New Dallas-based program connects people in underserved communities with living-wage employment
The TD Jakes Foundation is launching a new program to connect people in underserved communities with skills, resources and services for meaningful employment.
The Pathway System, which includes an online workforce readiness portal and app, aims to pave the way for job seekers by bringing together social services, education and vocational training.
“With Pathway, those in need aren’t left to their own devices to navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies,” said Hattie Hill, president and CEO of the TD Jakes Foundation, a global nonprofit focused on workforce preparation. “Pathway offers a helping hand, guides those in need through intervention services, training, and educational and aftercare programs – and ultimately links them to employment with living wages.”
Pathway starts on August 17th. Users first enter the system via the Workforce Readiness Portal, accessible at tdjfoundation.org/pathway-program. After that, they fill out a registration form and submit their résumé. Upon receipt, the foundation will send information on how to download and use the Pathway app, which includes an orientation video and information on how to search for vacancies. Job seekers can also message recruiters, schedule interviews, and find out about partner companies.
Another important element of the program is ongoing support from the foundation. The participants are matched with coaches who they get to know and who work with them on the next steps.
“The technology behind Pathway gives each person a holistic view of their journey, in real time via messaging, program information, ongoing updates and ongoing communication with their coaches who manage the entire process,” says Hill.
Should a participant need additional help before entering the Workforce Readiness Portal, they will become part of Pathway’s community building funnel. That process, Hill said, “initially focuses on equipping people with the skills and services they need to be able to work, whether through education, upskilling, health care or other support programs.”
The organization works with the Greater Dallas City Council and the Wilkinson Center to provide these services. “We’re running the program in Dallas with the goal of expanding to 14 cities nationwide in the next two to three years,” says Hill.
Over the past six months, the Foundation has worked with 32 people on the pilot, providing the technology and funding for tuition, rent / mortgage assistance, utility bills and childcare reimbursements, and gift cards for gasoline, groceries and essentials. Participants worked with case managers and got jobs in a variety of career paths including nursing, radiology, pharmacy, accounting, and cybersecurity.
“Both the Pathway Program and the Pathway App are breakthroughs as we are transforming the delivery of social services and ensuring that people in underserved communities have the tools they need to provide their families with a better future,” says Hill.
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