On February 5, 2018, The Center for Working Families Inc. and SJAC Food Groups, LLC dba Zaxby’s partnered together to launch an intensive management training program to residents in communities where they may not be privy to develop a career path. The launch of this program will provide residents the chance to go through 4 weeks of STRIVE Training (soft skills job-readiness) which will lead to opportunities to enter a 6 week intensive restaurant management training at a Zaxby’s located in Cobb County. Upon completion and graduation from this program individuals will have a career path that will yield them a salary from the Low 30’s to Low 50’s.
“ Zaxby’s is displaying its investment in human capital, and that will shift the paradigm in our communities with the support of non-profit organizations like us who have expertise in getting people ready for a competitive workforce,” says Ché D. Watkins, President/CEO of TCWFI.
The job-readiness program is based on the model developed by STRIVE International, a highly successful nonprofit that for 33 years has helped thousands of chronically unemployed individuals find and retain jobs. In 20 cities and 3 countries, we are the only Georgia STRIVE affiliate. STRIVE training is an intensive four-week course in which participants address their past attitudes, decisions and factors that have adversely impacted their lives. Those completing the rigorous soft-skills program will be chosen or referred to Restaurant Management Training, Certified Nursing Assistant program, Construction, and Culinary Arts. Others go directly into the workforce. Graduates leave with confidence, having superior interviewing and customer service skills and ready for the workforce.
“We are extremely excited to spearhead the 1st Restaurant Management Training Program. We are also looking forward to working with the participants that were hired this week,” said Zaxby’s Licensee and CEO Sterling Coleman.
The SJAC Food Groups division of Zaxby’s has been focused on providing opportunities to low-income communities for years including providing one thousand box lunches to kids and organizers at events with L.E.A.D Inc. The company has also supported the Atlanta Public Library summer reading programs where over 200 kids were given meal cards in partnership with the Frank Ski Kids Foundation. In addition, SJAC Food Groups, LLC dba Zaxby’s belief in the economic independence of families led to this collaboration with The Center for Working Families, Inc. This partnership will lead individuals from low-income communities to a career path.
The Center for Working Families, Inc. (TCWFI) was launched with significant investments from the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) in 2006. TCWFI is a model for placing hard to employ adults in jobs that lead to economic independence. This is accomplished through an intensive and holistic approach that includes one-on-one coaching, bundled services and attention to the needs of the whole family. Over the years, TCWFI has grown from serving 300 residents each year to more than 300 residents each month. In 2017, TCWFI officially merged with New Hope Enterprises to maximize impact and expand its footprint. TCWFI is growing to serve the ever-increasing need for families seeking the means to a better life while partnering with companies like Zaxby’s to launch programs that provide a career path and training for adults who may not have the opportunity as a result of lack of access to these life changing training programs.
For more information, contact Cathi Athaide, at 404-213-8653, or [email protected].