Adding Beacon of Hope will expand Cincinnati Works’ services for local employers who are struggling to fill frontline positions, complementing existing services such as pre-employment coaching, on-site interviews, biannual job fairs and on-site coaching (through Workforce Connection).
“This is an opportunity for Cincinnati Works to have an even bigger impact on our community at a time when the need is great – both the social need to end poverty and the commercial need to fill frontline positions,” Cincinnati Works President & CEO Peggy Zink said. “We are uniquely positioned to serve both groups, and Beacon of Hope aligns nicely with our mission and our programs.”
Cincinnati Works has been a partner in the mission, referring numerous Members for open positions at companies in the Beacon of Hope Business Alliance and providing pre-employment coaching for individuals referred from companies in the business alliance. As Nehemiah has grown, Meyer believed Cincinnati Works was better positioned to oversee Beacon of Hope and incorporate it into their services.
“We are proud of the impact Beacon of Hope has had on our community, and we are excited to see it grow under the leadership of Cincinnati Works,” Meyer said. “Richard and I will continue to advocate for second-chance employment, and we will gladly mentor business leaders who wish to join the Business Alliance and hire returning citizens.”
Beacon of Hope currently has one full-time employee and eight part-time employees. They will become employees of Cincinnati Works.