Nonprofit tech group fights for survival
East Bay Business Times - by Nanci L. Valcke
A public-private welfare-to-work program is facing a $250,000 budget gap and is asking the business community for help.
Contra Costa County has committed $190,000 toward filling the gap, providing the Opportunities for Technology Information Careers program raises the additional $60,000 by the end of the month.
"When we started the program, everyone was sure we would bring in enough work to cover the wage of participants," said Executive Director Maggie Bohlman. "I was less optimistic, but not less optimistic enough."
The year-old startup has helped 12 people move from public assistance into career-track jobs paying an average of $32,000 annually with full benefits.
Not only has OPTIC successfully trained candidates for jobs in the fast-growing field of information technology, it has secured widespread financial support. Since opening its doors in March, OPTIC has received more than $951,235 in cash contributions, $381,350 in in-kind contributions and has pending requests for $2 million in grants.
Bohlman says OPTIC has operated on a budget that is 85 percent of that originally projected and produced results that are more than three months ahead of schedule.
Despite its success, most foundations will not release funds for the program until it has been in operation for at least two years. Additionally Contra Costa County, which has been the major supporter of the program cannot continue funding it because of other demands. Hence, the challenge to the business community.
"We would love to have jobs and love donations," Bohlman says.
Last year, OPTIC billed employers $20,000 for jobs performed. This year, it expects to bill $50,000 for jobs performed.
Among those companies that regularly use OPTIC's services are Zell & Associates, Design Associates of California, Tech Prose and StrategiComm.
"I called OPTIC in a crunch," said Tomi Van de Brooke, one of the partners in StrategiComm. "My existing service was overwhelmed doing campaigns. When I called OPTIC, I got the most professional efficient service that I would expect out of a business."
StrategiComm has now switched to using OPTIC for all its data processing.
"They've exceeded my expectations in time and quality every time," Van de Brooke said.
With a lot of hoopla and support from the county and business community, OPTIC opened two businesses under one roof. On one side, there is the social service programs that teaches people the life skills and business skills to get off welfare and into the work force. Those skills include how to balance family and work, how to dress for an interview, what to talk about or not talk about around the water cooler and how to get help with family problems.
"On this side, we've exceeded our expectations," Bohlman said. "In less than a year we have had 36 people successfully go through the training and have changed their knowledge base."
On the other side is the production floor. This is where the computer skills learned are put into practice in a work setting. It is also on this side that participants earn wages for the work they do.
"We have placed more people than we expected," said Bohlman. "And they've all maintained employment. The success rate of the program is 80 percent. We expected 50 percent."
Lydia Jefferson, 25, is one of OPTIC's first graduates. She is an information specialist with Morrison & Foerster LLP. Jefferson, like most of the graduates, landed the job on her own. Because of the confidence instilled in her through OPTIC, she says, "If I don't stay here, I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it."
Other graduates from the computer training side of the program have found
jobs with Med-Mart, Chevron, State Farm Insurance, QRS Corporation and Asset- Mark Investment Services Inc.
But like any startup, OPTIC is learning as it grows.
"We didn't count on half the work time being unbillable," Bohlman says.
Reach Valcke at nvalcke@bizjournals.com or 925-598-1431.
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