Nonprofit launches new initiatives to connect residents with job opportunities and training

BATON ROUGE – Hope Ministries on Tuesday introduced a new initiative in its Way to Work program.

The Reaching Individual Success through Education (RISE) initiative enables Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that connects people with job opportunities and training, to offer nine different professional certification programs.

Programs include certifications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, construction, multi-family maintenance, building maintenance, appliance repair, and solar and green energy.

“I'm just looking for something different. I've been in the food industry for over a decade and there's a certain amount of volatility in the industry, so I'm looking for something more stable. A career that will allow me to provide for my family,” said Antonio Keyes, an interested applicant.

The online certification program is free for qualified participants.

“It's very difficult. And it's also very expensive. I'm going to save money by doing the program through them,” said Kaleigh Parker, another interested applicant. “I can't wait to find a career, a job, so I can save some money and pay some bills.”

Hope Ministries said RISE can help people obtain the technical certifications needed for certain careers.

“We're trying to identify people who need help getting those pre-employment certifications. OSHA 10, OSHA 30 and others who really want to take that positive step toward a career,” said David Tidwell, chief operating officer of Hope Ministries.

If you would like to learn more, call Hope Ministries at (225) 355-0702.