A Way to Work Success Story
Landscaping has always been one of Duane Dominic's favorite pastimes. "I took care of my dad for 10 years, and when we walked through the neighborhood, I would help clean up people's yards. They loved it," he said.
Dominic's passion for plants was a good fit for A Way to Work, a new partnership beween The Salvation Army and the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department that helps homeless individuals become gainfully employed.
“It's helped me a lot," said Dominic, a recent graduate of the program. "I was having problems trying to find a job, and A Way To Work has helped me with temporary employment until I can find something more permanent.”
Launched in February 2019, A Way To Work provides homeless individuals with short-term, 90-day employment opportunities in which they are employed by The Salvation Army to work in Omaha's greenhouses and parks.
In addition to temporary employment, the program also provides transportation to housing appointments, doctor appointments and meetings with case managers and offers job counseling and assistance with resume development, said Maryann Slack, who oversees the program and its participants.
“They’re also gaining soft skills such as how to be a team player and work with others, how to communicate with co-workers and supervisors and how to show up for work on time,” said Slack.
For Duane Dominick, A Way To Work has provided more than just a temporary work assignment. “This program has helped me realize that I’m still valuable as a worker," he said. "I love to work, and I’ve been able to learn new things from this opportunity that will help me in the future."