"Metropolitan Action Commission: Making a Change 4 Jobs"
MAC4JOBS is the complete demonstration of our Whole Family/2 Gen Approach to impacting the lives of the families we serve. Resources from both program divisions (Head Start/Early Head Start and Community Programs) are integrated to build a system of support for a specific customer base within our agency. Research has documented the impact a parent's education, economic stability and overall health on a child's trajectory. Similarly, children's education and healthy development are powerful catalysts for parents. Two-generation approaches help both generations make progress together (Two Generation, One Future,The Aspen Institute).
Adults
The Whole Family/2Gen approach supports the success of heavily resourcing a family in moving families out of the traps of poverty. Because families with children in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs are enrolled an average of two years, we are able to access the needs of the entire family. Adults in our Adult Education program are eligible for one year as they are completing their HiSet/High School Equivlancy Diploma, which also gives us a great opportunity to meet additional needs beyond their diploma. Both customers groups are eligible to enroll in our MAC 4 Jobs program to receive certifications that increases their earning potential. Currently the agency offers the entry level Information Technology Credential, CompTIA A+ Certification for adults interested in a career in IT. Adults interested in the early childhood education are able to enroll in the Child Development Associate classes. In Fall 2018, the agency began offering English as a Second Language class for adults with limited English proficiency.
Youth
Another demonstration of the Whole Family/2Gen approach of our MAC4Jobs program is the inclusion of the older siblings of Head Start/Early Head Start families. Teens between the ages of 13-15 years are offered the opportunity to participate in a Summer Youth Technology Camp. This engages the older youth during the summer in meaningful experiences that allow them to experience various careers as well as develop skills such as leadership and public speaking.