Workforce 360 Launches Careers and Boosts Lives- See How We Shine!
I choose to join the program for a new beginning, to learn new trades and get my high school diploma and learn how to get my life on track.
Isaiah, Workforce 360 Graduate
Workforce 360 goes beyond traditional job training and technical skills to help people succeed in the workplace. The program also provides needed support in areas like mental health, financial literacy, and personal growth. By addressing these needs, a well-rounded and resilient workforce can develop.
Workforce 360 Factors for Success
One of the key components of the Workforce 360 program is skill development. OhioGuidestone.org offers a wide range of training programs and workshops that cover various industries and job roles.
From technical skills like computer programming and healthcare certifications to soft skills like communication and leadership, participants have access to a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for the demands of the modern job market.
Mental Health and Well-being
Recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being and job performance, Workforce 360 incorporates mental health support services into its program. OhioGuidestone.org provides counseling services, stress management workshops, and resources to help individuals overcome personal challenges that may hinder their professional growth. By addressing mental health needs, the program ensures that individuals are equipped with the emotional resilience to navigate the workplace successfully.
Financial Literacy and Stability
Financial literacy is another critical aspect of workforce development. OhioGuidestone.org offers workshops and resources that educate participants on money management, budgeting, and financial planning.
By equipping individuals with the necessary financial skills, Workforce 360 empowers them to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability, thereby reducing barriers to employment and promoting economic growth in the community.
Personal Growth and Empowerment
Personal growth and empowerment are essential for long-term success. OhioGuidestone.org provides coaching and mentoring programs, leadership development workshops, and opportunities for networking and community engagement. By fostering personal growth, the program not only enhances individuals’ employability but also empowers them to become active contributors to their communities.
By taking a holistic approach to workforce development, the program equips individuals with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive in the modern job market. By addressing mental health, financial stability, and personal growth, we can transform lives and foster economic growth in Ohio.
Workforce 360 Graduates Step into a Bright Future
Each young adult that walks through our doors comes with their own set of experiences, barriers and most importantly—resiliency
Jennifer Underwood, YouthBuild Program Manager
The young adults who walked the Sari Feldman Auditorium stage in Parma are the picture of resiliency, as they celebrated the determination and perseverance that brought them to and through OhioGuidestone’s Workforce 360 YouthBuild Program.
They are part of YouthBuild’s graduating class of 2023. 12 are construction cohort graduates- all of them earning their OSHA 10 and NCCER (National Center of Construction Education and Research) certification, five graduates earned their CNA credential, and two earned their STNA certification through a partnership with Tri-C.
What makes these accomplishments so impressive is that YouthBuild slots are limited and have rigorous requirements just to get in.
Program Manager Jennifer Underwood said just being accepted into the YouthBuild program means an individual has already achieved tremendous growth, as each candidate goes through a 2-week bootcamp called Mental Toughness, competing with other individuals for placement in the program. Jennifer said:
“They are required to do daily workouts, practice conflict management, refresh their academic abilities, gain team skills, and interview with a room full of staff.” She added “they also need to learn a pledge of accountability to themselves and others.”
Not only did the 2023 class complete Mental Toughness, followed by 6 months of training to earn industry recognized credentials, ten of the graduates put in extra hours outside of their classes to earn their high school diploma.
The ceremony itself was emotional as the attendees cheered not just for their own loved ones, but for all of the graduates in cap and gown crossing the stage.
Anthony Brown, Youth Council President, and winner of the YouthBuild Leadership Award, spoke to his fellow graduates and their guests, saying he will always remember his YouthBuild experience. “Joining the YouthBuild family I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot and I hope that each and every one of us gets that dream job we’ve always wanted.”
The graduates were able to collect their awards and diplomas in front of their parents and friends, and for some, their own children. They also stood and cheered for one another, with one graduate saying he wishes he could do the whole graduation ceremony again.
“Our clients work so hard to get to where they are,” said Career Coach, Paigelynn Jansen. “We hope they celebrate themselves every day as much as they celebrated with one another at the graduation ceremony and throughout the program.”
Outreach Specialist, Jennifer Cholley added “The magic of YouthBuild lies in the relationships built in and out of the classroom. It was evident as students cheered for each other and introduced their OhioGuidestone friends to their loved ones. There is an unbreakable bond when students feel empowered and invested. It’s a beautiful reminder of why this work is so important!”
Mr. B’s Words of Wisdom
OhioGuidestone’s Brenin Davidson fought tears as he led the commencement ceremony for eleven YouthBuild CNA/STNA certification program graduates. As a professional development coach, Brenin has led plenty of YouthBuild /Workforce 360 classes but none that have made him as emotional.
“Mr. B.” as the students call him, recalled having anxiety when he was asked to lead an all-female STNA class saying “I usually do construction cohorts, I was being asked to help a group of young women create a new mindset, learn to believe in themselves and see that strong women-of-color can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal.
My program manager believed I could make a difference in this class and the lives of these young women. I figured If she thinks I can do it, then I can do it.” Six months later he was telling those students to switch the tassels on their mortarboards (many decorated) to signify they were officially graduated.
Some of the newly certified STNAs received high school diplomas along with their certificates, making the ceremony even more significant as parents, guardians, friends, and children were able to witness the achievement. One graduate received a spontaneous, teary, hug from her grade-school-aged daughter who ran up from the audience to congratulate her mother.
Brenin said he will always remember this class because of the barriers they overcame, and how they helped each other through tough times. He said they became a family.
I would see students give each other rides to and from school and pay for another student’s lunch when they had no lunch for the day. No one asked for anything in return.
Brenin Davidson
He reminded the graduates to stay loyal to each other and to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” in their commitment to achieving their goals.
My goal was never for you to be perfect, but for you to walk out of this program better and stronger than the day you walked in, to become a self-sufficient contributing member of society. I love each and every one of you like a father and I am excited to see what lies ahead for you all.
Brenin Davidson
In appreciation of Brenin’s leadership, each graduate requested a turn at the podium to publicly thank Mr. B for believing in them when they didn’t yet believe in themselves.
OhioGuidestone will continue to work with graduates through their first year of employment—offering guidance, coaching and support, reminding them to look within themselves for strength, and believe that anything is possible; they are far more powerful than any circumstance, situation, or condition.
Workforce 360 Numbers are Growing
More than 844 people have gone through OhioGuidestone’s Workforce 360 and YouthBuild program, creating a brighter future for each individual and a shining example of how organizations can make a meaningful difference in families, communities and the workforce.