STRENGTHS
OPPORTUNITIES
ASPIRATIONS
RESULTS
First
Last
Stakeholder Type
STRIVE LOCATION
help them find themselves again. What makes STRIVE stand out is our ability to combine structure and accountability with genuine compassion. We celebrate every win, no matter how big or small, and that consistent encouragement makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’m most proud of the way we uplift individuals who have faced systemic barriers, showing them that their past does not define their future. To witness someone walk through our doors feeling unsure or overlooked and leave feeling empowered, employed, and seen; that’s the magic of this work. STRIVE’s greatest accomplishments lie in these everyday moments of transformation. We’re not just workforce development; we’re a movement rooted in community, equity, and belief in potential.
development, access to second chances, and a growing recognition of the need for wraparound services. With so many people re-entering the workforce after justice involvement, caregiving gaps, or economic hardship, STRIVE’s holistic approach is more relevant than ever. However, threats like rising living costs, systemic racism, and digital access disparities still challenge our participants every day. We must remain vigilant and agile in addressing those barriers. There are also some gaps in our current process; like expanding mental health supports or building stronger alumni follow-up; that, if filled, could greatly increase our long-term impact. I believe forming deeper partnerships with local employers, healthcare providers, and grassroots community organizations could elevate our reach and sustainability. STRIVE has the heart, the model, and the mission; we just need the right doors to open and the right people at the table.
create a model that is replicated in communities across the country; especially in underserved areas where hope and opportunity are often in short supply. STRIVE can make the biggest difference by continuing to center the whole person; not just their resume. If we can keep expanding access to mental health services, transportation support, childcare, and post-employment coaching, we can help people not just get jobs, but keep them and build full lives around them. What I’m most passionate about is STRIVE’s deep belief in human potential. We don’t look at where someone’s been; we focus on where they’re going, and we walk beside them the whole way. That kind of purpose isn’t just powerful; it’s necessary.
wage growth matter; but real success also looks like increased confidence, stronger self-advocacy, and participants returning to us as mentors or partners. Translating STRIVE’s vision into tangible outcomes means creating more pathways to long-term stability: partnerships that lead to full-time careers, alumni networks that keep growing, and systems that respond to people’s real-life needs like housing, healthcare, and childcare. We’ll know we’ve achieved our goals when our graduates come back not because they need help; but because they want to give back. When the community begins to see STRIVE as more than a program, but as a trusted institution that moves with heart and impact—that’s when we’ll know we’ve truly made our mark.
Melody
Robinson
Partner
New Orleans
The STRIVE program does a really good job of building the confidence of the participants. The diversity of the participants is good and interesting at the same time. Participants are at various age
I would like that funding is always a problem, I am not sure of the funding makeup for STRIVE but in this political climate we are in, good problems are losing funding for no good reason, so insuring the funding
The program provides great opportunity for participants and tries very hard to complete the circle (getting them a job). I feel the program has been a value add to our company.
SO, our company has hired 2 participants and we have interest in 3 additional participants. The program is serving as a pipe for us with identifying candidates for positions. So, the partnership for
23
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker