UMOM New Day Centers adds warehouse career training to Homegrown program

PHOENIX — UMOM New Day Centers is creating news pathways to stable employment for families experiencing homelessness by expanding its Homegrown program to include training for warehouse- and facilities-based careers.

The program was designed to provide UMOM’s clients with the marketable skills, hands-on experience and supportive services needed to help obtain sustainable employment. It was originally launched as a culinary training program using the nonprofit’s onsite care, which is called Helpings Cafe.

“Employment is one of the most critical components of long-term housing stability,” UMOM New Day Centers CEO Monique Lopez said in a press release. “By expanding Homegrown beyond the kitchen and into these other careers, we are opening doors to high-demand jobs that can truly change the trajectory for families rebuilding their lives.”

The expansion will provide participants with job-readiness training and industry-specified skills development to prepare them for an entry-level warehouse and distribution or facilities-related role, which offer competitive wages, benefits as well as opportunities for advancement.

It also displays UMOM’s commitment to ensuring that its programming is responsive to local workforce needs.

In addition to technical skills, the program also provides participants with case management and life-skills coaching to ensure they are successful beyond their job.

Calvina, a mom who came to UMOM after the other facility she lived in closed, expressed her gratefulness for the program.

“I was working dead-end jobs before, so being able to do the logistics program, it’s a career for me,” Calvina said. “I am going to be able to leave UMOM with not just a job, but a career that’s going to help me build myself financially, get a place of our own and do better for my family. For that I am thankful.”

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