In 2005, the founders of the Work First Foundation had a vision of a project incubator that encouraged innovative strategies to poverty alleviation, bail reform, and improving public assistance programs, guided by the idea that helping individuals find and maintain employment is a crucial step to ending poverty. Today, Work First is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that breaks down barriers to employment and connects low-income individuals and marginalized communities to employment opportunities.
The Problem
Percentage of Americans living in poverty
The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018-2019 Current Population Survey determined that 11.8% of Americans live in poverty. This amounts to 38.1 million people, or almost 8 million families. In 2016, the average income a family of 4 needed to have to be considered living in poverty was $24,563. However, many Americans live on less than that amount.
Time Spent in Government Programs
The latest survey from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the majority of people who receive one or more types of government assistance participate in the program(s) for between 37 to 48 months.
Our Solution
Work First helps those living in poverty achieve self-sufficiency through employment. By doing so, we make a direct impact on the number of people living in poverty every year, and help those who feel stuck in government programs to start careers, achieve economic mobility, and improve their self-reliance.
Your donations allow Work First to connect people with meaningful employment and help them gain the tools they need to support themselves and their families.
