Battle Creek Partners
Wheels To Work
Wheels To Work was developed from the Breaking Down the Barriers Conference in 1997. The garage accepts donated cars from the community and refurbishes them for sale to low income people. The garage also provides auto repairs using salvaged parts which allows lower costs to the same population. Work First refers its participants to the Wheels to Work as well as other dealers and mechanics. Work First also refers those who are not eligible for support service through their program. Wheels To Work welcomes all donations of automobiles from the general public.
Charitable Union
Battle Creek Work First partners with the Charitable Union to provide work and interview clothing to Work First participants. The Charitable Union, a non-profit organization, does not charge for their clothing. Work First refers participants to the Charitable Union as needed. While Work First does purchase work clothing for participants, the Charitable Union is used for emergency needs when there may not be time to purchase participants the clothing they need. The Charitable Union accepts donations from the general public.
Haven Of Rest
The Haven of Rest staff has been very helpful with our Time Limited Food Stamp Program by referring people to our program for help with finding employment. Large populations of our participants come from the Haven of Rest. Many have recently been released from jail, while others may be coming from different cities and states, and still others may have housing related issues.
Whatever the situation, many find themselves needing some support. The Haven of Rest staff gives just that. Individuals are assessed to determine eligibility for food stamps. Staff refer eligible participants to FIA and then to the Time Limited Food Stamp Program for assistance in finding employment and overcoming barriers. Many have become independent from all public assistance and have a different perspective on life.
The Haven of Rest also provides support when participants are assigned to workfare. Participants can conveniently complete their volunteer hours at the Haven of Rest facility and continue their job search at the same time. Their easy going environment is helpful when needing to check participants' progress and completion.
Early Furlough
In February 2001, Work First partnered with Calhoun County Friend of the Court, Calhoun County Community Corrections, Calhoun County Jail, and CENT (Council for Employment and Needs Training), to develop an early furlough program for non-custodial parents in arrearages on child support payments in the State of Michigan. These agencies have realized that people in arrearage of child support need help to get and keep a job. Previously, non-custodial parents would sit in jail for the 90-day sentencing period or quit a job when the Friend of the Court would garnish their wages. That is no longer the case. Work First developed a three-day program for participants in jail leading to early release. The program consists of classes in goal setting, career exploration, motivation, networking, interviewing, and resumes. Upon successful
completion of the classes, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department releases participants to work with the Non-Custodial Parent Program at Work First and Calhoun County Community Corrections. Participants are in the program to obtain help with transportation, job related supportive services, obtaining employment and getting garnishment of wages in place for the Friend of the Court.
This program has been a huge success. Non-custodial parents now have hope in meeting their responsibilities to their children. The word is spreading throughout the community.
Kellogg Community College
Kellogg Community College is an outstanding partner to the Work First Program. When it comes to education, the college's willingness to assist exceeds all expectations. Working with Sabrina Klepsteen has been a very positive experience for the staff. Mrs. Klepsteen is caring, and her students frequently comment about her enthusiasm and energy. For a person whose schedule involves coordinating classes for the Nurse Assistant training, answering questions, teaching classes, and being available to the public, she is also attentive to everyone’s needs. She makes time to call the staff with special comments and concerns about participants, and she has contributed greatly to the training program.
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