Using a Self-Sufficiency Continuum as a Framework for Workforce Development: Case Studies

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Using a Self-Sufficiency Continuum as a
Framework for Workforce DevelopmentCase
Studies
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Overview

• What is a self-sufficiency continuum?
• What are the various dimensions of
  self-sufficiency?
• How is a self-sufficiency continuum relevant to
  workforce development?
• Is anyone using this framework?
• Why isnt everyone using it?
• Am I already using aspects of it?
• How can I use it? What resources are available?

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A Research Project on This Topic

• The project team
• Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
  Development
• Commonwealth Corporation FutureWorks
• Massachusetts Community Action Program Directors
  Association (MASSCAP)
• Several community/faith-based organizations

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Workforce Development An Evolving Approach

• Youre probably familiar with various workforce
  development concepts, and many of you already
  have considerable experience building
  self-sufficiency in your communities.
• So, the information in this session might not be
  breaking news. But its worth your consideration
  nonetheless, because the approach to workforce
  development continues to evolve.

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The Problem and the Challenge

• Problem Many people remain in poverty despite
  full-time employment. This suggests that finding
  a job is not always the end of the story.
• Challenge Community/faith-based organizations
  are encouraged to consider approaches that will
  address the need of individuals and families for
  a continuum of support in achieving
  self-sufficiency. 

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A Holistic Approach to Workforce Development

• Our preliminary research found
• Some community-based organizations are attempting
  to implement their workforce development programs
  within a larger frameworkthe self-sufficiency
  continuum.
• These efforts are interesting for what they can
  tell us about possible models to follow and what
  issues to anticipate. 

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Definition of Self-Sufficiency Continuum

• A framework within which an organization provides
  access to a succession of education, training,
  and employment-related servicesalong with an
  array of wrap-around support servicesthrough the
  duration of an individuals or a familys journey
  from poverty to economic self-sufficiency.
• Our project focused primarily on economic
  self-sufficiency. Two points about this focus
• Economic self-sufficiency in this context goes
  beyond meeting federal poverty guidelines.
• We recognize that there are also social,
  cultural, and civic dimensions to
  self-sufficiency. However, the time and resources
  available for this project did not enable us to
  research these other relevant aspects. 

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Research Review and Discussion

• Were going to quickly summarize findings from
  interviews with some pioneering organizations in
  this area. And then, well talk about whether a
  similar approachor some aspect of itmakes sense
  for your organization. Even if its only as a
  longer term objective.
• For those of you already thinking about this type
  of approach to workforce development You might
  get some ideas or gain insight to pitfalls that
  have been encountered.
• At the least, this session is intended to get you
  thinking about the possibilitiesor
  feasibilityof taking a big-picture approach to
  workforce development.

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Concept vs. Implementation

• Implementing workforce development within the
  context of a self-sufficiency continuum is not
  easy. There are some significant
  barriersincluding the current public policy
  climate. As a result, only a handful of
  organizations appear to be using it.
• But, a good case can be made for the wisdom of
  this approachand the need. And theres
  information and some useful tools for getting
  started.

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A Collaborative Research Effort

• The research project involved conducting a review
  of approaches to workforce development at
  community/faith-based organizations. This review
  led to the development of case studies and other
  materials.
• The project team members and roles are
• Massachusetts DHCD Overall project management
  and support.
• Commonwealth Corporation Management of research
  effort.
• MASSCAP Information dissemination support.
• Case studies developed by FutureWorks, a
  consulting and policy development firm.
• Project partners include representative
  community/faith-based and other organizations.

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The Project Partnership
Mass Workforce Alliance
Workforce Investment Boards
National Center for the Study of Adult Learning
and Literacy
Massachusetts Association of Community
Development Corporations
DHCD
FutureWorks
Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce
Self-Sufficiency Continuum Workforce Development
Center for Law and Social Policy
Faith-Based Groups
COMMCORP
MASSCAP
Community Action Agencies
Community Development Corporations
Community Economic Development Assistance
Corporation
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Output from the Project

• A case study report
• Do You Know the Way to Self-Sufficiency? A Case
  Study Report on Using a Self-Sufficiency
  Continuum Framework to Guide Workforce
  Development Programs and Policies
• Profiles of organizations interviewed for this
  study.
• Research and evaluation brief about the project.
• Self-sufficiency continuum framework mapping
  workbook.

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Projects Objective and Key Finding

• The key objective was to identify best practices
  from a selection of community-based organizations
  that have implemented this approach to workforce
  development.
• Key Finding Our literature search identified
  very few organizations using a self-sufficiency
  continuum framework to guide their programming
  and service mix. For most organizations, delivery
  of services stopped after an individual found an
  entry-level job.
• The reports case studies focus on the few
  organizations identified that attempt to provide
  access to support services all the way to
  self-sufficiency.

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Key Finding in Context Barriers

• This key finding is not particularly surprising,
  given the significant barriers/challenges to
  using this approach to workforce development
• The current public policy emphasis on a work
  first approach for workforce development and
  welfare programs inhibits the use of most public
  funding to provide long-term support for
  achieving self-sufficiency.
• The current economy is not generating many new
  jobs, particularly the types of jobs that
  provide opportunities for achieving economic
  self-sufficiency.

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Key Finding in Context Potential Drivers

• Despite these barriers, some of the research
  results were encouraging
• A continuum framework appears to present a useful
  mechanism for tracking an organizations response
  to an individuals immediate needs within the
  context of longer term objectives.
• Strategic partnerships and coordination with
  other organizations (both public and private)
  make it possible to establish a continuum that
  provides the necessary mix of services.
• Some tools exist and some initiatives are under
  way that support establishing a continuum
  framework (e.g., some of you may be familiar with
  Scales and Ladders matrices, Self-Sufficiency
  Standards, ROMA performance measurement guidance
  materials).

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The Case Studies

• The research report presents four case studies
  about
• A one-stop shop that draws on long-term
  experience.
• A partnership approach.
• Another partnership approach.
• An approach with a particular emphasis on
  performance measurement.

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The Continuum Framework Mapping Progress
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A One-Stop Shop on the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Case Study 1

• Asian Neighborhood DesignProgram Overview
• Non-profit community development agency with 6
  years of experience using a self-sufficiency
  framework.
• Training program in the building trades (e.g.,
  carpentry, cabinetmaking).
• 100 to 150 trainees graduate each year from
  13-week training session.
• Furniture made by trainees sold commercially in
  non-profit enterprise.

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A One-Stop Shop on the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Case Study 1

• Asian Neighborhood DesignProgram Approach
• Essential Elements for tracking trainees and
  graduates path to self-sufficiency.
• Trainees meet each week with a family advocate to
  establish a baseline situation, identify
  barriers/assets, and develop a plan.
• Graduates are assisted with job placement and
  encouraged to join the Jobs Plus Club, where they
  meet with peers and make a 2 to 4 year commitment
  to work toward self-sufficiency through
  asset-building opportunities.

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A One-Stop Shop on the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Case Study 1

• Asian Neighborhood DesignTracking
  Self-Sufficiency
• The 7 Essential Elements of a Healthy Community
  provide a framework for tracking individuals
  progress in regard to assets and barriers
• Income/Assets
• Education/Skills
• Housing/Food
• Safety/Environment
• Human Services
• Relationships
• Personal Attributes

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A One-Stop Shop on the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Case Study 1

• Asian Neighborhood DesignKey Practices
• Big picture approach building up an individuals
  assets promotes self-sufficiency for families
  and ultimately empowers the community.
• Advocates act as brokers of comprehensive
  support services on path to self-sufficiency.
• Program partnerships exist with 70 other agencies
  through Memorandums of Understanding.
• Each individuals progress is tracked and each
  plan for achieving self-sufficiency is revisited.

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A One-Stop Shop on the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Case Study 1

• Asian Neighborhood Design Barriers
  Encountered
• Mission considerations community revitalization
  vs. human service delivery.
• Limited funding for providing long-term support.
• Target population is highly mobile.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 2

• ABCD-NECF PartnershipProgram Overview
• Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) is
  a private, non-profit human services agency.
• The New England College of Finance (NECF) is a
  not-for-profit educational organization focused
  on the financial services industry.
• As key partners ABCD refers and supports
  individuals training for entry-level financial
  services jobs NECF hosts the Financial
  Services Academy for training and continuing
  education.
• Local financial institutions fund and develop the
  curriculum.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 2

• ABCD-NECF PartnershipProgram Overview
  (continued)
• The employment opportunity that gave rise to this
  initiative
• Traditional practice of hiring college graduates
  resulted in high turnover.
• High cost to industry for training and for
  recruitment through employment agencies.
• Industry needs to meet Community Reinvestment Act
  requirements.
• ABCD and other organizations seeking jobs with
  career potential for workforce development
  programs.
• After 5 years 400 graduates and 85 placement.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 2

• ABCD-NECF PartnershipProgram Approach
• 3-week intensive training program Monday to
  Friday, 9 to 5.
• Curriculum includes classroom learning, role
  playing, visits to financial institutions.
• As-needed support services provided throughout
  the training.
• Graduates are assisted with job placement and
  have access to continuing education.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 2

• ABCD-NECF PartnershipKey Practices
• The right match interested prospective employees
  good business for employers.
• High-profile industry representative championed
  the program to financial institutions.
• The industrys investment in the program supports
  its commitment to success and sustainability.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 2

• ABCD-NECF Partnership Future
  Challenges
• Concern about ongoing support should industry
  champion leave.
• Program is focused exclusively on financial
  service, thus need to expand the model to address
  other skill sets and interests.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 3

• JPNDC and PartnersProgram Overview
• Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development
  Corporation is a non-profit community development
  agency in a diverse neighborhood of Boston JPNDC
  is relatively new to workforce development.
• Through welfare-to-work initiatives, JPNDC had
  developed strong connections with local health
  care institutions.
• Teamed with another CDC to develop training
  program and secure funding from the state and
  Fleet Bank.
• Established the Boston Health Care Research
  Training Institute for providing training to
  individuals in entry-level positions in the
  health care field.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 3

• JPNDC and PartnersProgram Approach
• Help advance entry-level health care employees to
  positions with family-sustaining wages.
• Program candidates must have been with a current
  employer for 6 months.
• Training is conducted at a central facility
  located in the Longwood Medical area.
• JPNDC provides mentoring, referral for support
  services, and career planning/counseling
  services.

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Partnerships to Promote Self-Sufficiency Case
Study 3

• JPNDC and PartnersKey Practices
• Early driver was acute labor shortages in health
  care industry and prominence of this industry in
  the Boston area.
• Employer/industry champion important for
  recruiting employer partners.
• Training delivered at a convenient time and
  location.
• Ability to secure funding combining public and
  private sources.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational Service of Greater Boston JVS
  Perspective
• Non-profit, non-sectarian agency providing
  workforce development services for over 60 years.
• In 2000, JVS decided to reconsider the way it
  does business in response to the work first
  public policy shift and other funding-related
  changes.
• Awareness of employers increasing need for
  skilled and trained workers.
• Current environment not promoting
  self-sufficiency.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational Service Recalibrated
  Mission
• After an 18-month strategic planning process, JVS
  decided to be more client focused than program
  focused. Two key priorities were identified
• A commitment to lifelong work-related planning
  and learning.
• A dedication to improving job opportunities
  through services to employers.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational ServiceProgram Approach
• Resulting workforce development programCenter
  for Careers and Lifelong Learning (CALL)
• Participants work with staff to establish
  baseline assessment.
• Develop long-term goals and short-term
  objectives.
• Continuous support from pre-employment to
  placement and beyond, with referrals for
  wrap-around support services.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational ServiceKey Practices
• Comprehensive performance measurement approach
  with outcome goals and measures that are
  independent of individual funding requirements.
• Performance system framed by six over-arching
  strategic goals, such as ensure clients develop
  work and life skills needed to obtain and
  maintain employment and family-sustaining wages.
• IT system for internal tracking and for reporting
  performance results information.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational ServiceBarrier Surmounted?
• JVS raised all of the 1.8 million in flexible
  funding needed to create the CALL program from
  foundations and private donors.
• It hopes to continue funding the program through
  similar flexible sources.

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Blazing the Path Case Study 4

• Jewish Vocational ServiceA True Pioneer
• JVSs new organizational structure achieves
  something remarkable in support of a
  self-sufficiency continuum
• Consolidates program services across funding
  streams.
• Allows staff to focus on client needs rather
  than exclusively on program requirements.
• Enables the organization to address individuals
  long-term needs on the path to self-sufficiency.

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Final Points

• Wrap-around support services tend to be
  essential for people striving to move beyond
  povertyright up to achieving self-sufficiency.
• Community/faith-based organizations are still
  building up the capacity to implement this
  continuum concept as a central organizing
  principle.
• Strategic partnerships with other public and
  private organizations are often key to providing
  long-term service supports.
• Career ladder initiatives are promising workforce
  development models from which to establish a
  comprehensive continuum framework.

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Resources

• Case study report and program profiles.
• Framework mapping workbook.
• Other tools.
• Local and national organizations working in
  workforce development.

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Questions
Discussion

• Based on this current research information and
  your own experience, lets consider whether
  aspects of the framework might make sense for
  your organization or those you work with.
• About the Overall Concept
• Does this general approach make sense?
• Is there a need to provide ongoing services after
  a client has found work?
• Is the notion of self-sufficiency specific enough
  as a long-term objective?

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Questions
Discussion

• Your Experience
• Is anyone here using this type of approach or
  something similar to it?
• If so, what results are you getting?

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Questions
Discussion

• Possibilities
• What aspects of this approach are
  possible/feasible?
• What needs in your community might provide a
  basis for using this approach?
• What are the barriers/challenges you would
  anticipate?
• Are there partnering possibilities?
• Are there funding possibilities?

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The Self-Sufficiency Continuum Questions
Discussion

• Tracking Performance
• How might you map client needs and program
  services on the continuum framework?
• Have you used a long-term assessment and tracking
  framework?
• If so, has it been useful?

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Using a Self-Sufficiency Continuum as a Framework
for Workforce Development

• Thanks for your interest and input.