20 years of community connections for ongoing education and job training
Mr. Brandon was waiting to get his meds at the nurse’s station when he picked up a brochure regarding the LIFT the Tristate program sponsored by the FreeStore Foodbank. Logistics, Inventory Management, Facilities Management and Transportation (LIFT) offers an opportunity for unemployed and underemployed adults throughout the tristate region to become trained in a growing field, providing essential job skills. This 10-week free job training program based in Northern Kentucky will supply hands-on training from experienced warehouse personnel at Freestore Foodbank, specialized coursework designed by Gateway Community and Technical College, as well as links to local employment through other program partners.
He was very interested in the LIFT program. When he mentioned it to one of the counselors who comes regularly to the Center from Addiction Services Council, she contacted the FreeStore and got him signed up through their application process. He says its hard to believe the 10 weeks has already passed. He graduated from the program Thursday, 3/16. Along with his certifications comes a pair of steel toed boots. Here at the Center, Ashley, our Administrative Services Manager put together his resume. The FreeStore assists with monitoring job leads.
Brandon’s story is one example of how the Center for Respite Care facilitates ongoing education and job training for its clients throughout its 20 years of service. Another FreeStore sponsored program, Cincinnati Cooks, has also been a source of opportunity. One former client went through the program and is now at Cincinnati State studying for a degree in Hospitality.
Kay, the Center’s Medical Recovery Manager, reports – “We also make referrals to Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. I have just recently sent a client to Full Rein, a staffing agency, to potentially acquire employment. Clients need to be medically ready for discharge to work and approved by the medical team prior to sending them to classes. These classes can also include getting their GED.”
When Brandon was asked how he saw his time at the Center fitting in with this new venture, he immediately replied, “I would never have even known about LIFT the Tristate except for the Center for Respite Care. Plus, I went out to classes and came back to people supporting me all the way.”
In this 20th anniversary year, the Center for Respite Care celebrates the many organizations with whom we collaborate. Here’s to all those who offer ongoing education and job training.
