Jewish Family and Children's Services

The Program Serves a Population with Great Needs:
The Maturity Works program provides a holistic “wrap around” support system to guide low income (below 250% of poverty) mature workers (ages 45-65) who are unemployed, underemployed, or otherwise at serious risk on a successful employment path.  The program provides services for 125 individuals who match the criteria.  Over the past year, 30% of clients have had a disability, 12% have been minority, and 14% have been veterans.  Clients are referred to the agency from sources throughout Allegheny County due to their expertise in dealing with this target population.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, older workers take longer to find employment than younger workers and are more likely to have to accept jobs with lower pay and fewer benefits.  United Way funds support various portions of the salaries for 16 staff members who assist in operating this program.

The Program Achieves Measurable Results:
The JF&CS Community Development Center, as a whole, places clients in jobs with benefits at a rate of 80% annually, with a retention rate of 90%.  For the Maturity Works clients the placement rate is 70%, with a retention rate of 85%.  JF&CS uses a nationally recognized web-based tracking system (Unicentric) for client data, activities and reporting.  Program performance is regularly and rigorously evaluated based on meeting identified outcomes and clients feedback.

The Program Utilizes a Sound Approach:
As a comprehensive social service agency, JF&CS assesses each individual and assigns them to either a “multiple barrier” or “employment track – as they have learned through experience that individuals need to address their basic needs before seeking employment.  Many individuals begin in the multiple barriers track then transition to the employment track.  The agency relies on its 20+ years of experience in this field and on nationally recognized evidence-based tools to implement and continuously improve this program.  This agency has the potential to achieve community-wide impact through the development of a comprehensive service delivery approach for this target population.   The Board members present, who were both formers clients of JF&CS' Career Development Center, expressed clearly the agency's commitment to continuous quality improvement based on demonstrable outcomes.

The Proposal is Aligned with Preferred Outcomes:

• Secure and Maintain Employment
  • 85% (77) of clients on the “Employment” track will demonstrate stable employment by 6 or more months of employment with wages.
  • 48% (12) of clients on the “Multiple Barriers” track will transition to the “Employment” track.