Cornerstone's new Work Opportunity Center partners Freedom Ranch, Exodus House, Glory House, Tulsa Jobs Partnership, and other ministries to help churches provide ministry and work opportunities to the homeless, victimms of domestic abuse, ex-offenders, those leaving welfare, and others needing employment help.

Several job opportunities are offered at the center (housed in Cornerstone's Community Missions Resource Center) through developed career-track programs. Trainers with industry experience will oversee, train, and employ individuals in these areas:

• appliance repair
• assembly line work
• auto repair
• computer refurbishing
• clerical work
• construction
• deliveries
• forklift operation
• painting
• printing
• warehouse operation

Participants spend part of their time in the classroom (length dependent on skill level) including job readiness skills, social skills, interviewing skills, self-image, dressing for success, hygiene, literacy, and GED preparations, as well as classroom time for the selected career track.

Churches are trained by Tulsa Jobs Partnership to provide the classroom training, mentoring, and partnerships with businesses interested in hiring the graduates. Individuals complete the program when they have earned a position in a livable-wage job. Mentors continue their regular contact for one year.

Churches interested in starting a job training and work experience ministry can begin within one month of training.

Financially, the cost is $4.17 per hour per individual, which includes training, meals, counseling and materials.

Other needs include individuals to make daily lunches for the workers, worker scholarships, teachers, mentors, incentive gifts, field trips, devotionals, Bibles, prayer partners, and work opportunities on- and off-site.