The City of Reno, in partnership with Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada (VOA-NCNN), is celebrating 10 participants graduating from the 19th group of the Reno Works+ Program on Monday.
The graduation ceremony will take place today in the Council Chambers at Reno City Hall.
"We are so proud of these graduates; they’ve put in a lot of hard work and effort during the last 12 weeks,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “This program is life-changing for so many, and we can’t wait to see these graduates thrive in their very bright futures.”
Reno Works+ is a 12-week workforce development program that models a traditional workweek and provides support services and educational opportunities to people experiencing homelessness, aiming to create a bridge out of poverty.
For this session, people living in homeless shelters were transitioned into housing at the Village on Sage Street.
This is the third class to complete the program under the expanded Reno Works+ model, which includes continued support services and educational opportunities for participants after graduation, made possible by a grant from Silver Summit Health Plan.
Since the program began in 2015, 137 people have graduated. Within three months of graduation, 82 percent of participants have obtained housing, and 57 percent have secured employment.
This group reached 100 percent employment before completing the program.
Community partners involved in this session included Caliber Hair & Makeup Studio, Dress for Success, Employ NV, the Katie Grace Foundation, and various local employers.
Reno Works says it is currently accepting donations to continue the program. For more information or to donate, visit the Reno Works page.
