STRIVE proudly announces its 25th Anniversary Gala on April 6th 2011 at New York City’s Gotham Hall. The occasion will celebrate the legendary John Whitehead for his vast civic and business contributions, and especially for his role as one of STRIVE’s founding directors. Lesley Stahl will also join the evening as a special guest. Ms. Stahl was instrumental in gaining national attention for STRIVE when she featured it in two 60 Minutes segments.
STRIVE Background
STRIVE is a not-for-profit corporation recognized as an innovative leader in job-readiness programs for hard-to-employ individuals. STRIVE’s mission is grounded in its commitment to enable low income men and women to permanently replace histories of poverty, public assistance, joblessness, or incarceration with living wage work that brings economic self-sufficiency, dignity and hope to them and their families. This is a goal that enjoys equal support from both sides of the political aisle (not an easy thing to find these days).
What makes STRIVE different is its focus on personal responsibility and the culture of work … not just the work itself. At the core of STRIVE is an intensive, tough love, multi-week training program that combines attitude and job skills with job placement, individualized counseling, group support and successful social modeling. Beyond the “core” curriculum, STRIVE has developed skill-specific programs to further career and personal growth. STRIVE also provides active follow-up for 2 years, offering a lifetime commitment to its graduates.
STRIVE’s success has been so compelling it’s been profiled on 60 Minutes, CNN, the New York Times and in several other media outlets. Historically well over 60% of STRIVE participants are still employed 2 years after graduation. They become productive, tax-paying citizens who bring hope – not just a paycheck – to their families. Over 400 small and large businesses have employed STRIVE graduates, with many recruiting additional graduates year after year. By targeting an industry’s particular needs, STRIVE can then partner with local businesses and community colleges to provide specialized programs consistent with industry demands for its participants.
STRIVE develops and delivers its programs through its flagship Harlem client training center, and through a network of independently-organized affiliate centers in 18 domestic and six international cities. It is also dedicated to encouraging improved employment policies nationally and globally. STRIVE’s success has been acclaimed by the White House as well. STRIVE president Rob Carmona has been invited by President Obama to participate in the Jobs Summit and in the administration’s Fatherhood Initiative.
In its 25 years, STRIVE's programs have transformed the lives of over 40,000 graduates and their families. The positive financial impact of people leaving public assistance and joining the work place is enormous. The benefit of redeemed lives, renewed hope, and strengthened families and communities is priceless.