When people are facing instability — whether related to housing, income, or family safety — completing workforce training and transitioning into employment can feel out of reach. That’s why coordinated investments that address both economic security and career pathways are critical to workforce success. This video, produced by YWCA, highlights Candice’s journey from housing instability to a career in banking. During a period of crisis, Candice was connected to YWCA’s domestic violence and housing programs, which provided immediate safety and stability. That foundation allowed her to focus on the next step: building a sustainable career.

We’re proud to reaffirm our participation in the Beyond the Cliff coalition, a growing national network of more than 70 organizations committed to eliminating the benefits cliff—a persistent barrier that prevents many working families from achieving lasting financial stability. The coalition now spans 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, uniting nonprofit workforce and social service organizations, state and local governments, and multi-sector collaboratives around a shared mission: helping families achieve economic prosperity that endures beyond public assistance.

The WDC has launched Sound Jobs, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening economic mobility and worker well-being in the hospitality sector, backed by a $3 million Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment supports a coalition of labor unions, workforce organizations, and employers to enhance workplace practices and career pathways for hospitality workers across the region.