INSTITUTE FOR ECOLOGICAL CIVILIZATION

SYSTEMS & OTHER PROGRAMSEcoCiv has been working with the Latino/a Roundtable on the Pomona Jobs Program (PJP). Funded through the Pomona City Council, PJP helps underemployed and unemployed Pomona residents create or revise resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles; improve their interview skills; increase their employability through customized workshops; and achieve personal growth through one-on-one mentorship and training on topics such as employee rights and financial literacy. PJP also works with local employers to obtain commitments to interview. PJP participants are being hired into positions where they have the opportunity to grow, advance, and attain a living wage and benefits. EcoCiv also successfully co-wrote a California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) grant from the Board of State Community Corrections (BSCC), which was funded for $5.1m. We then helped establish an Office of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood Wellbeing (OVP) in the City to address gun and gang violence, which is prevalent in the community. Through the Peacemaker Fellowship, those at the highest risk of gun violence are mentored by Neighborhood Change Agents and provided with the support and resources to begin changing their lifestyle. Throughout 2023 EcoCiv led the OVP, bringing together community partners to establish a work plan and manage progress until new City employees could be hired. We continue to provide ongoing support to the program.