WHAT DOES AFFORDING diapers have to do with employment? If you need childcare, something seemingly as simple as providing diapers can have a huge impact on your ability to find or maintain a job.
Parents typically need to provide diapers to place them in daycare. If you’re struggling to afford diapers, you can’t get childcare, and if you can’t get childcare, that will affect your ability to get a job.
The Recompete grant is working with local partners to bolster or create new programs with one overarching goal: to connect residents to good local jobs.
At first glance, the connection between family support and employment may not be clear, but as Executive Director Elisia Anderson said, “Families can’t work and thrive if they can’t do life.”
Since it started in 1972, First Step Family Support Center has been walking alongside families so they can meet their full potential.
Additional funds from Recompete have helped First Step expand programs and hours at Family Resource Centers in Port Angeles and Forks. The staff has been offering prepared community meals on Wednesday evenings, with a turnout of 75-100 participants each week. These events are more than just meals; they’re an intentional space to build community and a social support network.
The heart of the work at First Step is really the individual connections the staff is able to make with each community member. Someone might come in for diapers or a community meal, and the staff is able to provide individualized support to connect them to other services.
As Anderson put it, the people they interact with may not have even been able to identify other needs or believe that applying for a school or a job was even possible, but their staff walk alongside each individual to encourage them and help them meet their goals.
Grant funds have also allowed First Step to provide computer stations at their Forks and Port Angeles locations. This provides people with an opportunity to print, scan, search or apply for jobs, and work on resumes while their child plays nearby. Staff are also available to answer questions and provide assistance.
Anderson said plans are on the horizon to offer more job-focused assistance like resume review, job interview preparation and more.
Recompete is about improving the economy of the region, but it’s really about improving the lives of the people who live here. Our partners like First Step Family Support Center are ensuring that individuals have the support they need so no one falls through the cracks.
You can visit First Step Family Support Centers at their Port Angeles and Forks locations, as well as pop-up sites throughout both Jefferson and Clallam counties.
For more information, visit www.firststepfamily support.org.
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Carolyn Edge is the Recompete communications and media coordinator. She can be reached by email at carolyn.edge@recompetewa.org.
Carolyn Edge.