New York, NY – Grace Institute is defying the odds—one job at a time.  The school continues to place its graduates in the wake of a city unemployment rate of 10%. Despite one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, Grace Institute is getting unemployed and underserved NYC-area women back in to the workforce, one job at a time. Through its tuition-free business skills program, students learn the computer and business skills necessary to secure jobs, and keep them, in a tight job market.

In the belief that “a job changes everything,” Grace Institute has responded to the current economic crisis with a dynamic postcard campaign. They sent postcards to all their employment partners with a simple, yet powerful, message: “A Job Changes Everything/Send Us One Job.” Employers’ belief in Grace’s mission is so strong, they responded with an astounding 30 job orders in just eight weeks—a remarkable return in a market so tight, there are six job seekers for every one available position.

As a direct result of this innovative initiative, eight Grace graduates are now employed at companies and organizations such as Continuum Health Partners, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, Victory Schools, Morrison & Foerster LLP, and at a private-practice doctor’s office.  Others are in the process of interviewing Grace graduates.

“The success of this campaign was overwhelming,” says Mary Mulvihill, Executive Director of Grace Institute. “We also received dozens of phone calls from employers who are not able to hire at this point, but who will keep Grace graduates in the forefront for job openings the moment the market improves.”

As a follow-up to this achievement, the school sent a second postcard campaign, “We Asked, You Answered,” thanking employers for their support, letting them know that every job counts in changing the lives of Grace graduates, and to continue to keep graduates in mind for positions.

Grace Institute’s Business Skills Program trains over 300 underserved NYC-area women each year in computer and office skills for jobs in administrative, clerical, secretarial, and other office support positions. Courses include the Microsoft Office Suite, business writing and math, and office procedures. As a tuition-free program, Grace Institute makes it financially possible for women to obtain concrete skills they can take to any office setting and helps them find jobs that give them continued economic security. Where income is concerned, the program makes a life-changing difference: at the time they enroll, women typically earn $6,000 a year; after graduating, they average a starting salary of $32,000.

“This recession has had a staggering effect on millions of people, especially on the unemployed and the under-employed,” says Mary Mulvihill, Executive Director of Grace Institute. “It is more critical than ever that women gain concrete skills that will help move them out of poverty and into meaningful jobs. We know this can happen, even in this economy, because we see it firsthand with our graduates.”

Founded in 1897 by W.R. Grace, twice mayor of New York City, Grace Institute began as a school to help New York women, especially immigrants, find employment. For over 100 years, Grace Institute has provided tuition-free, practical job training in a supportive learning community for underserved New York area women of all ages and from many different backgrounds. In the tradition of its founding family, Grace is dedicated to the development of the personal and business skills necessary for self-sufficiency, employability and an improved quality of life. Please visit www.graceinstitute.org to learn more.

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