Work Component
The Pantry Work Component Program is a fast-track hands-on vocational training program aimed at helping homeless or low-wage workers overcome barriers to career advancement for the purpose of breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness or financial instability. Most government anti-poverty programs and policies have focused around getting people into the workforce coupled with various government benefits, like WIC, Medicaid, TANF, public housing, SNAP, etc. as the remedy for elevating them out of poverty status. However, for the bottom 10 percent of wage earners, around 30 weeks of full-time work per year are needed to generate earnings equal to the poverty line for a single individual. Further, the addition of benefits does little to move the dial on their economic status if the worker does not possess skills commensurate with career advancement. While the Pantry Work Component Program functions in a similar way to government anti-poverty programs, it serves as a more comprehensive, case managed effort to provide a higher level of job skills utilizing the host of services Rising Up has in place.
Since Rising Up’s clients have not generally had the opportunity to pursue a higher education, they are relegated to accepting low-skilled, low-wage jobs that offer little opportunity for advancement and a higher standard of living. Whereas, post-secondary or vocational educational programs require a significant financial investment, the Pantry Work Component program offers the same benefits of a vocational training program at no cost to the worker. The courses provide knowledge and job skills in the areas of warehousing, food safety, merchandising, customer service and even classes on computer software for use in an administrative or office management position. The benefits of the program to Rising Up’s clients are the following:
Hands-on education
Quick career path
Expanded career opportunities
High job demand
Flexible training hours
Upon completion of the on-line portion of the training, participants are placed with a trainer to supervise and direct them on how to successfully operate a food pantry and to perform routine record keeping and procedural management. The experience and training are extensive enough for application to employment opportunities with above minimum wage and entry-level positions. Furthermore, the skills acquired working in the pantry are relevant to the area’s job market where there is demand for skilled employees among local employers. Walmart, Cargill Food Systems, Leprino as well as Colorado Plains Medical Center have regular openings for employment requiring warehousing, customer service and safety skills. These jobs offer excellent wages, benefits and upward mobility.
The success of the Work Component Program is measured by the employment outcomes of the participants. Rising Up maintains a case management relationship with each individual participating in the program for the extent of one year after completing the initial courses and hands-on training. The ultimate measure of success is for a participant to complete the program, find gainful full-time employment with an above average wage that offers the possibility of moving away from all forms of supportive services or government benefits. The Work Component Program solidifies the mission of the organization to create innovative, lasting solutions to hunger, homelessness and poverty. With the pantry program, the agency can utilize its existing resources serving as a life raft in the sea of solutions for those struggling yet striving to rise up from the difficulties of their individual situation. Immediate direct assistance can offer a bridge to stability in some cases, but chronic financial instability must be met with a comprehensive allocation of support and resources that close the gaps in sustainability.