an average wage increase of over $3/hr.

$20.28/hr

Average advanced wage.

2,733 Supportive Services

received, including legal assistance.

History & Awards

Social Determinants of Work

ronnie2
Data tells us that our criminal justice, health care, education, housing, and workforce systems do not produce similar outcomes across all communities. Yet, data also shows that successfully navigating these systems allows job seekers to demonstrate strong “social determinants of work” – the non-work-related elements that impact a person’s ability to take advantage of job opportunities.
This knowledge strengthens our commitment to make sure that all job seekers are provided robust wrap-around supports, longer-term coaching, and legal services embedded in workforce programming. We are also committed to deepening employer engagement around more expansive hiring and retention practices, and investing in leadership training for alumni.

Towards Employment works with partners to provide individualized access to supportive services and other resources to Cuyahoga residents. Together, we work to address barriers of the social determinants of work.

The Social Determinants of Work

Job Flexibility

Healthcare

Childcare

Transportation

Sustained Education

Home & Community Health

Broadband Access

Access to Justice

WorkAdvance:
Our Career Pathway Model

Worker-Focused

Right job at the right time at the right place with seamless and comprehensive supports in place.

Employer-Focused

Deep understanding of employer needs that is responsive to hiring needs.

Advancement-Focused

From the beginning of engagement, an employment plan focused on growing a career, not just a job.

workadvanceicon1

Connect job seekers to high demand sectors that offer quality jobs with strong career pathways.

The program's model takes a dual customer approach to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers.

Intake and Screening

Ensure that they can benefit from training and can meet sector requirements.

First Step: Stability

Career Readiness

Help them understand the needs of their chosen sector and develop "soft skills".

Upskilling: Technical or paid on the job training

Provide training that leads to industry-recognized credentials for in-demand jobs.

Job Development & Placement

Facilitate entry into jobs for which they have been trained.

Retention & Advancement

Support performance and career mobility after initial job placement.

Alumni: Social Capital

workadvanceicon2

Learn More About Our Programs

Mariana_Edelman_Photography_Corporate_Access_Talan_Products_220-edited copy cropped

Real people, real stories.

LaToria Davis

LaToria Davis

LaToria Davis

"Everybody has a story to tell."

Richard Jackson

Richard Jackson

Richard Jackson

"I feel like without Towards Employment I would not be on the path that I’m on. I love my job."

Linda Butts

Linda Butts

Linda Butts

"I am living proof that you can come from nothing and be something."

Tiara Colbert

Tiara Colbert

Tiara Colbert

"Towards Employment helps to build confidence. They help remind people they’re not alone, that this is a process."

Suppporting Funders

Bank of America
Bruening Foundation
Callahan Foundation
Citizens Bank
Cleveland Votes
Enbridge Charitable Foundation
Fairmount Presbyterian Church

Fifth Third Bank
Flagstar Foundation
Fowler Family Foundation
Huntington Bank
Lozick Family Foundation
Nordson Corporation Foundation
PWC

Saint Luke’s Foundation
Thatcher Family Fund
The Fred A. Lennon Charitable Trust
The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation
Third Federal Foundation
Thomas White Foundation
Union Home Foundation
US Bank

This list of foundation and corporate donors is current as of December, 2024.
If you do not see your name, please contact Adaora Schmiedl at aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org