The Fund For Our Economic Future was one of two organizations recognized at Towards Employement's annual benefit October 21. The Fund and Metal Fabricating Corporation were name Towards Employement Heroes. 

The Fund for our Economic Future was honored as a “regional hero” for securing national support for an innovative program that will not only elevate the skills of entry-level and unemployed workers but will also meet the needs of growing employers.

The Fund, along with national partners, selected Towards Employment as the lead agency to oversee implementation of a $5.5 million grant for the new WorkAdvance initiative. The project will serve 1,000 Northeast Ohio residents entering or advancing in the manufacturing or healthcare sectors over the next five years.

WorkAdvance is a regional collaboration of organizations made possible by the federal Social Innovation Fund, with additional support from the Fund for Our Economic Future.

“Training low-wage workers to make a living wage is critical for our people and our regional economy,” says Kurt Karakul, chairman of the Fund’s talent committee and the President and Executive Director of the Third Federal Foundation. “Any training must include employers as partners. Towards Employment brings those partners to the table … and can address barriers faced by low-wage workers before and after employment, like transportation and child care, so they can keep the job.”

“We honor the Fund for bringing workforce development agencies into the economic development discussion,” says Jill Rizika, our Executive Director. “They understand that sustainable economic development happens when we invest in the people of our community, including low-income under- or unemployed individuals looking for career opportunities in growth sectors. WorkAdvance is such an investment: it will meet business needs by helping participants develop the work ethic and credentials demanded by the marketplace—now and throughout their career.”

WorkAdvance gives Towards Employment the opportunity to put our new strategic plan into action – with a sharper focus on employer engagement, credentialed training, and even stronger connections among community resources.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to create growth and impact families in our community,” says Karakul.