Upon her arrival at Hope House, a resident is expected to make a concentrated effort to pursue employment. Direction is provided by case managers on a daily basis until employment is achieved. When available, volunteers are also utilized to work with residents in this area. Residents have the opportunity to create resumes and have Internet access for job searching purposes.
Thanks to a Community Action Team from Leadership Fort Wayne, especially Dimples Smith, a workbook is provided to new residents to help lead them through the job search process.
Women’s Independence Project
In 2008, the Junior League of Fort Wayne selected Hope House, along with Transitions, to be a part of their Women’s Independence Project. The goal of the project is to assist the residents in finding employment through job skills workshops. Twice monthly, JLFW volunteers provide classes on resume preparation, interviewing, and many other skills. These have been so successful that the WIP has been extended from its original 3 years to five.
The Junior League hopes to break the cycle of generational poverty for these women, their children and our community. Finding a job is critical to the recovery process. These women need a meaningful job for their self esteem and to get them out of some old habits.
Community Development Block Grant
In August of 2011, the City of Fort Wayne granted funds to Hope House, in collaboration with the Rescue Mission, WorkOne, and Community Transportation Network, to expand employment opportunities to the homeless. Lindsey Cook was hired as our employment specialist and has been working hard with the residents of Hope House & the Rescue Mission to help them prepare for and obtain employment.