For the past two years, MPHA and Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) have partnered to support MPHA family housing residents on their journey toward meaningful careers. The partnership provides personal development, career training, and ongoing support that help residents not only secure employment but also build lasting skills for long-term success. MPHA residents Intisar Hassan, Chelsea Amber, and Louis McKinley have completed the first step of the program—an eight-week career readiness course—gaining confidence and momentum toward 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 in an MPHA family home for a month, MPHA staff introduce them to the voluntary TCR program and explain the opportunities available. When residents express interest, MPHA staff connect residents with TCR staff to begin their journey. Residents begin with an eight-week course combining career skills training and personal empowerment. From there, residents receive one-on-one support with applications and interviews as they search for jobs, along with lifelong access to TCR’s Career Club for continued coaching and resources.
Gaining New a New Skill Set: Louis McKinley
Earlier this year, Louis McKinley’s fiancé, Shanikwa Brewer, joined the TCR program and Louis watched as she was empowered and gained new professional skills. When Louis got injured and prevented him from working his job, he thought he could use the time to participate in the TCR programming.
Louis joined the Facilities and Maintenance programming and gained technical skills (OSHA requirements and general safety practices) and soft skills (leadership and emotional intelligence skills). With a background in custodial work and cooking, Louis saw this TCR programming as a way to help reenergize his career.
“I got a lot out of the Twin Cities R!SE program,” said Louis McKinley, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “I’m recommending it to everyone I know to join.”
Equipped with new skills and certifications, and with the okay from the doctor to return to work, Louis is excited to find a maintenance role.
Building Confidence for a Career Change: Intisar Hassan
Intisar Hassan, a MPHA family housing resident in South Minneapolis, has always had a clear vision for her career: to help others. After years of working with children through Head Start, she wanted to transition to working with adults in a case management role.
Shifting roles in the professional field can be daunting and difficult to navigate. So, when MPHA staff contacted her about the TCR programming, Intisar was grateful for the opportunity to participate.
“I liked the teaching style of the program,” said Intisar Hassan, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “I am very shy and wasn’t sure how to prepare for interviews. The program’s interview prep was very helpful. I am very grateful.”
Intisar is working on earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and pursuing a human services case manager role. And, after completing her initial eight-week training, she has been referring her friends to the program.
Changing Her Outlook and Seeing Her Value: Chelsea Amber
Last summer, Chelsea Amber moved into a scattered site family home in North Minneapolis after facing homelessness on and off for a decade.
When Chelsea saw a flyer about MPHA’s partnership with TCR she was intrigued. Chelsea had tried to participate in TCR programming in the past but wasn’t able to complete it because she was homeless and couldn’t focus on the training without stable housing. This time around, with the stability of MPHA housing, Chelsea had the time and focus to participate fully.
For Chelsea, the personal empowerment training really hit home. The training helped her uncover her core beliefs and reshape them in a positive way. She started to value herself and allowed her to see her potential.
“The training helps you relook at how your life was shaped by things you heard growing up,” said Chelsea Amber, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “It allowed me to change my outlook and challenged me to be and do better. It helped me see my worth.”
Chelsea also appreciated the group setting of the training as it created a safe, encouraging community.
“The instructors and peers in the group really connected and came together really well,” said Chelsea.
Since completing her initial eight-week training, Chelsea has been applying for management roles in the retail industry.
Together, MPHA and TCR are helping residents get the confidence and skills they need to reach their career goals and advance their families’ socio-economic status.
