Urban League of Eastern MA - 2014 Silent Auction

Greetings Friends!

The Urban League of Eastern MA (ULEM) is happy to present its first online silent auction! Founded in 1917, ULEM is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which is one of the oldest affiliates within the National Urban League movement. From the time that our doors opened to the at-large Boston community and surrounding metropolitan area residents, the ULEM has been employing a multi-point strategy to deliver services and programs which aim to increase self-reliance, specifically in the area of workforce development.

The mission of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is to be a champion of civil rights dedicated to helping people improve their lives and to build stronger communities by providing local residents with education, job training and placement at no cost. For nearly 100 years, ULEM’s programs and services have given hope to our members and made a lasting, positive impact in the community.

Focusing on this overarching goal leads us to provide opportunities for every person that walks through our door to realize economic empowerment through basic- and mid-level skills trainings, certifications, internships, and job placements.

YOUR support will assist us in continuing this critical work. Please peruse our auction and make a purchase or make a donation. Thank you!!!

Offering programs and services at no-cost to every participant, we facilitate an array of skills training workshops which cover a variety of job skills and expertise, age range, and both non-profit organizations and corporate partnerships. Currently, ULEM programs and services include:

Fund Administrative Preparatory Program (FAPP): The financial services industry offers exciting and rewarding options for companies and employees who can keep up with its fast pace. However, the rate of attrition for entry-level staff in this industry can be quite costly. Modeled after a partnership developed with State Street Corporation, ULEM offers an extensive screening, selection, and training program that not only targets individuals that would thrive in this environment, but who are committed to the work. The FAPP training program has two phases: (1) a six-week professional development and technology training provided by ULEM and (2) a two-week orientation followed by a six-month internship at the partner corporation. Upon completion of FAPP, the corporate partner offers full-time positions as Fund Administrators to select participants based on job availability and candidates' performance.

Volunteer 2 Work (V2W): As job markets change, so must our placement efforts and client marketability strategies. The V2W program was born from the concept of on-the-job training and is designed to teach the value of work through volunteer service to chronically and newly unemployed individuals who need a bridge to re-enter the job market. Our partnerships with local community-based organizations allow us to provide them with a screened client pool that will provide valuable hours of service, and help to offer more effective services to their constituents. Upon completion of this professional skills training program, we work with the participants towards job placement.

ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC): is an industry-recognized, transferable, evidence-based credential that measures and certifies essential job skills needed for workplace success. As an organization we recognize that in order to increase the employment options of our constituents, we needed to incorporate industry recognized certifications. The NCRC is now a base credential that anyone who enrolls in one of our professional skills trainings can earn.

Mature Worker Program (MWP): Funded in part by the Department of Labor and administered in partnership with the National Urban League, ULEM’s MWP is an innovative community-based workforce development program. Combining soft and hard skills training, collaborations with employers, community service and intentional job placement with career coaching and retention support, MWP gives participants a positive work track record to assist in obtaining a self-sufficient employment wage with opportunity for career advancement. MWP accomplishes this by partnering with 106 community-based organizations that serve as host training sites and with a variety of other community, education, and advocacy organizations. This program is for adults ages 55+.

Computer Literacy and Internet Knowledge (CLIK): The digital divide has greatly impacted this nation’s economy. In an age where technology becomes outdated upon its release, aspiring professionals must stay abreast and engaged. The CLIK program gives participants the foundation and motivation they need to hit the ground running. They learn the nuts and bolts of computers, software, and hardware, becoming digitally competent in the process.

Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy Training: helps participants better understand their financial options; teaches how credit affects their lives pertaining to major purchases and employment options; teaches how to use financial resources more effectively; builds confidence in making financial choices; teaches to shift from reactive to proactive decision making regarding finances; and develops wisdom on how to assess financial products and services.

Retail Banking and Sales Training Program (REBAS): This program is designed to build the banking and sales skills of participants and prepare them for entry-level positions in the banking industry. Trainees learn an overview of the U.S. banking system, banking customer service and the principles of cross selling. Graduates are interviewed by our corporate banking partner and may be eligible for full-time employment.

Case Management Services: All clients who participate in our professional skills training programs are eligible to receive case management services. Case management is the most significant asset and strongest component of ULEM’s programs, according to evaluations and feedback from partners and employers. Our case management staff is relatable and reflective of the constituents that we serve and able to provide resources to overcome obstacles to employment. Case managers also conduct follow-ups and tracking of the participants’ placements upon program completion. Our efforts give clients concrete support extending far beyond the time they spend training with us. With our support, clients are able to take clearly defined steps towards moving out of poverty through employment, as we provide post-job placement support for up to 24 months.

Employment Resource Center (ERC): In today’s job market, diligence alone will not lead to gainful employment. Gone are the days of “help wanted” signs and advertisements in the Sunday newspaper. Conducting a successful job search now requires skill, patience, proper techniques, and, most importantly, an internet connection. The ERC is a career center that not only provides one-on-one job search support, but access to all the tools individuals need for a successful independent job search.

Pathways to Employment (PTE): Our workshop-based PTE program is designed for the busy job seeker who can’t commit to the demanding schedule of our professional skills training programs. These workshops assist individuals in updating their job search techniques and learning workplace professionalism standards. PTE workshops are part of our Employment Resource Center offerings and are available to all clients.

Placement Assistance: All clients who participate in any of our professional skills training programs are eligible to receive placement assistance. Clients work with our dedicated and professional staff, who help customize, focus and streamline their job search efforts. Through this client/staff partnership we are able to build strong and lasting relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

In addition to the aforementioned programs, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts offers membership through two auxiliary groups: The Urban League of Eastern MA Guild (ULEM Guild) and the Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Eastern MA (YPN-ULEM). Both groups have open membership, facilitate events and workshops and serve the community in alignment with ULEM’s mission and strategic goals.

In brief, the ULEM Guild’s members are typically aged 40+ and long-time volunteers and donors to the Urban League movement. They donate their time to deliver services that extend public understanding and support of the local and national programs of the Urban League. In 1942, the first Urban League Guild was founded by Mrs. Mollie L. Moon in New York City. Guilds are now operating in more than 85 cities under the National Council of Urban League Guilds. The principle concerns of the Urban League Guilds are in the areas of interpretations, leadership development, and fund-raising. Our Guild was founded in 1946.

To serve the remaining adult population, the YPN-ULEM engages members between 19 and 40 years of age. Our chapter was founded in 2000 and is one of over fifty nationwide. YPN-ULEM supports the ULEM through volunteerism, philanthropy, and membership development. The mission is to promote personal and career development, build community, and cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment in Greater Boston for people of color.

Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts 22nd Annual Awards Gala & Silent Auction
Saturday, April 5th, 2014, 5:00PM (VIP) / 6:00PM (General) / 11:00PM (Post)
Lombardo's, 6 Billings Street, Randolph, MA 02368

Ticket Prices:

$75 - Post Reception & Entertainment ONLY
$175 - General Reception, Entertainment, Dinner, Post Reception & Entertainment
$200 - VIP Reception, General Reception, Entertainment, Dinner, Post Reception & Entertainment

POST RECEPTION PERFORMANCE BY: Harold Melvin's Blue Notes