Sen. Ron Johnson showcases successes of Joseph Project ![]() With few exceptions, downtown Milwaukee was all politics last week during the Republican National Convention. One of those exceptions was a panel discussion held at the MMAC offices by Sen. Ron Johnson. Johnson’s event featured alumni of the Joseph Project – a faith-based jobs initiative started as a constituent service by Johnson in which participants take part in a week-long life skills training program and then offered the opportunity to interview with companies looking to hire. As a manufacturer, Johnson said his sector is in dire need of talent. “I’ve been in manufacturing for 30 years. But we have not been able to hire people in manufacturing for decades,” he said. “We need people to build things.”
While those manufacturers are looking for employees, a wealth of talent exists seeking those opportunities. That’s where the Joseph Project comes in. Johnson’s staff works with central-city church leaders to identify people ready for a life change. Once a month, a new group of participants attends free week-long sessions. The classes, taught by volunteers, cover topics such as teamwork, time management, financial management, conflict resolution and spiritual fitness. Participants who stay with it through the week all get a job interview with employers who are looking to hire. Johnson’s staff works with central-city churches to identify people ready for a life change. Once a month, a new group of participants attends free week-long sessions. The classes, taught by volunteers, cover topics such as teamwork, time management, financial management, conflict resolution and spiritual fitness. Participants who stay with it through the week all get a job interview with employers who are looking to hire. “We appreciate Sen. Johnson’s work on many levels, and this program is 100 percent aligned with MMAC’s priorities,” said MMAC President Dale Kooyenga. “At a time when many sectors are struggling to recruit and retain employees, the Joseph Project is cultivating the talent employers need to be successful. The track record speaks for itself.” Several of the program’s alumni were on hand last week during the panel discussion to talk about their experiences and the success they’ve had since graduating from the Joseph Project. Nate Harris, an alumni of the 45th graduating class, was unemployed when he took part in the Joseph Project, soon attained employment and shortly after was promoted. An unfortunate downsizing at the company caused Nate to lose the job he loved, but the experience served as a jumpstart. He now serves as a shuttle driver for the program and helps new participants by leading classes. “Had I not had that initial experience with the Joseph Project, I would not be on the route that I’m on now,” he said. “My wife and I are gearing up to our first sober-living facility and another program that going to help men coming out of prison.” Since its inception in 2015, the Joseph Project has graduated more than 1,000 participants, with more than 700 landing jobs. Those same graduates have earned $41 million and have provided $65 million in taxpayer savings. “Not only do you have the dignity of earning your own success, you have the added joy of benefitting people you don’t even know,” said Johnson. To learn more about the Joseph Project, go to https://www.josephprojectwi.org. Comments are closed.
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