After five years of working in property management, Christian Ortiz knew what was coming when she fell behind on her rent last fall. “I have been the one delivering the eviction notice,” she said. “It changes everything for you.” Her leisurely job search suddenly took on more urgency. A friend referred Ortiz to Cincinnati Works […]
The year he spent in solitary confinement left scars across the back of Angelo Robinson’s feet. Every trip to the shower required shackles, which tore through the skin around his ankles. He was reminded of the pain during a recent walk through downtown. Robinson was invited to the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner at Duke Energy
Appearances can be deceiving, which is why Schwan’s Company invests thousands of dollars and countless hours in inspecting their production lines with ultrasound equipment. Every day, Tim Smith and a co-worker use expensive hand-held tools to listen for signs of wear-and-tear in the machines. “Predictive maintenance,” they call it. “You will hear a defect long
At 69 years old, Ed Patterson is a self-described “workaholic,” eager to turn in a full shift whenever possible. He is approaching retirement but plans to continue working part-time and perhaps volunteer in his spare time. “I gotta grind,” he said with a smile. Even in his younger days, when he could not resist the
We do not serve clients. We work with Members. We are partners in their search for meaningful employment and economic independence. Success looks different for each of them. For some, it is collecting their first paycheck or earning a promotion. For others, it is a home of their own or a beach vacation. We offer
From ‘broken’ to stable … and still striving In her role overseeing the paint department at a local Home Depot, Yolanda Gray meets a new cast of characters every day. She particularly enjoys helping young moms pick colors. Whether it is an expectant mother who is planning a nursery or a new mother with a
As a child with an independent streak in a large family that moved often, Ebony Marshall has struggled with her self-identity. It fueled her work ethic in the classroom and in her career, but it also led to a decision that sent her spiraling. After laying the foundation for a successful career as a registered
After spending 21 years in prison in the prime of his life, Rayshun Holt returned to a familiar neighborhood with familiar challenges in a rapidly changing city. From professional sports stadiums to high-profile parks, downtown Cincinnati got a makeover while Holt was behind bars. “It was like being in a foreign territory,” he said. “Just