KnoxWorks
Connecting Neighbors is part of the KnoxWorks logo. We refer to the people we work with through TouchPointe/KnoxWorks as Neighbors because we are about developing relationships and relationships are made with neighbors! Connecting neighbors with potential employers is what KnoxWorks does best.
KnoxWorks
KnoxWorks is the employment component of TouchPointe and is adapted from the Cincinnati Works model. Financial support to launch KnoxWorks in the spring of 2017 came from the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon & Knox County and the Ariel Foundation. A group of Knox County community leaders spent over two years studying the Cincinnati Works model before deciding to adapt the program to meet the needs of our local employers and community.
Jill’s KnoxWorks Story
KnoxWorks for the Employer:
The goal of KnoxWorks is to help local employers who need entry level employees and to help Neighbors gain self-sufficiency by getting off public assistance; or having some type of criminal record; or who may be coming out of addiction recovery. KnoxWorks will pre-screen the potential employee and only “Willing and Capable” candidates will be considered for the program. All Neighbors go through a one week training that includes how to get a job as well as how to keep the job.
KnoxWorks provides an “Ally” for each Neighbor. The Ally will help identify and assist in removing “barriers” that would hinder success on the job such as transportation, child care, or other. KnoxWorks will provide “Just in Time” coaching to help with any issues arising in the workplace after being hired.
A KnoxWorks representative will be glad to come to your workplace and discuss the benefits of the program for the employer as well as for the potential employee and ultimately the benefit to the community when people become employed.
KnoxWorks will do this for local employers AT NO COST. It becomes a win-win for all!
KnoxWorks for the potential Employee:
Neighbors who have a less than perfect work record; or may be experiencing situational or generational poverty; or may be coming from jail/prison; or may be coming from an addiction rehabilitation program, may need help overcoming some barriers to becoming successfully employed. KnoxWorks can provide assistance in obtaining employment. KnoxWorks representatives work closely with local employers as well as with local agencies and the Knox County court system to help Neighbors become successfully employed. Support from TouchPointe/KnoxWorks reps will be there throughout the whole process of getting a job and after employment. Should an issue arise at work with a supervisor or other employee, we will be there to mediate the situation if needed. We work closely with the employee throughout the first 12-18 months of employment. Our goal is to not only see Neighbors become successfully employed, but to assist them in the future to attain their higher goals which may lead to better paying jobs or further education.
Referrals come from a variety of agencies, courts, and churches. These referrals, as well as self-referrals, are accepted for an interview by KnoxWorks personnel to help determine “Willing and Capable.” If KnoxWorks cannot be the answer in the beginning because of major personal barriers, referrals will be made to other agencies to get necessary services for the Neighbor!
For additional information regarding KnoxWorks, contact:
740-485-5408 or e-mail jessica@touchpointe.org
Jessica Reynolds
Jessica was hired in October 2018 as the Executive Director of TouchPointe. Prior to joining TouchPointe, she was employed for 16 years at Knox Community Hospital. In her previous position she was an “Employment Specialist” within the Human Resources Department; helping to fill the employment vacancies in a health network that employs over 1350. These employment skills make her a natural to work with the KnoxWorks program.
Jessica is from the Mount Vernon area originally; prior to KCH, she worked at Interchurch Social Services and attended the adult education Computerized Office Technologies class at the Knox County Career Center. She currently lives in Fredericktown with her husband, Parker, and is mother to her two children, Harley and Chance, and to her step-children, Zoe and Zane. She and Parker are active members of the NewLife Community Church in Fredericktown and Jessica takes an active role in service opportunities within the church including being a part of the “connection crew,” small group leader, and nursery worker.
As Executive Director she will become the “face” of TouchPointe in the community and will collaborate with various agencies and organizations. She is available to speak to a variety of groups including service organizations, church groups, community clubs, as well as agencies. Because of her employment background, Jessica will work closely with the KnoxWorks program. She will also be very active in recruiting and training volunteers.
Meets at 107 West Gambier Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.