Connections is a fresh approach to job training that empowers women to break the cycle of poverty in their families.  This is a tiered program aimed at teaching the women transitioning off of public assistance to make hand crafted items, perform retail and online sales, computer literacy, as well as other job readiness skills.  The tiered program allows our participants to produce saleable goods while leading them through the process of inventorying, pricing and the actual sale of items through the storefront and online.  They learn valuable skills in communication and build their self-esteem and competency.  Our ultimate goal of the program is to lead our participants to gainful employment and self-sufficiency.  Connections Mission:

 

To empower women to succeed and gain independence.

v     Connections is a collaborative worksite program for women in Livingston County providing a nuturing environment

v     Connections provides a nurturing environment which encourages self-sufficiency while supplying therapeutic support for the participants. 

   

In a retail business environment, Connections develops personal and employment skills, creating opportunities which will lead women to break the cycle of poverty. 

Services:

Connections tiered job training enterprise provides women dealing with multiple challenges:

Ø     Structured work skills sessions which nourish the development of skills to enter mainstream employment

Ø     Peer support which fosters self-esteem and self-responsibility.

Ø     Training in the following marketable skills:

§         Technical sewing

§         Textile design

§         Computer and internet proficiency

§         Sound business practices

§         Retail and on-line sales

§         Job search assistance  Assist clients in moving from dependence to independence.

Ø     Provides a supportive, creative outreach for women

Ø     Provide support and career counseling once employment has been obtained.

Donations Needed:

• Batting
• Fabric - 100% Cotton
• Quilting supplies: notions, pins, scissors, rotary cutters, thread, etc.
• Books and patterns for our library
• Sewing machines in good working order
• Cash donations for ongoing machine repairs and supplies
• General craft items