EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Jobs to Grow (JTG), an initiative by the Si Se Puede Collective (SSPC), is dedicated to enhancing economic mobility for low-income residents within the Mayfair District of East San Jose. This evidence-based program has garnered national acclaim and attracted the interest of funders committed to advancing economic mobility in historically neglected communities.
Empowering Communities: Jobs to Grow
At the core of collective economic advancement lies the Si Se Puede Collective's (SSPC) pioneering initiative: Jobs to Grow (JTG). Now in its third year, this innovative program is dedicated to uplifting communities through collaboration. Spearheaded by two lead agencies within SSPC, Grail Family Services (GFS) and Veggielution, JTG nurtures cohorts primed for success. JTG offers participants two distinct pathways to economic mobility. The first, Advocacy, Belonging, Caregiver Development, Economic Mobility (ABCE), is a childcare provider training program implemented by GFS. The second, Eastside Grown (EG), is a food entrepreneur training program facilitated by Veggielution. We're proud to report a 100% retention rate among this year’s program participants, who graduated on Friday, March 15th at the School of Arts and Culture at MHP.
Workshop Empowerment: Building Skills for Tomorrow
Participants from both cohorts delved into various workshops tailored to amplify their digital literacy and job-related proficiencies. Covering topics ranging from childcare to marketing, advocacy to leadership, these sessions offered were more than mere learning opportunities; they served as pathways to empowerment. Guided by dedicated Community Navigators, individuals set personal and professional goals, shaping their journey toward economic prosperity.
Laptops: Gateways to Virtual Training
With the provision of new laptops through the program, participants seamlessly connected to virtual training sessions, effectively breaking barriers and promoting accessibility. These devices served not only as tools but also as symbols of opportunity, bridging the digital divide and facilitating learning in an ever-evolving world.
ABCE Cohort: Nurturing Futures, Saving Lives
In the ABCE cohort, childcare workshops focused on nurturing skills essential for child development and safety. With CPR certification as a standard, graduates didn't just learn—they acted. An example of the program's impact is evident in one participant's swift response, which saved a child's life—a testament to the tangible difference Jobs to Grow makes within communities.
EG Cohort: Cultivating Food Safety, Fostering Community
In the EG cohort, rigorous food safety training wasn't merely about compliance—it was about empowerment. Achieving a 100% pass rate in the Food Safety Exam, participants gained their Food Manager certification, laying the foundation for future entrepreneurial pursuits. Yet, beyond certifications, the EG program cultivated connections, fostering friendships, and a supportive network, uniting participants in their journey towards culinary entrepreneurship.
Community, Connection, and Collective Success
From the onset, Jobs to Grow prioritized connection and community. In-person orientations and training weren't just about education—were more than just educational—they served as platforms for building bonds and fostering collaboration. As participants shared experiences, supported one another, and exchanged knowledge, it became evident that Jobs to Grow wasn't just a program; it was a catalyst for collective success. In the tapestry of economic empowerment, Jobs to Grow stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to prosperity and fostering communities where every individual's potential can flourish.
