UMOM New Day Centers announced the expansion of its Homegrown program to include workforce training for warehouse- and facilities-based careers, creating new pathways to stable employment and long-term economic mobility for families experiencing homelessness.
Originally launched as a culinary training program through its onsite café, Helpings Cafe, Homegrown was designed to equip UMOM clients with marketable skills, hands-on experience, and supportive services that lead to sustainable employment. The program’s expansion into warehouse and facilities logistics training responds to the growing demand for skilled workers in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing employment sectors.
Through this new workforce track, participants receive job-readiness training, industry-specific skills development, and support services tailored to the realities faced by families overcoming homelessness. The program prepares graduates for entry-level warehouse and distribution, and facilities related roles that offer competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
“Employment is one of the most critical components of long-term housing stability,” said Monique Lopez, CEO of UMOM New Day Centers. “By expanding Homegrown beyond the kitchen and into these other careers, we are opening doors to high-demand jobs that can truly change the trajectory for families rebuilding their lives.”
The Homegrown expansion reflects UMOM’s commitment to innovative, responsive programming that aligns with local workforce needs while centering the dignity, strengths, and potential of each participant. In addition to technical skills, participants receive wraparound support, including case management and life-skills coaching, to help ensure success both on the job and beyond.
UMOM client, Calvina, who came to UMOM with her children after another facility she was housed in closed down says of the program, “I was working dead-end jobs before, so being able to do the logistics program, it’s a career for me. I am going to be able to leave UMOM with not just a job, but a career that’s going to help me build myself financially, get a place of our own and do better for my family. For that I am thankful.”
UMOM continues to partner with employers and community stakeholders to create pipelines to employment that are scalable, trauma-informed, and rooted in real economic opportunity.
