EJC, in partnership with the Georgia Clients Council, launched the “Out of Poverty” Family Engagement Project on July 21, 2010 in the Bethel Homes Housing Project. It was offered to the students of the new GED program being offered in Bethel Homes.

The Project: To work with families living at least 20% below the poverty level in the Bethel Homes Housing Project, and help households attain employment that offers a sustainable, family self-sufficiency wage.

Partners: The Economic Justice Coalition and the Georgia Clients Council.

Services:

• Development of "circles of support" with mentors and advocates for family members.
• Information and referral to needed services.
• EJC’s food pantry- A sack of groceries provided twice per month.
• Occasional day employment through EJC Unity: Cooperative Labor Partners.
• Access to EJC's Computer Lab and, if resources permit, a free computer in the home to help find sustainable employment and to reinforce job and life skills.
• Job readiness training, such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and teamwork.
• First aid and CPR classes.
• Customer service training.
• Financial literacy classes.
• Basic Life Skills classes, such as problem solving and goal-setting.
• Civic involvement and voter engagement.