JOG the Web: How We Do, What We Do
8/11/2023
Our work being done throughout Tri-County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) couldn’t be done without having models to rely on to give the same high level of care to all of our JOG students. The model that we follow is the JAG Model through Jobs for America’s Graduates. This model gives us the opportunity to approach our work in school and out of school with the same level of quality that our students, both new and existing, expect during their time with the JOG program.
One of the key ways we work within the JAG Model is through our 37 Core Competencies. These fall into 6 groups: Career Development, Job Attainment, Job Survival, Basic Communication, Leadership and Self Development, and Personal Skills. These competencies give our students the fundamental backbone to be able to not only succeed while they are at work but in their own personal lives as well. Things like strong verbal communication, being a contributing team member/leader, and holding true to your values and goals are things that will stick with our participants for life.
Another critical part of the JAG Model is trauma-informed care. Our students each come with their own story. Everyone has gone through something and this is true for our students as well. We use this method to provide lessons in an open environment where our students can feel welcomed. We want to help our students overcome barriers and be able to rise to their fullest potential. While the school environment can be intimidating and exclusive for many, we try to provide a safe space with respect and compassion.
The JAG model provides our foundation but we also expand on the model specific to Ohio. We have been able to create an endurance fund of on-hand money for students who have one-time barriers that can be fulfilled. For example, plenty of our students are employed in jobs that need steel-toed boots and uniforms. We are able to supply them the money to get the respective items so they can continue to go to their job. This fund would not be possible without the support of generous donors as it is 100% donation funded. We will be hosting two events to raise money for the endurance fund this year. On August 18th we will be hosting a day to purchase “charity beers” at McArthur’s Brew House in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and on October 8th we will be hosing a fundraising event at the Texas Roadhouse in Niles, OH.
We appreciate being able to supply our students with the best foot forward possible. Whether that is through training the Core Competencies, providing trauma-informed care, or support through the endurance fund, we are happy to help our students be the best version of themselves both professionally and personally.
If you would like to donate towards our endurance fund to help students overcome their barriers, please reach out to Megan Sevastos at msevastos@jogworks.org.