Many organisations designed to lift people out of poverty through skills training face a significant barrier: participants often cannot commit to the time required to complete these programs. The financial realities of low-income households compel them to prioritize immediate income over long-term training, forcing many to abandon programs aimed at sustainable improvement.
To remove this barrier, the Barzilai Foundation is launching a partnership with Operation Fresh Start (OFS), an organisation in Madison, Wisconsin that provides educational and professional training programs that position individuals ages 18-24 for stable, rewarding careers. OFS’ programs are outcome-oriented, driving participants to obtain tools such as:
“OFS delivers amazing programs – programs that have tangible outcomes that will change the lives of the participants,” said Brandon Sosa, CEO of the Barzilai Foundation. “Unfortunately, most of these participants are in households that struggle financially, so when life presents challenges, they have to choose between sticking with a program that will change their future or picking up extra work to deal with the immediate financial need in front of them. It’s a vicious cycle, and one that makes it so much harder for individuals to climb out of financial hardship.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Barzilai Foundation for their support and belief in our mission,” said Brian McMahon, Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start. “Their partnership is a game-changer for the individuals we serve, many of whom face significant financial barriers that too often prevent them from completing the training they need to secure long-term, stable careers. The strategic and impactful programs they are introducing will empower our participants to stay the course and break the cycle of poverty.”
Our partnership approaches this problem from three directions. First, to complement the stipend OFS currently gives to participants, the Barzilai Foundation is adding a bonus program that rewards students for milestones achieved as they progress through the program. This provides an incentive for continued participation while alleviating short-term financial burdens.
Second, the Barzilai Foundation has introduced an Emergency Fund. Designed in the same fashion as our Hardship Grant programs, this Fund is for obstacles out of participants’ control that spring up and threaten their continued participation.
Third, we are introducing a Startup Grant Fund that covers initial costs for vocational training programs. These training programs provide skilled labour to projects in construction, conservation, and health care that benefit the surrounding area, and they lead to career paths that more than double participants’ lifetime earning potential. All of this is at risk if they can’t cover the upfront costs. This fund will cover items such as work attire, boots, tools, and other supplies that participants need from the start.
“This support will boost the completion rate of OFS’ programs, which will allow individuals to dramatically change their trajectory at an early point in their work life,” added Sosa. “That’s a lifetime to reap the benefits. We’re excited to see how this supercharges the efforts of OFS and its participants.”
“With the Barzilai Foundation’s help, we are not just providing training but transforming lives and creating pathways to success that will pay dividends for generations to come," said McMahon. “This collaboration is a great example of how two organizations, united in purpose, can truly make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”
Many individuals face barriers to break into meaningful careers, based on circumstances from long ago. The Barzilai Foundation is partnering with Just Bakery, an arm of JustDane, to provide support for those pursuing careers in the culinary industry.
In Portugal, over 80% of unemployed disabled adults are actively looking for jobs and over 55% have been searching for over a year. To help both employers and candidates turn the corner on this issue, the Barzilai Foundation is teaming up with CADIn.
As part of the Barzilai Apprenticeship Program, a father of three supports the community through his new role as a handyman for the EV Foundation after his business is hurt by COVID pandemic.
In India, learning an in demand skill, such as tailoring, provides a path to a better standard of living. However, even with a new skillset a significant barrier exists to obtain needed equipment, which can cost more than a household's monthly income
Specialization provides medical professionals greater career potential and the communities they serve access to necessary treatment. Unfortunately, the cost to acquire that specialization is out of reach for many.
A new sewing vocational training program in Visakhapatnam, India, will expand our work providing skills and paths to employability. Designed for individuals living below the poverty line whose lives would be transformed with an employable skillset.