Spotlight: People Helping People
by KATIE BROOKS
With a dangerously low income and few opportunities in sight, Lorraine desperately searched for a way to improve her circumstances. "When I was on welfare, I’d apply for any job just to meet their requirements,” she remembers. Things didn’t really change for the better until she heard about People Helping People, an organization dedicated to helping low-income women, particularly single mothers, earn adequate income. “People Helping People gave me direction, a great resume, and the confidence to present myself,” says Lorraine. “I no longer felt hopeless, but saw the beginning of a new life and endless possibilities."
People Helping People understands the burden carried by single mothers, their children, and even the state. In Utah, 32% of single mothers live below the poverty line (Kids Count 2013 & US Census 2010), and almost 75% of female-headed households in Utah have incomes that fall below the self-sufficiency standard (created by the University of Washington School of Social Work). Of course, poverty is a prime enemy of children. Children in low-income families are at high risk for malnutrition, homelessness, dropping out of school, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and criminal activity.
Many women with low incomes want steady and well-paying jobs but face significant barriers. They may lack the skills to find the jobs they want, the confidence to seek a raise, or hope that they will ever be able to find work that could provide them with more than public assistance can. People Helping People helps its clients overcome these barriers and become self-sufficient.
When a client engages with People Helping People, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. First, a mentor helps the client uncover her marketable skills. The client then receives help in creating a professional resume and practicing job interviews. Finally, the client is introduced to local employers in hopes that she will qualify to receive stable employment that will help her earn a living wage.
The results of the work at People Helping People speak for themselves. Surveys from program graduates provided the following results for the fiscal year of 2015: 96% of the graduates had full-time employment, 96% had health insurance offered through their employer, and 71% had received at least one raise. Since enrolling in the program, 96% of graduates are no longer receiving government assistance, 44% have paid off their debt, 44% have started a savings or retirement plan, and 23% have completed a two- or four-year college or university degree.
These improvements make a difference to individuals, families, and even to entire communities. It is estimated that each single mother that transitions from welfare to self-sufficiency saves the surrounding community up to $20,000 each year. And if money doesn’t speak to you, then simply consider the lives touched.
Members of the community can become part of People Helping People’s mission in several different ways. Businesses can partner with People Helping People to meet and hire clients. Individuals can volunteer as mentors, coaches, or event planners. And, of course, anyone is welcome to make monetary donations to the cause. Those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more can visit the People Helping People website.