HELPING JOB SEEKERS WITH DISADVANTAGES

Connections, and Skills

By SHEILA MURPHY

Photos by KATHY RENZETTI

Breaking Barriers with Training Futures

Unconscious bias in hiring can mean being overlooked for opportunities due to factors like your name, education background, resume gaps, or language differences. Northern Virginia Family Service’s Training Futures program is helping under- and unemployed adults overcome these barriers.

Training Futures, a nationally recognized workforce development program, equips participants with the skills, confidence, and tools to secure living-wage, professional employment. Established in 1996, the 12-week program has supported over 2,500 people in advancing their careers through training in soft skills (e.g., communication, workplace etiquette), technical skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), employer engagement, and job search strategies.

The program boasts strong outcomes: 44% of graduates secured new employment within two months of graduation, and those graduates saw an average 64% increase in earnings.

Social4Good (S4G) recently partnered with NVFS to support Training Futures with $4,300 in financial and in-kind donations, including supplies like Microsoft 365 subscriptions and transportation assistance. Sarah Crosley, NVFS Vice President of Development, praised S4G’s support as thoughtful, responsive, and transformative.

A highlight of this partnership was a recent breakfast event at the NVFS Training Futures site. Attendees shared inspiring stories of resilience—overcoming challenges like homelessness, civil unrest, and career breaks—and building confidence through the program. These shared experiences connected S4G members and trainees, fostering meaningful conversations and learning opportunities.

One trainee reflected: “Your insights helped me see motherhood in a new, positive light and showed me how to combine the skills I have gained as a mom and previously as an engineer.”

Learn more about the Training Futures Program here: https://www.nvfs.org/our-services/workforce-development/training-futures/

About Social4Good (S4G): S4G is an all-volunteer grassroots organization connecting women to local nonprofits making a difference. Learn more at www.social4good.community.