Family and Workforce Programs
Oakridge Neighborhood Family and Workforce Programs serve both residents of Oakridge and the Des Moines metropolitan area, with the goal of providing pathways to prosperity and moving families to sustained self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Approximately 60 percent of the individuals and families who participate in our programs reside in Oakridge Neighborhood, with 40 percent coming from the community.
Our programming focuses on intensive case management and developing job readiness skills. Case managers work with clients to establish an individualized plan of action that provides the needed services, then tracks and monitors their progress.
Working collaboratively with the case managers are job readiness and placement coordinators who work with employers to monitor position openings and opportunities in a variety of fields and disciplines. These contacts are helpful as individuals move through classes, begin seeking employment, or become interested in pursuing new opportunities.
Our robust family and workforce programs focus on helping people prepare themselves for employment, including first jobs and better jobs. We help clients:
- Address immediate needs
- Reduce barriers to employment
- Facilitate job readiness
- Assist with job placement
- Develop skills to aid in job retention
- Encourage continued education for job advancement
We offer a number of services — for speakers of English and multiple other languages — designed to improve computer skills, resume writing, networking, and other skills necessary to compete in the modern workplace. Our expanded Workforce & Resource Center includes new computers and other resources for client use as they progress through their journey.
Our adult programs also provide the necessary tools for long-term success, including education and coaching to enhance and promote financial literacy, effective parenting and self-sufficiency. We offer cultural transition support groups and peer discussions, English language and citizenship classes, driver’s education, food pantry and fulfillment of other essential needs.
Look to our Family and Workforce Programs for:
- Workforce readiness and development
- Job preparation, placement and retention skill development
- Computer learning lab
- Citizenship preparation
- Financial literacy
- Path to homeownership
- ELL classes, offered by DMACC
- Driver’s education
- Case management
- HOPE for Stable Families program implementation
For more information about Family and Workforce Programs:
Almardi Abdalla
Vice President – Family and Workforce Programs
515 | 244-7702, extension 150
