Ebony Marshall
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…
Help Us Create Lasting Change
Donating online is the simplest way to help our Members along their path out of poverty. You can partner with Cincinnati Works in employing communities and restoring lives.
Donate Now
The path from poverty to self-sufficiency is a journey, not a step, and long-term support is essential to creating lasting change. We are the only local resource operationally equipped to go the distance with our Members, and our efforts have paid off in meaningful, measurable ways.
Our Model Works
Most social service agencies treat the symptoms of poverty with transactions: groceries from a food pantry, medicine from a free clinic, rental vouchers from a government agency. Our model treats the root of the problem, providing access to stable jobs and personalized coaching to help individuals retain and advance within those jobs.
People who need to change their lives, and are willing to do so, come to us and become Members for life. Our coaches help them work through the roadblocks that keep them from getting and keeping a job, while honing the soft skills that are necessary in a professional setting. In addition to employment coaching, we provide:
- financial coaching
- behavioral health counseling
- transportation assistance
- legal advocacy
- chaplain services
Once stable in a job, we move our Member toward advancement – connecting them to training or education that can further their career, while continuing to address barriers in their personal and professional life. The goal is not merely to place a Member in a job; it is to assist the Member in becoming economically self-sufficient.
Success Stories
Testimonials
“Cincinnati Works helped me figure out me. They gave me the courage to reach for something that I thought was out of my element. Without them I would have never been able to do it.”
– Melanie, CW Member
“Today, I am a driven young woman who works hard, has a wonderful job that will lead into a career, and is now a college graduate. If someone would have asked me four years ago if I could imagine myself being the woman I am today, I do not think I would have answered positively.”
– Jariah, CW Member
“Cincinnati Works changed my life. They helped me get my life back.”
– Glen, CW Member / Phoenix Program
“I know that when I interview a Cincinnati Works Member for one of our positions, he or she will shine above the rest of the candidates. They will come to the interview polished with an outstanding resume and prepared to answer interview questions. I take great pride in hiring Cincinnati Works Members.”
– Lydia, HR manager for a CW Employer Partner
“The rest of the HR team and I are grateful that we have someone to act as an advocate for our employees outside of us. This is a community resource that makes a difference in the lives of both us as employers and our employees.”
– Yvette, HR manager for a CW Employer Partner
“Having the support of Cincinnati Works has allowed me to be the woman and mother I was called to be. The poverty ends in my generation.”
– April, CW Member
“They allowed me to have some stability and get some confidence in myself and allow me to be a productive citizen in this city that I took so much from, and now I can give back. Cincinnati Works is needed in this community.”
– Ronnell, CW Member / Phoenix Program
“Holistically, whole-heartedly, when you’re with Cincinnati Works, they are working with you to have a better life.”
– Ebony, CW Member
“She pushed me. No, she shoved me. I never had the courage to overcome something like that. Everything I do now, I think, ‘What would she do? What would she tell me?’”
– Yolanda, CW Member speaking about her CW coach
“I cannot say enough good things about your organization. Many community organizations talk a good game, but Cincinnati Works ‘walks the walk.’”