Mission statement
Making a Difference and Impacting Lives
SWD is located in the Greater Kansas City Area. We are a 501 C3 Nonprofit organization that provides career coaching, vocational education and employment opportunities. Our beneficiaries are justice involved adults (18 years and up) and disadvantaged populations in the Greater Kansas City area that want a second chance for meaningful reintegration into society. SWD is staffed by a diverse group of Kansas City professionals (community outreach experts, life skill coaches and mentors) with a first hand experience dealing with the justice involved individuals. We provide skilled workers to employers while reducing recidivism in the metro space. SWD applies a holistic approach to the workforce through in-depth solicitations with their clients' lifestyle, career goals and employment approach. SWD is funded through an investment from state of Missouri Department of Economic Development. Future funding streams will include corporate sponsorships, grants and fundraising opportunities.
"A community that sees so clearly its own disadvantage or its own hardships also has a harder time seeing its potential: its ability to work together to change the community and change their lives "- Matthew Desmond
F.R.I.E.N.D
SWD Values: based on the theme of F.R.I.E.N.D
F: Family: Stability is created through families, whether at home, at work or in the community. No man is an island and establishing a family is critical to survival.
R: Redemption: Everyone deserves a second chance. Overcoming emotional and financial barriers means getting a fair shot at redemption and securing a rightful place in Kansas City society.
I: Integrity: Friendship requires a consistency in morals. There is no ‘on and off’ switch for Integrity; we do the right thing even when no one is looking.
E: Ego-less: Friendship cannot truly launch without a healthy dose of humility. A humble adult is modest, teachable and thoughtful in actions and words.
N: Nurturing: The behavior and traits of friendship require emotional and spiritual, attention.
D: Dedication: Friends follow through and are present through the ups and downs of life. Dedication is a Life Skill that can be taught; it can atrophy or it bloom.
"Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted - folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them." Michelle Obama
JOB FAIRS
Every year we hold successful quarterly JOB FAIRS with and for Councilman Brandon Ellington 3rd District Council-at Large. Our community partners join us on this effort to make these fairs successful and to reach out to the public at large. We invite all those looking for employment opportunities to attend our job fairs. An important mention here is that we have a wide range of employers with us and many of whom are gracious and believe in giving second chances to our target re-entry population.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Easy to apply here (online) or visit our Job Fairs
- Direct Hire Employers
- Legitimate and reputable employers
- The Job Fair also has both Temp and Permanent Jobs
- A wide variety of jobs for felons, suited for different skill sets
- Felon-friendly employers
- Free access to apprenticeship programs with the Carpenters, Painters Union and Builders Union
- We give out bus passes to those who do not have transportation
- We have employed served over 300 people between 2018 till date Aug 2019. We hope to add more by the end of the year.
Community Partner Booths
- G.Y.R.L.S Please domestic violence support organization
- The Grooming Project trains people to become pet groomers
Donate Now
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference.