The JobRaising Challenge returned to HuffPost Live today to feature three job-creating nonprofits from across the country that are offering innovative solutions to the jobs crisis. Representatives from CareerGear, Samasource, and Goodwill of Southern California sat down with HuffPost Live’s Josh Zepps and Chief of Staff to Arianna Huffington Daniel Koh to discuss the role of nonprofits in creating opportunity.
The organizations illustrated the key role nonprofits play in stemming the jobs crisis. CareerGear, an organization that offers clothing, job training, and mentoring to men seeking job opportunities featured Glen Taitt, a client who used the services to get a job at a processing company. He mentioned that he “came [to CareerGear] just expecting to get a suit” but ended up with the opportunity for employment.
Lauren Lyon, Director of Partnerships at Samasource, highlighted the work that her organization had been doing in developing countries; the model of which is now being brought to SamaUSA. “What we are doing is bringing work to many high areas of unemployment through the internet,” said Lyon. “SamaUSA will be bringing the jobs from oDesk and Elance.”
Craig Smith, CEO of Goodwill of Southern California, pointed out that although Goodwill is well-known for its stores and donation centers, “Really what we’re about is our mission. And our mission is transforming lives through the power of work.” Smith discussed Goodwill’s dedication to employment such as job education and recruitment.
The JobRaising Challenge is in partnership with The Huffington Post, The Skoll Foundation, CrowdRise, and Knowledge Partner McKinsey & Company. Selected nonprofits will have the opportunity to raise money competitively through CrowdRise for a chance at $250,000 in prizes provided by The Skoll Foundation. McKinsey & Company will also select an organization to mentor, independent of fundraising. To apply, please visit www.jobraising.com. Applications close on November 15th.