We find ourselves forwarding our recent email series “4 Whys, 4 Ways” pretty often so we’ve made it available here to more easily share with 4 of the “Why”s behind providing job training for refugees and 4 ways you can be invovled.
4 Whys
# 1: We want to give a hand up to the local refugee community.
- Refugees have been driven from their homes by persecution, terrorism, natural disasters, war or genocide. (Then they’re vetted by the UN who sends them to the USA).
- We believe that every human being possesses inherent dignity because they were created in the image of God. We use uplifting relationships and opportunities for authentic contributions to remind people of this truth.
- In the Bible, God tells his people to provide for immigrants, to love our neighbor, and to give to those who have need.
# 2: We want to respond to the shortage of skilled labor in our region.
- The national unemployment rate is at a record low of 3.6 percent.
- The Associated General Contractors of America reports that nearly 80% of construction businesses are having a hard time finding qualified skilled labor.
- Meanwhile, 73% of companies employing refugees report lower turnover and easier recruiting as a result.
# 3: We have a vision to serve those who face insurmountable barriers.
- Families receive $1,125 per person from the State Department to cover all living expenses for their first 90 days.
- Within 6 months, refugees are required to begin repaying loans for travel expenses. Payments average $84 per month per person.
- From 2014- 2018, our average student was making $9 an hour at the beginning of their training. That creates a deficit of roughly $200 per month for a typical Clarkston family.
# 4: We’re activating a powerful workforce of skilled labor in direct response to economic demand.
- We adjust the type & depth of trainings to connect refugees to higher-paying jobs most efficiently.
- We know this works because:
- We have a student retention rate of over 95%.
- On average, our graduates see an annual increase in wages of $7500.
- At a training cost of $2500 per student, donations have an economic impact of three times their value.
- To date, the economic impact of our training in the lives of our students sits at $2.1 million.
4 Ways
# 1: Give
- Most of our training is funded by private donors. Did you know that a give of $200 per month covers an entire training for a refugee tradesperson or craftsperson. Donations have a 3-fold impact in the lives of our students. Click here to set up a recurring or one time gift.
- We use a digital tip jar to make it easy for small businesses to ask their clients to donate. You choose the amount and for how long you’d like to help! Let us know if you’re interested.
# 2: Follow & Forward
- Find us on social media (links at the bottom of this page) or subscribe to our emails for updates from classes, invitations to events, and the latest news from us.
- Once you’re doing that, share away! If you’re interested in learning more, your friends probably are too – but they need someone to tell them!
# 3: Volunteer
- Teach a trades class like plumbing, carpentry, framing, electricity, etc.
- Mentor a student
- Serve as a 12-week career mentor for students enrolled in a class to help them prepare for long term job success and remind them of their inherient value and dignity.
- Serve as a workshop mentor to give coaching and feedback during workshop hours to those completing hands on practice in areas like welding, carpentry, etc.
- Conduct a workshop in your area of expertise
- Resume building, navigating health care, understanding income taxes, family budgeting, home buying, etc.
- Project days
- Join us for days like shop clean outs and event preparation
# 4: Come Visit!
- We love having guests to our class! Use this form to find a time to drop in.
- Check out our events page for other upcoming opportunities.