In fall 2015, Rev. Timothy Kitzke, Vicar General for Urban Ministry, held multiple listening sessions to brainstorm solutions to a variety of urban problems in our archdiocese. As a direct result of these sessions, Rev. Kitzke has communicated that all Urban Ministry actions will be rooted in prayer, illustrating that our efforts flow from who we are, as believing Christians. In addition to the normal liturgical life of the Church, ecumenical and interfaith prayers for peace will be held regularly in our community.

Rev. Kitzke calls us as individuals – and as a faith community – to a loving attentiveness to the sacredness of every person. And taking to heart the admonition of James, we need to be “doers” as well. To make ideas and suggestions concrete, Urban Ministry will begin its focus and attention in three key areas.

1. Identification of employment opportunities in Milwaukee through such efforts as the Milwaukee Transitional Jobs Collaborative, Milwaukee JobsWorks, and other programs. These efforts increase financial security for low income adults and create a brighter future for individuals with barriers to employment.  (Scroll down to learn more about these programs.)
2. Networking of organizations, parishes, and individuals to make sure we are collaborating as much as possible. Catholics throughout the Archdiocese need to understand existing problems and current solutions that are already available.
3. Exploring support for indigent burial in Milwaukee County.

As John Paul II wrote, “The evangelical witness which the world finds most appealing is that of concern for people, and of charity toward the poor, the weak and those who suffer.” Even though we might not solve the problems of poverty, racism, or violence in our community, we must address them as witnesses to Jesus’ mission.

Milwaukee Transitional Jobs Collaborative

Our overall faithful response should lead us to help those who struggle to fight poverty and find work. We can do our part to advocate for training and help people find gainful employment and an opportunity to help themselves.  And that’s the mission of the Milwaukee Transitional Jobs Collaborative.

For more than six years, faith, community, and job placement agencies (including the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Catholic Charities, Community Advocates, MICAH, Milwaukee Careers Cooperative, MATC, and the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee) have provided hope for individuals seeking employment by working together on this vital issue. What does the collaborative do?

First, we advocate for funding and expansion of transitional jobs, which are short-term subsidized jobs aimed at getting marginalized workers into the productive workforce. A transitional job is a first step toward permanent employment and economic opportunity for persons 18-64 years of age.

A transitional job can help someone develop good work ethic, confidence, experience, transferable job skills, and a positive work reference. And probably most important, they receive immediate income and a step toward financial security for their family.

Second, we encourage businesses and non-profits to become a host worksite for a “subsidized worker” (SW). Don’t worry – you will interview candidates to ensure a good fit, plus there is ZERO liability for worksites. Do you know of a parish, school, nursing home, bakery, landscaper, warehouse or other small business located in Milwaukee (or accessible via bus route) who might be interested in hosting a subsidized worker? It’s easy to get started.

1. Complete the host worksite agreement form; send completed agreement to Shyrida Townsend, stownsend@ssnc-milw.org, 414-463-7950 ext. 17
2. Provide a job description
3. Designate a point person to supervise the worker

Need more information? Review the Worksite handbook below, then we’d be happy to tell you more! Contact Kathy Shine, 414-758-2285 shinek@archmil.org

2016 Host Worksite Form & Handbook

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is a partner of the Milwaukee Transitional Jobs Collaborative. We advocate for funding and expansion of transitional jobs, which are short-term subsidized jobs aimed at getting marginalized workers into the productive workforce. A transitional job is a first step toward permanent employment and economic opportunity for persons 18-64 years of age.

A transitional job can help someone develop good work ethic, confidence, experience, transferable job skills, and a positive work reference. And probably most important, they receive immediate income and a step toward financial security for their family.

Candidates for transitional jobs are:

1. Screened for eligibility;
2. Oriented to the program;
3. Conduct a personal assessment (WISC Careers Assessment);
4. Develop an employability plan to determine the best fit for an employer (from the employer database); and
5. Receive in-house training from one of four placement agencies in the Milwaukee area

• UMOS
• Northcott Neighborhood House
• Milwaukee Urban League
• Silver Spring Neighborhood Center

Click here to download the Host Worksite Handbook
Click here to download page 1 of the Agreement Form
Click here to download page 2 of the Agreement Form