The SOURCE Leads Non-Profit Employer Collaborative in Securing Staff Development Funds

The SOURCE has partnered with Kent School Services Network, Family Promise of West Michigan, and Heart of West Michigan United Way to form a non-profit employer collaborative that was recently awarded more than $73,000 in state workforce training funds through the Going PRO Talent Fund’s Employer-Led Collaborative (ELC) award. This program is facilitated through West Michigan Works! and will support leadership and professional development training for staff members.

“Like all non-profits we need to be good stewards of our limited resources and we are always looking for new and creative ways to continue investing in our staff,” said Joyce Rohrer, Director of Business and Community Engagement at The SOURCE. “With Going PRO, we saw a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with our peers through shared learning and are grateful to be awarded these funds.”

The non-profit collaborative partnered with Human Solutions and Frontline Training Solutions to build a curriculum that includes developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence among individuals in leadership roles and providing practical tools for staff who manage multiple responsibilities, including supporting individuals and families in overcoming their needs.

“Challenges like tightening budgets and increasing service demands are becoming more prevalent across the nonprofit sector,” said Angie Barksdale, COO, West Michigan Works!. “Collaborative training empowers organizations to build internal capacity, support staff development, and ultimately enhance the services they deliver to the community.”

Employer-led collaboratives bring together at least two employers, training institutions, and other partners to address shared workforce challenges through classroom or customized training. You can learn more about Going Pro here: LEO - Going PRO Talent Fund.