Assisting people on their search for a new job, updating a resume, or navigation through the state unemployment compensation system doesn’t usually come with stories to pull at your heartstrings during holiday gift drives. But the services provided by We Are HOPE give a lifeline to members of our community during what can be very challenging life events, and the organization’s staff members are asking you to consider We Are HOPE in your end of year giving.
Kim Carley, executive director of We Are HOPE, said she and her staff offer assistance in a broad range of areas needed by job seekers.
Also housed under We Are HOPE is the newly re-named WisAbility, announced this week. That is the federal/state program for employment for people with disabilities formerly known as the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation(DVR). We are HOPE also houses Wisconsin Works (W-2), Wisconsin’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program that provides employment preparation, case management, and cash assistance for eligible parents and pregnant women; and Foodshare Employment and Training (FSET), a free program for FoodShare recipients aged 16 and older to help build job skills, find careers, and meet FoodShare work requirements.
We Are HOPE needs about $15,000 to meet their end of year goal. This money would help staff continue existing programs, and keep the doors open to everyone. With a reduction in funding, We Are HOPE would have to limit the Cherry Point Mall center’s open hours, and possibly reduce staff hours.
Grant applications are an annual part of We Are HOPE’s funding, as is support from United Way. That additional funding that does not come from state or federal program assistance helps with programs like Tech Tuesdays, where We Are HOPE staff members help anyone with their basic technology needs.
If their annual appeal is successful, Carley said, she could allocate staff time to help better triage users of We Are HOPE, to help people more quickly and direct them to better resources.
