Are only women eligible for the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy Employment Project?
No, both men and women are eligible. The project was just named after the organization that provided its initial founding grant. The project is being funded on an on-going basis through other sources.
If I were to donate money to FIT, for which purpose(s) would it be used?
FIT raises enough money to cover all of its general, administrative and fundraising expenses during special fundraising events throughout the year. Every dollar that is donated to FIT through grants and private donors, not related to special events, goes directly to program costs.
One of FIT’s founding principles was that it would not duplicate services available elsewhere in the community, instead it would partner with other service providers to ensure that all basic needs of the clients were met and that every dollar spent was leveraged to its fullest extent. Further, donors and all other benefactors are welcome to designate their contributions to be used for the Workforce Development Project, Nevada Women’s Philanthropy Employment Project, or both.
FIT also has a capital campaign to support the completion and maintenance of our new building.
How long has FIT been in existence?
FIT was incorporated in August of 1997 and is qualified by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization. Tax ID # 88-0377684
What type of training does FIT offer?
FIT does not provide training; rather it offers financial assistance for tuition or other training related expenses through the Workforce Development Project to clients who are lacking the skills needed to find stable employment leading to financial stability and self sufficiency.
What careers/training programs does FIT support?
FIT’s ultimate goal is for clients to gain financial stability and self sufficiency, so potential training programs are selected based on labor market documentation that shows a demand for the occupation and that the job will pay a minimum of $10/hour. Since FIT wants to prepare all clients for financial stability and self sufficiency, taking into account the household size, number of wage-earners, and individual circumstances, potential income in that field is then calculated to determine the viability of a selected career field for the individual client.
Additionally, FIT only provides funding for a vocational training program that offers a certificate or diploma, not for degree programs (Associates or higher level degrees). Please see the vocational goal list (link) for a selection of possibilities of programs that FIT might be willing to support.
What schools does FIT support?
FIT works with many different private and public training facilities. FIT does not maintain a list of “supported” or “approved” training facilities, but in order for FIT to partner with any particular school, they must be able to show a proven track record of placing students into meaningful employment in their field of training.
Which is better, to apply online or in person?
Apply by the way that is more convenient for you. If a person has special circumstances, there is a section on the application for them to explain their situation, but they may also benefit by applying in person so that they can speak directly to a FIT staff member. If there are any questions in filling out the application online, our contact information can be found on the contact us page.
How long will it take for my application to be reviewed and processed?
If services are required through the NWPEP for a verifiable employment offer, please specify on the application the need for immediate consideration. FIT’s application review process takes a minimum of 10 business days, during which time a member of the application review committee may contact the applicant to ask additional questions or to clarify something listed on the application. If an application is denied, a letter will be sent to the applicant stating the reason(s) for the denial. If an application is accepted, the applicant will receive a letter stating such and, if there is a waiting list, when they can expect to be contacted by a FIT case manager to schedule an appointment. Please note, however, that acceptance of an application does not guarantee approval of funding, which can only be done by the FIT Board after an official request has been made through a FIT case manager.
I do not have a GED. Can FIT still help me?
You may still eligible for employment services through FIT’s Nevada Women’s Philanthropy Employment Project. However, to be eligible for training services through the Workforce Development Project, you must have either a high school diploma or GED. For referrals to where you may be able to receive assistance in obtaining your GED, call 2-1-1 or visit www.nevada211.org
Can FIT help me pay my student loans?
No. FIT does not re-pay or pay down student loans.
Does the FIT program work with ex-felons?
The FIT program does not rule out working with anybody as long as they meet all of the minimum eligibility criteria and are willing to follow program requirements. FIT believes that ex-felons who have paid their debt to society and are able to prove themselves by working diligently to complete all of the program requirements are just as worthy of a second chance as anybody else. Further, FIT would rather see an ex-felon working and contributing to society than being unemployed and desperate, which has been shown to be a main cause of recidivism.
Does the FIT program work with disabled clients?
FIT does work with many disabled clients; however, all clients must be physically and mentally able to seek out and maintain employment. A client with a disability must be released to work by a licensed medical practitioner, specifying any limitations or restrictions (see forms page for a doctor release form). Clients applying for training assistance through the Workforce Development Project must be seeking full time employment in the field for which they are seeking assistance for training. Clients seeking only part-time employment for the purpose of supplementing income received through SSI, SSDI or a retirement plan, may be eligible for services through NWPEP under certain conditions. Please call to speak with a FIT staff member regarding any specific circumstances.
Does FIT offer tutoring services to clients struggling to make it through school?
In order to receive funding to attend a training program, FIT clients must complete a vocational assessment that includes a section that assesses basic skills. FIT clients are encouraged to seek training in fields where their vocational assessment shows they have the basic skills, interests and workplace values. If students are struggling in their courses, FIT encourages students to seek additional assistance through their instructors. FIT will assist in coordinating services with a training provider and can provide referrals for tutoring services available to clients.
How much do FIT’s services cost?
FIT provides all services free of charge to eligible clients. If seeking training, clients may need to make a financial contribution towards their training costs, often through a student loan. FIT will work with each individual client to determine their eligibility for different programs and guide them through the process of seeking additional funding for training.
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