Bridges Program
There’s a catch-22 to unemployment in many low-income communities: basic skills gaps often prevent unemployed or underemployed residents from accessing training and credentialing programs that can lead to living-wage jobs; local industries often lack a workforce with the right blend of technical know-how and “soft” skills needed for success in the workplace. A solution lies in matching employers in need of workers with a specific skill set to job seekers who've been trained in those skills.
That’s what LISC Toledo’s Bridges (formerly known as Bridges to Career Opportunities) model makes possible. Clients working with our local network of Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) can ramp up foundational literacy and math skills, get technical training and pursue certifications for a particular industry—and receive support like financial coaching to set long-term goals and help manage expenses during training. These programs connect clients to “middle skills” jobs with a career pathway, and help local employers staff up with employees who can get the job done.
We currently offer Bridges programs in Advanced Manufacturing (Certified Production Technician) and healthcare. To learn more about how to enroll, call 2-1-1 and ask to be connected to the Financial Opportunity Center® nearest you.