The Community Works Program first launched in late 2014 at JARC FL thanks to a partnership with Marshalls. As a result of a $180,000 sponsorship grant by the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, the Community Works Program has since grown to include
- Marshalls and TJ Maxx
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Grand Lux Café
- Farmer’s Table
- Woodfield Country Club
- Addison Reserve Country Club
- Polo Club
The program allows JARC clients to work at a partner business as a trainee, completing tasks ranging from chopping jalapeños and portioning food to folding napkins and completing janitorial tasks. The clients are paid minimum wage by JARC FL – through the state grant – which essentially gives the partner business free labor. In exchange, the businesses are expected to train, guide and provide a healthy and productive working environment for their respective JARC employees.
Each location is supported by a JARC staff person, who supervises and makes sure clients are following instruction. The clients report to work between two and four days a week for about three to five hours per day, depending on the location.
Other main components of the program are:
- Learning to complete a job application online
- Interview skills
- Appropriate dress and social interaction.