6.2: Building Employment Capacity for Homeless Families Presentation by Tess Gilman.

1. Building Employment Capacity for Homeless FamiliesFriday, February 11th, 2011 Tess Gilman, Manager of Education & Employment www.firstplaceforyouth.org

2. The Need-Homelessness and Poverty Homeless youth and their families have multiple barriers to employment and financial stability. Age Skills Lack of experience Low educational attainment Mental health and cognitive disabilities Behavioral barriers Lack of jobs

3. Addressing the Need: Overview of First Place for Youth Programs Stable housing programs Holistic approach to education and employment services Healthy Living/ Financial literacy

4. Where are we now? Outcomes of First Place Programs: 77% Employment Retention at Exit 63% Achieved HSD or GED 52% Enrolled in Post Secondary Education 84% Exit program with stable housing Continued Expansion Increased Funding

5. Strategies for Success Employment Readiness and Support Measuring Success and Gaps Partnerships with Employers and Organizations –See handout