one by one®: Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) has been operating for 36 years. As one of 4,000 nonprofits in Summit County, Ohio, it needed to increase brand awareness to grow. To achieve this goal, the organization hosted a golf event. Terri Peterman, director of operations, was glad to use a one by one grant to purchase golf event giveaways to hand out at the event, so all money raised could go back into programming.
“We thought a golf event with supporters would be fun and help raise money to help even more young people,” said Peterman. “We knew the golf towels would help get our name out there, which they did.”
Golf event giveaways create awareness after event
Peterman said another benefit of the towels is that they will continue to promote the JOG brand anytime they are used. The golf event raised almost $8,000 and was such a success, it will become an annual event. Every year, JOG helps more than 1,500 at-risk young people, ages 14 to 24, transition from school to work, and it helps them do more than just find jobs.
“If we can’t help the youth directly, we create pathways to other nonprofits or employers,” said Peterman. “We help them thrive and find careers they love. We all experience a lot of emotions when we help a young person find success.”
Endurance Fund helps youth get back on track
For JOG youth, 90% of whom are economically disadvantaged, unexpected challenges can derail their lives. JOG created the Endurance Fund to help people get back on track, whether they need funds to help pay for a background check or buy required uniforms or gear for a job. Sometimes the need is much greater, like for JOG participant Vanessa and her one-year-old son who benefited from the Endurance Fund when they experienced homelessness.
At the time, Vanessa didn’t have a job, childcare or family support. Through the Endurance Fund, she received diapers, baby clothes, food for herself and her baby, and other basic needs. After that, her career specialist helped her get shelter, food assistance, childcare and a job. She now has long-term stability for herself and her child.
A note from Cheryl
It’s heartwarming to learn about nonprofits working together to help disadvantaged young people get on a good path. We’re glad that simple golf event giveaways, like towels, are furthering the mission of organizations like JOG. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have helped this organization spread awareness of its cause. To learn more about a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.