We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity, even those who have endured trauma or who have disabilities, to thrive in a fulfilling career. By addressing the barriers to employment and offering comprehensive support, we aim to build a more inclusive and equitable workforce that benefits individuals, families, and communities.
Gradus means ‘another step’ in Latin and our mission is to support domestic violence survivors to take another step toward economic mobility by providing transitional employment, educational experiences and job placement.
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of their past experiences or current circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive in a fulfilling and meaningful career. We are deeply committed to transforming lives by addressing and overcoming the barriers to employment that many face, including those who have endured trauma or live with disabilities.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. We provide comprehensive support tailored to each person’s unique needs, from personalized career coaching and skill development to essential resources and community connections. Our goal is to not only facilitate access to job opportunities but to empower individuals with the tools and confidence they need to build lasting careers.
Through our efforts, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce. By removing obstacles and fostering an environment of support and opportunity, we are helping to uplift individuals, strengthen families, and enrich communities. Our impact extends beyond just placing people in jobs; we are dedicated to nurturing their growth and contributing to a more just and thriving society.
The On & Poppin Teen STEM Camp will launch in Summer 2024, targeting middle and high school youth of domestic violence survivors. This immersive experience in a gourmet popcorn factory will allow participants to discover the science behind popcorn, compete in a contest to design a new popcorn flavor, and explore careers in food-based manufacturing and logistics. The camp aims to provide a fun and educational environment where students can learn and grow.
Our 60 Minute Internship program serves high school students and functions as a dating violence prevention program integrated with career discovery. Students will participate in a 60-minute employment activity or internship followed by a 60-minute dating violence prevention workshop. This dual approach aims to prevent dating violence while supplementing existing high school programs with valuable career insights and practical experience.
This program supports Food-Based Advanced Manufacturing companies by auditing their policies to support domestic violence survivors. It includes awareness training and the distribution of toolkits with free materials for employees seeking resources related to domestic abuse. The training and toolkits aim to create a supportive workplace environment, raising awareness and providing crucial resources to those in need.
Project E.A.T. adapts a research-based model used with women receiving TANF (federal welfare program) who have experienced domestic violence. The program includes career readiness, technical skills training, job placement, and retention services. Participants engage in paid transitional employment, receive support to combat the emotional and physical ramifications of domestic violence, and undergo technical skills training on operating manufacturing equipment. A Success Coach supports job placement and retention services, ensuring participants receive comprehensive support. The core components of Project E.A.T. are:
