In 2023, MPHA started a partnership with Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) to connect MPHA families with career development resources to help residents gain meaningful employment and/or advance in their career, building on MPHA’s successful family housing program. Through this partnership, residents, like Latendra Prince and Audrey Reed, are gaining new skills and reaching their career 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 connect with them to provide information about the new, voluntary TCR programming. When residents express interest, MPHA staff connect 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.
Latendra Prince: Moving Past Employment Barriers
Several years ago, Latendra Prince suffered a debilitating injury that put her out of work from a job she enjoyed. Once Latendra healed and was able to work in some capacity, she became increasingly frustrated with the number of rejected job applications she submitted. That’s when she heard about TCR through MPHA. She was initially hesitant to join because of the time commitment. Ultimately, Latendra prioritized the opportunity knowing it would not just benefit her, but also her kids.
Through the TCR programming—particularly the personal empowerment and emotional intelligence training, Latendra realized how important it was that she change up her status quo and get back to working again despite the barriers she had faced. And that change in direction certainly sets an example of resiliency for her children.
“[Prior to finding the program] I had been looking for some help but didn’t know how to get it,” said Latendra Prince, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “I was really, really interested in the emotional intelligence piece of the training.”
After completing the initial eight-week program in September, Latendra was eager to find a well-paying job that she liked. And with the TCR employer connections, Latendra found just that. Today, Latendra is working full-time driving for SouthWest Transit and is excited for the future.
“The program helped me dream again,” said Latendra.
Audrey Reed: Taking One Step Closer to Her Dreams
Living in North Minneapolis and dreaming of purchasing her own home one day, Audrey Reed responded to a flyer from MPHA about the TCR partnership. Audrey saw this as a step towards reaching her goal of owning her own house one day.
Completing the initial TCR eight-week training in September and now in Career Club—TCR’s lifetime support and resources club, Audrey Reed is enjoying her job as a caregiver.
“They went step-by-step to help me get back to work,” said Audrey Reed, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident and Twin Cities R!SE participant. “They have really good coaches. They check up on you and are there for you if you need help.”
Together, MPHA and TCR are helping residents get the skills and confidence they need to reach their career goals and advance their families’ socio-economic status.
