A. All Family Scholar House staff are trained in trauma-informed care, allow- ing us to effectively approach needs and stressors of our participants with sensitivity. Often, participants have personal issues that can interfere with their performance and attendance at work but that they do not feel comfortable addressing with their manag- ers, supervisors, or even human resources departments. By building relationships through video
chat with participants, our staff are able to develop trust relationships that allow work- ers to get the assistance they need with these issues, that often include domestic violence, custody issues, and other non-financial re- lated issues. Many times, employers are not equipped or trained to help an employee through these types of situations, and that is where Family Scholar House excels. FSH has built capacity for all program-
ming through a state-of-the-art Response Center and proprietary database, built on the Salesforce backbone. The FSH Re- sponse Center technology includes video capabilities so that our professional staff can see participants and vice versa, giving the feeling of being physically present with each other. This face-to-face interaction is criti- cal, because much is lost when participants and staff cannot see each other.
Q. What are the areas of greatest need for workers? Have the types of support you provide changed with the pandemic? A. Recognition of the vulnerability of low-income individuals and families in the aftermath of a global pandemic and the racial divide that prevents persons of color from having the same opportunities as others has never been more evident than in the current cultural and geo-political climate. For FSH, this is validation of what we do and a call to expand programs and services that address this imbalance while also delivering strong returns on investment to our community. FSH Advocates are experienced in
problem-solving many challenges that can interfere with workplace success and are
available to listen and offer options and resources to help. Examples include connec- tion to food pantries, childcare resources, transportation assistance, domestic violence assistance, and free tax preparation. We offer low-wage earners, those histor-
ically underrepresented in the workforce, and those held back by institutional rac- ism, the resources, support, and guidance they need to pursue apprenticeships in the careers of their choice that lead to liv- able-wage income. This includes working with apprentic-
es through the HAEP program as well as through partnerships to develop both traditional apprenticeships, such as skilled trades, and modern apprenticeships, such as nursing, culinary arts, hospitality, and business and insurance. Throughout the process, Family Scholar House supports participants in the creden- tialing process of work-and-learn appren- ticeships, including pre-apprenticeship training, tutoring, career exploration, and other comprehensive educational support to minimize obstacles in the workplace, so that apprentices complete their programs and advance in their careers. In the regional area of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, Family Scholar House pro- vides (directly and through our affiliates) affordable housing while completing coursework toward credentialing for those participants most vulnerable and at risk for homelessness.
Q. What factors might prevent workers from seeking support? What are some ways to overcome these barriers while maintaining respect and compassion? A. These include concern over privacy or cultural norms that deter asking for help, and ultimately fearing judgment or that a request may be held against them in the fu- ture when they apply for advancement and pursue opportunities within the company. Having an outside partner like Family
Scholar House allows for individuals to feel their conversations are confidential, and our team is trained in building rapport and
gaining trust while connecting individuals to resources they may not be aware exist and walking them through the process. Language barriers can sometimes keep
workers from seeking support. We have bilingual staff and translation capabilities, allowing us to interact with those for whom English is a second language.
Q. What would FSH say to employers considering programs that address obstacles to success? A. In order for our community and our nation to succeed, we need for those most vulnerable individuals and families who re- quire government and social service support in order to survive to have the opportunity to thrive as they participate in our commu- nity’s economy. This can only be achieved through a combination of formal and in- formal education and access to resources that not only offer new opportunities but also instill hope as they work toward their future success. Family Scholar House has many partner-
ships, including employers, trade unions, educational institutions, and other nonprofit organizations throughout our region and nationally. For each partner, we take the time to fully understand their needs and goals to develop solutions or connections. We are passionate about providing per-
manent solutions to bring underserved peo- ple out of poverty and into self-sufficiency, and we are happy to dream together with anyone who shares this goal.
For more information about Argentum's Healthcare
Apprenticeships Expansion Program, contact Megan Robinson, project director apprenticeships and workforce development,
mrobinson@argentum.org.
MAY/JUNE 2021
ARGENTUM.ORG 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
