Work Training

In the Fall of 1999, the Food & Care Coalition unveiled a sheltered workshop program entitled C.R.E.W., or Community Reinvestment Employee Workforce. It offers participants a holistic approach to attain self-reliance. Under the supervision of FACC staff, trainee's learn marketable job skills, workplace expectations, and gain valuable work experience.

Clients are selected to the program and are offered housing, mentoring, and educational services in addition to their employment. Participants are paid two small monthly stipends with the remaining earnings going to housing, outstanding debt, and savings. Pride and commitment to community is instilled by requiring each trainee to contribute several hours of volunteer work every week.

Work outlets vary with the time of year and contractual commitments. The FACC offers several outlets for trainee's including power washing, maintenance of downtown banners and flower baskets, garden tilling, housing rehabilitation, and work in our meal program. The C.R.E.W. program emphasizes work in areas that improve community beautification and enhance the environment.