Parental Empowerment

Welfare to Wellbeing

Two of the biggest factors contributing to child poverty are long-term unemployment and underemployment. When parents are not gainfully employed, they cannot provide for their children physically or emotionally.  Unable to purchase food and other essentials for their children, they lack the confidence and dignity they need to succeed and are unable to impart those attributes to their children.

To address this, the Jaffa Institute has developed a comprehensive vocational-training program for women in the local service area.  The program, which includes essential work experience, combines the knowledge, skills, attitudes and work values needed to find and keep a job.   It is composed of five key elements: 1. vocational training courses, 2. meetings with a social worker, 3. tutorial hours, 4. job placements, and 5. monthly stipends.  The women who participate are poised to achieve economic self-sufficiency and provide a better life for their children.

Welfare to Wellbeing is a four month program, training 40 women each year.  Since 2008, 70 women have completed the program – most of whom are now gainfully employed.

The Jaffa Institute recognizes the connections and relationships between hunger, employment, and success.  As we get to know the families, we refer clients to additional programs that we believe can benefit them.  For example, mothers of children taking part in our Afterschool Activities Program and participants in our Food Distribution Program are referred to our Welfare to Wellbeing training program with the aim of achieving self sufficiency.

The program, coupled with the food packages they receive, make huge strides in releasing them from the cycle of poverty.