UpWorks seeks to be an advocate in assisting underprivileged, underemployed, and unemployed individuals to achieve sustainable, above poverty, fulltime employment. UpWorks will address an individual’s barriers to employment by providing mentors who will collaborate with nonprofits and supportive business partners.
Who are Covenant Clients?
A Covenant Client is an individual who has been recommended to UpWorks by a Covenant Nonprofit partner to participate in UpWorks’ program. The core criteria for Covenant Clients is those who are impoverished in one or more of the following areas – education, ESL, work experience, addiction, criminal record, financial crisis, disability or homelessness
What make someone eligible to become a Covenant Client?
- Commitment to continually strive towards achieving sustainable employment.
- Positive attitude; personally motivated; not looking for handout, but a hand up.
- Willing to meet one hour per week with Life Advocates as they work at a Covenant Business.
- Life Advocates and their Covenant Client utilize the seven Fs as a framework for discussion: Future, Finances, Faith, Family, Fitness, Fun and Friends.
- All faith beliefs are accepted as Covenant Clients.
- Goals are to generate empowerment and encouragement, and to build trusting relationships while networking resources.
Why does UpWorks believe in supporting Covenant Clients?
- The first job is very hard to get and retain.
- There is a high risk to employers when workers fail.
- Caseworkers are overloaded, leaving little time for “soft” skills training and problem solving.
- Employment significantly reduces the need for government programs.
- There is a need and passion for stronger communities