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Date: 9/6/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield WORKS, a community-wide initiative with the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, was awarded a second Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant in January that will help to facilitate systemic socioeconomic changes in the city of Springfield.
Part of this process was administering resident assessments to increase understanding of how organizations can be better situated to aid in the necessary changes.
On Aug. 22, a community empowerment grant press event and community conversation took place at TD Bank in downtown Springfield.
Springfield WORKS Executive Director Anne Candilis shared that through this grant, it ensures that every person, regardless of background, can have a job.
Based on the project’s results, some of the challenges revealed that nearly half of the people with criminal backgrounds are still jobless a year after leaving prison, which impacts Black, Latino and people of color disproportionately. Nearly 40% of previously incarcerated individuals or families impacted by incarceration reported they did not know how or where to connect to local resources.
The assessment included 170 participants — 60% of which were Latino, 23% were Black or African American, 11% white, 3% mixed race and 2% other or undisclosed. Of those participants, 49% have been incarcerated and 67% have a family member who was incarcerated.
The methodology, explained by Candilis, was to develop a trauma informed and response called “Ready, Willing & Able,” which is an online assessment tool used to identify services and make referrals.
She went on to say that a learning community of practice was formed with partner agencies including Helix Human Services, HCS Head Start, Holyoke Community College, Home City Development, MassHire Springfield, New North Citizens Council, Springfield School Volunteers and Square One.
Evaluator Pieta Blakely shared some of the findings.
She noted that all the clients felt this was a positive experience and all felt seen and heard, while the majority accessed a new resource.
Other impacts and outcomes revealed that 94% of clients reported that they now know where to access help addressing a barrier to employment, while 147 of 170 participants received direct referrals to help them reach their employment goals.
Additional results include agencies’ knowledge on skills to provide better services, clients establishing safety, connection and trust, and indications that partner agencies will continue using the assessment tool beyond this project.
To emphasize the results, a community panel shared their thoughts on the overall assessment.
From Square One, Melissa Blissett shared that this process helped her implement questions for prospective employees or anyone who wants to enter the workforce, to see if they are ready, willing and able.
Blissett said she thinks of three questions when she is interviewing someone: Tell me about yourself, what interests you to work in this agency? When you have a challenge, what is it that you do to take care of yourself? Lastly, what are two things you are proud of — either personal or professional?
She added that this process has heightened her trauma lens.
Jarix Santiago from New North Citizens Council agreed with Blissett and said this process has been “heightened” when dealing with trauma care.
From Helix, Chuck Jones shared his story of being incarcerated and getting back into the workforce. He noted that it is “hard” but what made this process easy for him was the comfortable setting and the feeling of being valued and understood.
Following the assessment, next steps include engaging employers to break down barriers and implement and strengthen hiring relationships for those seeking a second chance.