RBIJ Secures $1.5M Grant from Sam's Club for Workforce Development Initiatives

Empowering Change: RBIJ Receives a $1.5 Million Grant

In a landmark announcement, the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), an esteemed nonprofit, confirmed a significant $1.5 million grant from Sam's Club aimed at expanding employment opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly opportunity youth and justice-impacted veterans. This funding will be directed towards enhancing employer engagement and reforming workforce policies that have historically sidelined many talented individuals.

Every year, millions face barriers that prevent them from joining the workforce. This includes young individuals not engaged in education or employment—referred to as opportunity youth—and veterans who have encountered legal troubles. These barriers not only curtail their economic mobility but also exacerbate their susceptibility to further justice system involvement. In the United States alone, an estimated 15.8 million veterans and over 4 million opportunity youth are eager for employment opportunities that will allow them to build a sustainable and fulfilling life.

Making a Meaningful Connection

Sam's Club's investment represents more than just financial support; it is a commitment to driving systemic change within hiring practices across corporations. Claire MacIntyre, SVP and Chief People Officer of Sam's Club, emphasized that, "Through our partnership with RBIJ, we’re offering a pathway for employers to identify and nurture overlooked talent pools. This initiative is part of our broader mission to create accessible opportunities for all, helping to build businesses and communities that thrive."

Since 2022, Walmart.org, the philanthropic arm of Sam's parent company, has been championing the Unlock Potential program. This innovative hiring initiative has empowered a dozen major employers including Walmart and Delta Air Lines to develop robust talent pipelines specifically for opportunity youth. With the renewed funding from Sam's Club, RBIJ aims to refine its learnings into practical strategies and resources that can be utilized by an even broader spectrum of businesses looking to adopt similar hiring initiatives.

Tools for Transformation

The grant will enable RBIJ to produce valuable employer training sessions and resource guides, such as the Employer Guide for Hiring Opportunity Youth. These resources will help businesses to advocate for policy reforms aimed at reducing employment barriers faced by the targeted demographic. The ultimate goal is to uncover and mitigate obstacles to employment that stem from socio-economic circumstances rather than individual choices.

Research consistently suggests that opportunity youth often require extra support to access the job market successfully. Veterans returning from service frequently grapple with various challenges, including mental health issues and housing instability, complicating their transition into civilian work life. The stakes are high, as effective interventions in these areas can help steer many individuals away from potential involvement with the justice system.

"Our mission at RBIJ is to empower employers to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive workforce," stated CEO Maha Jweied. "The support from Sam's Club allows us to equip even more businesses with the tools to create effective hiring programs that can deliver meaningful employment opportunities to thousands of opportunity youth and veterans alike."

This investment by Sam's Club marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity in the labor market, and its effects will resonate deeply within communities, giving hope and opportunity back to those who have been historically marginalized.

For further information on this initiative and how to get involved in promoting inclusive hiring, visit rbij.org/unlock-talent.

About RBIJ

The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice is a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering companies to advocate for policy changes and develop responsible hiring solutions that enhance public safety, deliver justice, and fortify communities across the nation.