Free the Future Campaign Making an Impact in Columbus

by Kimberly Sawatka | May 4, 2023

second chances, Georgia news, better work Columbus, free the future

Free the Future Campaign Making an Impact in Columbus

Key Points

Free the Future is an initiative of the Mayor of Columbus Georgia’s Commission on Reentry, in partnership with the Urban League of the Chattahoochee Valley.
The Georgia Center for Opportunit y’s BETTER WORK Columbus program director, Kristin Barker, is leading this effort, serving as the chair of the Reentry Commission.
The campaign aims to address existing biases and create a sustainable impact on the health and well-being of the community and its residents.

Breaking the cycle of recidivism is a critical issue in many communities across the United States. The Mayor’s Commission on Reentry in Columbus, Georgia is taking a multi-pronged approach to address this problem, with a mission to prevent recidivism by strengthening cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, corrections and supervision entities, resource agencies, social service and non-profit organizations, community members, and other private and public stakeholders.

The Georgia Center for Opportunit y’s BETTER WORK Columbus program director, Kristin Barker, is leading this effort, serving as the chair of the Reentry Commission. “We have developed subcommittees to focus on priority areas that will provide the greatest impact for the reentry population in our community,” Kristin explains. “These areas are employment, housing and connectivity of resources.”

One project that recently launched through the employment subcommittee is the FREE THE FUTURE campaign. The initiative is aimed at educating private employers on the value of Second Chance hiring. Many people who exit incarceration after serving their time are eager to start afresh, but they face significant challenges in finding suitable housing and jobs that pay a livable wage. Often, they have outstanding fines and fees that they are unable to pay without a steady income. The inability to find good employment quickly leads to a cycle of recidivism, which is hard to break.

The mission of BETTER WORK is to support the underserved in our communities and promote their long-term success. The FREE THE FUTURE campaign in Columbus is a key part of this effort, designed to challenge false narratives that hold people back from making positive life changes. The campaign aims to address existing biases and create a sustainable impact on the health and well-being of the community and its residents.

The FREE THE FUTURE campaign is easily accessible through Facebook, Instagram, and its website. Monthly meetings of the Mayor’s Commission on Reentry are open to the public, and many community organizations attend these meetings to become more educated and engaged with reentry in Muscogee County.

FREE THE FUTURE campaign is aimed at educating private employers on the value of Second Chance hiring.

Key partners in this initiative include BETTER WORK Columbus, Urban League of the River Valley, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley – Home for Good, SafeHouse Ministries, Southern Center for Human Rights, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia Department of Corrections, Department of Community Supervision, and NewLife-Second Chance Outreach.

To learn more about this campaign, click here, or access the information via Facebook and Instagram. Monthly meetings of the Mayor’s Commission on Reentry are open to the public, and many community organizations attend these meetings to become more educated and engaged with reentry in Muscogee County.

Looking at some of the causes, solutions to Louisville’s violence problem

by Kimberly Sawatka | Apr 20, 2023

Looking at some of the causes, solutions to Louisville’s violence problem

As Louisville tries to get into the thunder and Derby spirit, violence hangs over the metro.

We’ve heard from both sides of the political aisles about how to stop the bloodshed.

Tonight the Jefferson County GOP heard some interesting thoughts in a presentation about the violence in Louisville and how it could be stopped. It might’ve been a meeting of Republicans, but it was hardly political.

Last week’s violence grabbed headlines, but it’s really a problem that’s been going on for years.

“All four of our deadliest years ever have been since 2016,” said Josh Crawford from the Center of Opportunity.

Josh Crawford is the Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Center of Opportunity and he spoke to the crowd the cause of violence and how to combat it.

“One of the things that has gotten a lot of attention recently especially in the wake of the shootings in Chickasaw, there is insufficient protections locally for witnesses,” Crawford said.

It was group of people trying to learn about what’s going on in their city and how they can help.

Read the full article here

Lyft and BETTER WORK Unite

by Kimberly Sawatka | Apr 10, 2023

Lyft and BETTER WORK Unite

Key Points

Transportation is a barrier for some when it comes to maintaining employment.
Lyft saw a need in the community and stepped in to fill the gap.
Lyft’s free rides have assisted BETTER WORK participants and given them time to make a plan.

“You’re hired!” Those two words can completely change someone’s life. But for someone who doesn’t have transportation, those two words can be heartbreaking.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyft recognized widespread job loss created significant transportation needs for many, so they responded by partnering with nonprofit organizations across the United States to give away free rides to those in need. The company has pledged to provide 60 million free rides to help people get to vaccination appointments, job interviews, and other important destinations. The program is also aimed at reducing social isolation and improving quality of life for those in need.

The initiative is aimed specifically at addressing the transportation barriers faced by low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. As we know, lack of access to transportation is a major barrier to economic and social mobility. Many people are unable to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment due to transportation issues.

And, in case you aren’t familiar with Lyft, it is a ride-sharing company that has made a name for itself in the transportation industry by providing rides to people all over the world.

Lyft and BETTER WORK work together

Lyft’s community project is focused on giving back to those in need by providing them with free rides. The company has partnered with various non-profit organizations—including United Way, National Urban League, and Goodwill—to identify individuals who are most in need of free rides. It’s through BETTER WORK’S close partnership with United Way we are able to directly access Lyft’s free ride initiative for BETTER WORK participants to utilize the service to attend job interviews and two weeks worth of transportation to and from work. (The idea is to allow participants the opportunity to receive a first paycheck and work out a transportation plan.)

The project has been met with widespread praise from both the public and nonprofit organizations. Many people have expressed their gratitude for the free rides, which have allowed them to access essential services and maintain their livelihoods during this challenging time.

A current BETTER WORK participant has utilized the codes to help supplement his unreliable transportation to and from work. This has allowed him to take a position learning a new trade, but also save for his own transportation and create a plan for the future.

The Georgia Center for Opportunity believes in the dignity and purpose that work can bring to those in our community.

Why this partnership is making a difference

One of the greatest attributes of the BETTER WORK program is that it looks at the whole person and identifies hurdles keeping people from taking advantage of opportunities to become self-sufficient. It’s our goal to help our neighbors understand the community programs and resources available, so they can make the best choices for themselves and move forward.

One of the key benefits of the Lyft project is that it helps to bridge the transportation gap that exists in many communities like Columbus. People who do not have access to reliable transportation often struggle to access essential services, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and disadvantage. By providing free rides, Lyft is helping to break down these barriers and provide a lifeline to those in need.

The project is also an example of how the private sector can play a role in addressing social issues. Lyft has recognized the need in the community and has responded by leveraging its resources to make a positive impact. This is a great example of how companies can use their power for good and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Georgia House voted to reject Senate Bill 233, The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act

by Kimberly Sawatka | Mar 30, 2023

Georgia House voted to reject Senate Bill 233, The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act

Late last night, the Georgia House voted to reject Senate Bill 233, The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, by a vote of 85 to 89. The House then voted 98 to 73 on a motion to reconsider the bill, meaning it is eligible for consideration in next year’s session.Georgia

Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) take: “We are heartbroken for the tens of thousands of kids in Georgia who will remain stuck in low-performing schools due to the inaction of many Georgia lawmakers,” said Buzz Brockway, vice president of public policy for GCO. “Despite a majority of Georgians, the governor, and many legislative leaders supporting Promise Scholarships, once again the House failed to pass legislation that would give families hope for their child despite not living in the right zip code or able to make the right income. The disparity of opportunity in education is a tragic injustice. Our state would have made a huge step toward correcting that injustice had the bill passed.”

To learn more about Promise Scholarships and what they would have provided, click here.

To learn more about Promise Scholarships and what the legislation would have provided, click here.

BETTER WORK has resources for high school students

by Kimberly Sawatka | Mar 28, 2023

BETTER WORK has resources for high school students

Key Points

Not every high school graduate will attend college. There are strong career paths available for those who are ready to learn.
Jobs in the water industry are plentiful.
In addition to excellent pay and stability, careers in the water field offer availability in many locations around the state plus flexible hours to give workers the opportunity to create work-life balance.

There’s a new, exciting opportunity for job seekers and high school students in Gwinnett County! BETTER WORK Gwinnett and The Water Tower have partnered to bring a life-changing job training program to the Gwinnett County community. This training program for careers in the water industry was designed for those in high school work programs and for working age adults looking for a career path to better provide for themselves and their families.

Not every high school student needs nor wants to attend college. High schoolers can begin this training program as part of their curriculum and graduate with on-the-job training as well as highly sought after certifications.

For those looking for a new or different career, the water industry might be an area you haven’t yet considered. You might want to check out this option, though.

Job opportunities in the water industry are plentiful, as the industry expects some 1,200 water-related jobs opening in north Georgia. To help fill the workforce needs, The Water Tower created training programs in the areas of Water and Wastewater Operators, Lab Analyst, Maintenance Technicians, and Field Technicians. The programs allow participants to receive the education and hands-on experience needed to walk into a living-wage career and not just a job.

At GCO, we know that work means so much more than a paycheck. A meaningful job and career brings dignity, independence, and hope for a brighter future.

A career in the water industry transcends pandemics and technology because it is a needed resource no matter what happens around us. Furthermore, careers in the water industry offer stability, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, making them an important pathway to a fulfilling and prosperous life.

In addition to excellent pay and stability, careers in the water field offer availability in many locations around the state plus flexible hours to give workers the opportunity to create work-life balance.

At GCO, we know that work means so much more than a paycheck. A meaningful job and career brings dignity, independence, and hope for a brighter future. Employment can change a life and the life of a family.

To learn more about The Water Tower and the training programs offered, contact our BETTER WORK Gwinnett team.