Workforce Success Story: Light of Hope

Success Story

Northeast Workforce Development Area

Light of Hope

The Northeast Workforce Development Board was contacted by Nancy Phelps, Executive Director of Light of Hope in Claremore. Light of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, providing several programs assisting individuals and families faced with the struggles of addiction or life difficulties, and educating children through school drug education program. Light of Hope also manages the Emergency Food Pantry for Community Food Bank of Northeast Oklahoma.

During the COVID-19 crisis the food pantry operations were flooded with families from the community needing food and other services provided by Light of Hope. Light of Hope was also hearing from several individuals who had lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

As a result, the NEWDB worked with Light of Hope to establish a work experience for two individuals who had lost employment but are now able to help manage distributions at the food pantry. This work experience is creating new opportunities for the individuals to gain some work readiness and leadership skills to help them retain future employment and enhance employability. The work experience is also providing Light of Hope with much needed human resources to continue serving the community.