Policy Blog
Real-Time Takes: Second Sentence
A recent New York Times article delved into a devastating fact: over 60 percent of those leaving prison in the United States are unemployed a year later. While prejudice against returning citizens is hardly a thing of the past, recent polling suggests that the majority of Americans believe that people who have been convicted of crimes deserve a second chance.1
A major reason for the disconnect between the facts on the ground and public opinion is something that experts who work with reentering citizens call “collateral consequences.” These are the legally imposed barriers that those who have served their time face, hurdles that I have come to view as a second sentence.
Read MoreReal-Time Takes: Job Quality
When I ask my kids if they like their job, the first thing they mention is how much it pays – or does not pay. But whatever the pay scale and fringe benefits, the conversation soon turns to the quality of their job.
It turns out that most Americans agree that the quality of their job has a strong impact on their quality life.1
Covid put pressure on everybody at work and 40 percent of Americans working in 2020 experienced a decline in the quality of their jobs.2
Read MoreOp-ed: For workers, it’s a ‘good job’ that makes the difference
Published: November 15, 2022 01:43 PM Author: Jill Rizika Read the full Op-ed on Crain’s Getty Images/iStock | Paid training, employer-sponsored training or ongoing on-the-job training such as apprenticeships are critical, writes Jill Rizika. Jill Rizika is executive director of Towards Employment. The Fund for our Economic Future’s “Where Are the Workers” report characterized the…
Read MorePath to digital literacy: Bridging skills gap is critical to workforce success
Article written by Rachel Abbey McCafferty Published September 18, 2021 04:00 AM Read the original article here on Crain’s Cleveland Business. Today, technology is ever-more present at the workplace, whatever that workplace is. There’s increased automation; there are remote conference calls. Digital skills and literacy are a must, particularly for higher-wage jobs. “From an equity…
Read MoreCity of Cleveland Mayoral Candidate Forum for Returning Citizens
Click To View Flyer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2021 Adaora Schmiedl Towards Employment Director, Development and Marketing 216-696-7310 aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org Ken Brinkman Center for Employment Opportunities Job Developer / Business Account Manager 216-316-6841 kbrickman@ceoworks.org City of Cleveland Mayoral Candidate Forum for Returning Citizens The Greater Cleveland Reentry Leadership Coalition and Community Partner Hosting Candidate Forum…
Read MoreBishara Addison Appointed to National Workforce Panel to Advise Biden Administration on Economic Recovery Policies
Towards Employment is pleased to announce that Bishara Addison has been appointed by National Skills Coalition (NSC) and Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU) to serve on a national Manufacturing Panel that will advise the Biden administration on its “Made in All of America” initiative and related policies. Bishara Addison, along with other leaders…
Read More6 Things Needed for Inclusive Economic Recovery
Review written by Bishara Addison, TE Senior Manager, Policy & Strategic Initiatives In order to realize that vision, however, skills policies targeting industries and workers need champions at the state and federal levels. In addition, income and social safety net supports are essential to support job seekers as they weather the storm into this reimagined…
Read MorePolicy Corner: June 2020
Policy Corner: We are following the following issues in the statehouse: Fines and fees related to driver’s license reinstatement Legislative Win! HB 285 has passed in the Ohio House and Senate! HB 285 will make permanent the Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program. This is an important policy for Towards Employment participants.…
Read MoreWorkforce and the Digital Divide
Written by Bishara Addison, Senior Manager, Policy & Strategic Initiatives I find it hard to find words these days. There are so many crucial conversations that need to be had. In the midst of two public health crises – one new, and one that has existed under the surface for some while very apparent for…
Read MoreRecovery is an opportunity for a more inclusive economy
Written by Jill Rizika, originally published to Crain’s Cleveland Business on April 18, 2020 “Chris” came to Towards Employment underemployed due to a criminal record. Through a series of assessments, he discovered an aptitude for manufacturing. With a TE scholarship and ongoing coaching, he gained a CNC machining credential. Four years later, up until the…
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