For the last two years, MPHA and Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) have been working together to connect MPHA family housing residents with career and personal development resources to help them gain meaningful employment and/or advance in their career. Through this partnership, Breonna Baker, Katina Lewis, Shanikwa Brewer, and Shaunta Freeman have been empowered, gained new skills, and are supported as they pursue their goals.

MPHA and TCR have made it easy for residents to learn about and sign up for the program. After a family has lived with MPHA for a month, agency staff connects with them to provide information about the new, voluntary TCR programming. When residents express interest, MPHA staff connects them with TCR to get enrolled in their career training program. The TCR program consists of an initial 8-week training course covering both career skills training and personal empowerment, ongoing one-to-one support on applications and interviewing while searching for a job, followed by lifelong access to resources and support through their Career Club.

Modeling Resilience for Her Kids: Breonna Baker

Earlier this year, Breonna Baker, a MPHA family housing resident in South Minneapolis, was looking for a change in her life and seeking financial stability. That’s when she decided to pursue the TCR program she heard about through MPHA staff.

“When I joined this program, I knew I was headed in the right direction,” said Breonna Baker, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “It was life changing. I learned so much about myself by going through the training. I did not think I needed the emotional intelligence training in my life, but I did. The tools you gain from that portion of the training would be beneficial to anyone.”

Breonna gained both career skills and emotional intelligence skills. She learned how to prioritize her time, how to communicate in work settings, and how to interview successfully. She was empowered through training on self-talk and self-worth.

“Finishing this course and receiving the certificate meant so much to me,” said Breonna Baker. “It let my kids know that you are never too old to work to get your life together.”

Breonna is looking for work in the human services or public sector and her TCR employment specialist is helping make that happen with her resume and cover letter support. Now, Breonna is receiving interest from employers that had previously overlooked her.

One Step Closer: Katina Lewis

For the past several years, Katina Lewis has lived in MPHA family housing in North Minneapolis. Her dream is to become a homeowner. Katina had worked part-time in customer service for many years but needed a higher income to achieve that dream. So, this year, Katina joined the TCR program, choosing to prioritize her growth which had been secondary to parenting her daughters for decades. And, her teenage and adult daughters were proud to see her do so.

“I’ve always put my children first,” said Katina Lewis, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “When I found this program, it felt like it was now time for me to be prioritized. And my daughters were rooting for me.”

Katina got a lot out of the training, but more than anything it was community. Katina left the training feeling supported and with a sense of belonging.

“I felt like I belonged to the group,” said Katina Lewis. “We pushed each other. We inspired each other. They call it cohorts, but I call it cohearts.”

Katina is working with a TCR employment specialist to secure full-time employment. As a natural caregiver and timely person, she is hoping for a patient scheduler role in the medical field. Katina sees completing this training as getting her one step closer to her ultimate goal of owning a home and building generational wealth for her family.

Empowering Her for A Return to the Workforce: Shanikwa Brewer

Since late last year, Shanikwa has been living in a scattered site family home in Northeast with her six kids. Shortly after moving in, she saw a TCR flyer for the customer service training and she thought it would be a perfect opportunity to return to the workforce after spending the last several years as a stay-at-home mom.

She gained knowledge on customer support and professional communications in her initial eight-week training. But she also cultivated a community of encouragement with her peer group, found the emotional intelligence training empowered her in parenting, and has ongoing career support moving forward.

“Since my initial training has ended, TCR has helped me with ongoing employment services,” said Shanikwa Brewer, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “They helped me rebuild my resume, pointed me in the right direction on how and where to apply to jobs, and even helped with transportation to interviews. They support you with everything you need to secure a job.”

Shanikwa is now working with TCR to find a bank teller job. She is thankful that the program has provided continued support and opportunities to expand her horizons.

Working Towards a Brighter Future: Shaunta Freeman

The past few weeks have been particularly celebratory for Shaunta Freeman’s family. She had a daughter graduating high school, a daughter complete eighth grade, and another finish kindergarten. And, Shaunta celebrated the completion of TCR’s eight-week training, furthering her personal and career development.

Since last fall, Shaunta Freeman has been living in a South Minneapolis scattered site family home with her family. When she heard about MPHA’s partnership with TCR, Shaunta saw the training as an opportunity to better herself.

“I wanted better for myself and my family,” said Shaunta Freeman, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “I want to have a great job and provide a higher level of living for my family.”

Through the TCR training, Shaunta gained a new perspective and honed her ability to express herself. And, she’s applying the skills and knowledge she learned beyond the work setting, she’s bringing it into how she interacts with her family.

Shaunta is excited to work with her TCR employment specialist to pursue a career in caretaking role.