Many industries in Milwaukee and across the nation are having a difficult time finding qualified workers for open positions. Low-income residents continue to raise the lack of job training for jobs that provide a sustainable wage. The continual cycle perpetuate our community’s extremely high level of poverty.

The Social Development Commission (SDC), located on Milwaukee’s north side, has made a concerted effort to address the lack of job training for adults living in poverty. The agency has developed two successful job-training programs focused on the construction and food service industries. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has recognized SDC’s creation of programs to address this critical need.

A $25,000 grant from four of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s fund – John C. and Harriett Cleaver Fund, Marie and John P. Botsch Fund, McBroom Family Fund, and Natalie and Tusella Brand Fund , have been awarded to SDC to support its Absolute Advantage construction and ProStart Culinary and Job Readiness programs. In addition to core training, the courses offer employability skills, resume writing, communications, financial education and more. The grant will support the programs through December 2017.

Since the programs began in 2016, SDC has been underwriting the programs but sought, and continues to seek, outside funding to ensure the programs can continue to grow and place people in livable wage jobs. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation recognized the value in the programs and the successful placement of graduates with employers.

“We are extremely grateful that the Greater Milwaukee Foundation sees the need for job-training programs in our community,” said George Hinton, CEO of the Social Development Commission. “The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is continually on the forefront of initiatives to better circumstances for our community and its residents. Their funding will assist us in creating qualified workers that can go on to obtain jobs that will support themselves and their families.”

The SDC’s website provides detailed information about its job-training program at cr-sdc.org under career services located in the programs section.

For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom hold the title of “Commissioner.” For more information on SDC’s programs and services, visit cr-sdc.org. Connect with us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SDCMilwaukee and Twitter www.twitter.com/CRSDC.