Program Specialist - Southern Solidarity Opportunity Center

The UNITE HERE Education and Support Fund (UHESF) – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – exists to support workers in the hospitality industry. In 2023, The LIFT Fund’s Southern Workers Opportunity Fund provided a $300,000, 3-year grant to UHESF. The goal of the grant is to create and grow the Southern Solidarity Opportunity Center (SSOC) in New Orleans, LA. We are beginning the second year of this grant.

The work of the SSOC is divided into two phases:

Phase 1

• 50+ formerly incarcerated individuals will apply for identified job openings;

• Follow-up with employers so as to understand which individuals did and did not obtain employment;
• Survey individuals who have been hired regarding support and training needed to promote job retention.

Phase 2

• Develop curriculum for job readiness, life skills, and professional development;
• Develop curriculum for job-specific programs...