BY ROCHELLE SCHLORTT
The Life Skills & Career Development Center (LSCDC), a job coaching and placement program for individuals and families who are low-income, at risk, or experiencing homelessness, will move to a larger space in the Hanifen Center. The program, which provides job skills training, financial literacy, and economic stability, began in 2015 and has placed clients in 346 jobs to date, with 145 placements just last year.
The new center will have triple the space for a new reception area with public computer internet access, space to store and secure personal items, more case management and coaching offices, an expanded computer lab, and a dedicated training room for classes, job fairs, and hiring events. The professional workspace also incorporates housing screenings, procurement of worker identification documents (birth certificates and Colorado IDs), budget counseling, and utility assistance.
Marian House Works! job training program and the Peer Navigator Program offer coaching and real work experience for clients needing help in hard and soft skill development including health care navigation, building maintenance, custodial, and customer service, before being placed with an employment partner. The connection and hope that comes from these placements restore dignity, reduce stress, and enhance an individual’s social capital to help clients maintain the stability of long-term employment.
Client outcomes are exceptionally strong given the barriers most face finding and sustaining employment, including lack of stable housing, education, child care, and transportation. Other obstacles include criminal background, gaps in employment, or experiencing homelessness. Recent reporting indicates 48 percent of individuals are still on the job 90 days after placement, which is a testament to the strong employment partners who work with Catholic Charities to provide a hand up to people working toward a better life.
Rochelle Schlortt is the Chief Communications Officer at Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.
