Advance Memphis was formed in 1999 to help bring economic self-sufficiency to the people in the Cleaborn/Foote Homes public housing development in South Memphis.  Located in the heart of the current HOPE VI Cleaborn Homes revitalization project, Executive Director Steve Nash and the Advance Memphis team are a Memphis HOPE community partner providing vital training and support to all residents of the 38126 area, the third poorest zip code in the nation. 

From the beginning, Steve says that Advance’s programs have been founded on relationships. Through personal relationships with their friends in the neighborhood, Advance seeks to bring the hope, knowledge, resources and skills that can help individuals overcome roadblocks and move towards financial independence.

In  2011, 115 Jobs for Life graduates have gone to work, with an average of 70 employed every day through Advance Memphis Staffing. Over 100 additional students will graduate from Jobs for Life by the end of the year, and 10 graduates have already received their GEDs. Advance’s economic impact  is estimated to be $9.60 for every dollar invested in the non-profit. (Younger Associates)

Each program is a stepping stone on the path to financial independence. WFGM’s first grant award  to Advance Memphis was in 2010 for “Jobs for Life, Financial Freedom and Warehouse Warriors,” a six-week job readiness and financial literacy program. After graduation, students may continue their path through the additional programs offered by Advance Memphis:

• Phase 2 – six additional weeks of work force development training
• Individual Development Account (IDA) – matched savings for an asset attainment
• GED Preparation – state-funded program that provides tutoring and testing for the GED
• Advance Memphis Staffing – provides temporary employment to drug-free grads
• Outsourcing – on-site employment to drug-free grads.

The Advance Memphis staff agrees that the success their grads have attained is due to the incredible work ethic and determination of many of the students, paired with the hours invested by volunteer mentors and tutors.

Communication Coordinator Kate Lareau says, “I wish that more Memphians knew that many of the chronically unemployed folks in our city really do want to work. Unfortunately, generational poverty has left them without the necessary resources to find and hold on to employment. By investing relationally through volunteer opportunities, Memphians can help level the playing field, and people who want to work can succeed.”

To get involved, contact Julie Latcham at Julie@advancememphis.org.