Project E.A.T. provides domestic violence survivors the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, employee compensation, and a sense of hope during 3-month program

MEMPHIS, TENN., March 29 2021 – The Family Safety Center is proud to announce a new partnership with the nonprofit, The Gradus Project, and a new three-month program, Project E.A.T., which stands for Project Earn Assistance Training. Project E.A.T. is a 60-day program available to victims of intimate partner violence in which participants will get paid work experience in a gourmet popcorn business, attend post-secondary training, and get assistance with job placement in food based advanced manufacturing. This program is made possible by funding from the Delta Regional Authority and those interested in the program can learn more at www.FamilySafetyCenter.org/programs.

“Domestic violence represents 56% of all violent crimes, and it is up to us as a community to continue to spread awareness and come together to create more opportunities and programs like Project E.A.T. in order to provide hope and a path to safety for victims of intimate partner violence,” said Éthele Hilliard, Transition Manager at Family Safety Center. “We want to make sure those that find themselves in unhealthy relationships know the services and resources that are available to them and let them know that while it may seem unattainable, there is a path to safety and the Family Safety Center is here to support domestic violence victims in their journey. We urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to call our 24-hour hotline at 901-249-7611 or contact us confidentially through our website www.FamilySafetyCenter.org”

Those participating in Project E.A.T. will receive benefits including a $400 stipend, available childcare and transportation assistance during the program, and placement assistance to interview with global food-based brands. Participants also have the opportunity to receive a Free Industry Certification through enrollment in a short-term credentialing program with Southwest Workforce & Community Solutions, a division of Southwest TN Community College and earn a Safety and Employability Credential, which is the first step towards becoming a Certified Production Technician.

The first cohort begins April 10, 2021 with a subsequent cohort beginning early September. Qualifying candidates must be drug free, 18 years or older with a high-school diploma or GED, a survivor of domestic violence, and have an interest in working in a manufacturing or distribution environment.  Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be interviewed for jobs paying at least $15 per hour within the food-based manufacturing industry in the Greater Memphis area. Those interested in applying for the program should submit an email to info@leahpromise.org by March 31 for more information.

The Project E.A.T. program is just one of many resources available to domestic violence victims in Memphis and Shelby County. There are over 25 partner agencies that work with the Family Safety Center to serve victims of domestic violence, and the Family Safety Center continues to encourage victims of domestic violence to educate themselves and learn about the free and confidential services that are available to them in Memphis and Shelby County. Domestic violence victims can contact the Family Safety Center through a 24-hour crisis hotline at 901-249-7611 or on their website at www.FamilySafetyCenter.org.

The Family Safety Center helps victims succeed by offering various services in one location; a sort of one-stop-shop for services to victims of intimate partner violence. Law enforcement, legal services, and victims’ services are located at the Family Safety Center, streamlining an often complicated and intimidating process. Family Safety Center relies on a network of 28 community partners to more effectively and efficiently serve those hurting in Memphis and Shelby County.

Services available to domestic violence victims through Family Safety Center:

• Victim Safety and Support
  • Safety planning
  • Referral to safe, confidential emergency shelter
  • Referral to counseling for victims of domestic violence and child witnesses of domestic violence
• Legal and Law Enforcement Services
  • Assistance with Orders of Protection
  • Civil legal services, advice and court advocacy
  • Consultation with District Attorney Staff
  • Assistance with law enforcement reports
  • Support in prosecution of domestic violence offenders
• Enrichment and Language Resources
  • Translation Services
  • Referral to Faith-based organizations
  • Immigration-sensitive victim services

Family Safety Center can be found online at:

https://familysafetycenter.org/

https://www.facebook.com/FamilySafetyCenter/?fref=ts

https://instagram.com/FamilySafetyCenterMSC

About Family Safety Center

The Family Safety Center is one location that effectively combines civil, criminal, health and social services for victims of family violence.

By co-locating the services of our partner agencies in one location, Family Safety Center is able to better serve the hurting families of Memphis and Shelby County who are caught up in the trauma of domestic violence. We provide assistance to the victims and help them navigate through the many services available to them. Ultimately, we strive to reduce incidents of domestic violence and strengthen families in Memphis and Shelby County.

For more information visit: https://familysafetycenter.org/