ADVANCE MEMPHIS PROGRAMS
Our programs empower the members of our community to recognize their value as children of the Father. Building on that, each program is a stepping stone towards financial independence and provides HOPE, KNOWLEDGE, RESOURCES and SKILLS so that students and graduates can change their lives, their community and their world.
JOBS FOR LIFE PROGRAM
Jobs for Life is a six-week, soft skills job training class. Jobs for Life is designed for those who are unemployed--or underemployed. The program inspires, guides, and equips students as they prepare to find and keep meaningful employment. Jobs for Life is unique in that it does these things in a culture that promotes and builds relationships and community; we firmly believe that real and lasting change comes through relationships. Included in the Jobs for Life class is the Financial Freedom curriculum (below) as well as basic Computer Literacy (students set up email accounts and learn to upload resumes and conduct an online job search).
Our partners in this program are essential to its effectiveness: representatives of local businesses serve as visiting teachers, volunteers work as mentors (Champions), other volunteers help to lead small group discussions, and counselors give time to help students overcome emotional roadblocks. These volunteers greatly increase the long term impact of Jobs for Life. For more information on the Jobs for Life Program, contact andrew@advancememphis.org.
FINANCIAL FREEDOM
Financial Freedom is a 20 hour financial literacy course that is taught during the 6 weeks of the Jobs for Life Program. Students track their spending throughout class and then work on personal budgets. They also study savings, debt management, materialism, predatory lending and stewardship. Participation in this curriculum is a pre-requisite for participation in the Individual Development Account Program (below). For more information on the Financial Freedom curriculum, contact brandon@advancememphis.org.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM
An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a savings account that allows Financial Freedom graduates to receive $2 for every $1 deposited from earned income. Savings are used for purchase of a car or house, starting a small business or obtaining a degree. The goal is to increase net worth through the habit of savings and the purchase of assets. Click HERE to learn more about IDAs and the Advance Memphis graduates who are saving money to purchase assets through this program. For more information on the IDA Program, contact brandon@advancememphis.org.
ADVANCE MEMPHIS STAFFING
Advance Memphis Staffing was formed in 2009 to serve the staffing needs of Advance's business partners. By operating a staffing service, we are able to form relationships with businesses that request not one or two, but dozens of employees per week. From our management position, we are able to evaluate workers adn help them grow, while also responding quickly and effectively to the needs of our business clients. Current clients include KTG USA, a local mill that produces paper products, and WMBarr, where our graduates package products. For more information on Advance Memphis Staffing, contact juanita@advancememphis.org.
GED PREPARATION PROGRAM
Passing the GED opens the door to more employment opportunities and is a first step leading to more education and higher wages. Advance Memphis has partnered with the Equal Opportunity Center through Southwest Tennessee Community College. We provide students with a GED class that meets twice a week to help students prepare for and succeed on the GED Test. Advance Memphis has also collaborated with Literacy Mid-South to provide students with reading materials and assistance to improve their reading level.
Additionally, residents meet individually with tutors to focus on problem areas. All pre-testing is done in-house, in order to alleviate transportation challenges that arise from going to and from the testing center. When students feel confident in their ability to pass the test, they then register for the required pre-test at the testing center and then go on to take the GED. For more information on the GED Preparation Program, contact julie@advancememphis.org.
ADVANCE MEMPHIS OUTSOURCING PROGRAM
The Advance Memphis Outsourcing Program operates as a not-for-profit business within Advance Memphis. Our vision is to provide students with opportunities for on-the-job application of the skills and concepts learned in Jobs for Life. By offering "real world" experience in a learning environment (in our facility), we can better prepare Advance graduates for success in the workplace. Students are evaluated based on their production rate, punctuality, leadership skills, and adherence to safety standards. Participation is optional pending a drug screening, and all participants receive an hourly wage.
Business partners of the Outsourcing Program include:
• National Guard Products, Inc.
• WMBarr
• Corky's BBQ
• New Tech Packaging
• Wynit Corp.
• KAM Cross-Supply Logistics
For more information on the Outsourcing Program, contact steve@advancememphis.org.