The SMART Workforce Network (SWN) is a workforce access and career development initiative serving employers and underserved talent across Jacksonville’s urban core. Powered by Project Restore Ministries—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit faith-based ministry focused on poverty alleviation and community restoration—SWN helps employers connect with job-ready candidates who are prepared, supported, and motivated to succeed.

(SMART = Sourcing Metro Area Ready Talent) — a strategic focus on local, reliable, performance-minded individuals.

SWN leverages the Work Life curriculum developed by the Chalmers Center, a faith-based organization equipping churches and ministries to address poverty through biblical, relationship-centered training. This program prepares candidates with job-readiness skills, personal resilience, and a Christ-centered work ethic—promoting long-term success in the workplace and beyond.

WHAT WE OFFER EMPLOYERS

Through our 12-week paid internship/apprenticeship pilot, SMART Workforce Network helps employers:

• Fill entry-level or hard-to-staff roles
• Evaluate emerging talent with minimal risk
• Strengthen retention with built-in mentorship and coaching

We manage the recruitment, screening, and job-readiness training—so you can focus on onboarding candidates aligned with your needs.

Each internship placement includes:

✔️ Pre-screened, motivated candidates matched to your role profile
✔️ Foundational workplace skills training
✔️ Ongoing mentorship, performance check-ins, and support
✔️ Barrier-removal assistance (transportation, scheduling, etc.)

WHY IT WORKS

Hiring is expensive—and turnover is even costlier. SMART Workforce Network is your on-ramp to stable, local talent with staying power.

This model benefits:

• HR Teams: Reduced screening time and lower early-stage turnover
• Managers: More dependable candidates with built-in external support
• Communities: Stronger families, reduced public assistance dependency, and increased economic mobility

Workforce readiness isn’t about charity—it’s about cultivating strong character, expanding individual and organizational capacity, and creating lasting value for both employees and employers.

HOW TO PARTNER

We’re currently seeking 5–7 Charter Employer Partners for our pilot launch. Charter partners receive:

• Priority access to top candidates
• Recognition as a founding partner
• Input into program design and role-specific prep
• The opportunity to sponsor multiple candidates
• Optional tax-deductible support through your corporate foundation

💼 Sponsorship fees cover the cost of training, mentorship, and performance coaching.
Interns are paid directly by the employer at your standard starting wage.
Incentives may be available for full-time conversions and retention benchmarks.

LET’S BUILD THE PIPELINE TOGETHER