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2023 Grants Challenge

Building Communities for Inclusive Success

"Building Communities for Inclusive Success" is an impactful initiative led by Keeping Konnected Inc. It aims to create thriving and inclusive communities by providing tailored, supportive services to individuals with disabilities. This initiative empowers individuals to achieve their goals through community and workforce interactions and fosters an environment where everyone can succeed together.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Income Inequality

In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

City of Los Angeles

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Income inequality is a pressing issue faced by people with disabilities, exacerbating their challenges and hindering their financial security. Due to various factors, such as limited employment opportunities, wage disparities, and discrimination, individuals with disabilities often experience lower earnings than their non-disabled counterparts. This disparity further perpetuates social and economic disparities, leading to barriers to accessing quality healthcare, education, housing, and other essential resources. Addressing income inequality for people with disabilities requires comprehensive measures, including promoting inclusive hiring practices, offering skill-building and vocational training programs, advocating for fair wages, and fostering a supportive and accessible work environment.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

Firstly, the organization will collaborate with local businesses and employers to promote inclusive hiring practices and advocate for equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This will include raising awareness, providing training resources, and facilitating job placements that match individual skills and interests. Secondly, the initiative will prioritize skill-building and vocational training programs tailored to the needs of participants. By equipping individuals with disabilities with valuable skills, certifications, and industry-specific knowledge, the initiative will enhance their employability and increase their chances of obtaining higher-paying and sustainable employment. The organization will advocate for fair wages for individuals with disabilities, promoting policies that ensure equitable compensation and combat wage disparities. It will work alongside policymakers, labor advocates, and disability rights organizations to drive systemic change and ensure that individuals with disabilities are fairly remunerated. In addition to employment-focused strategies, the initiative will provide financial literacy and empowerment programs. These initiatives will help individuals with disabilities build economic resilience, manage their income effectively, and access financial resources and opportunities to improve their financial well-being.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

The initiative will reduce income inequality among people with disabilities in Los Angeles County. By promoting inclusive employment practices, providing skill-building programs, and advocating for fair wages, individuals with disabilities will have improved access to higher-paying jobs, enhancing their financial well-being and narrowing the income gap. By working with businesses, community organizations, and policymakers, Keeping Konnected Inc. will raise awareness about the value of inclusivity and the contributions individuals with disabilities can make. The initiative will advance social equity in Los Angeles County. By addressing income disparities and promoting equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, it will help break down barriers and create a more just and equitable society. This will benefit not only individuals with disabilities but also contribute to the overall social fabric and cohesion of the county.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

Assess the progress in achieving wage equality for individuals with disabilities. Measure the average wages earned by participants before and after the initiative, comparing them to the salaries of non-disabled individuals in similar positions. Track the number of individuals participating in the initiative's programs and services. Monitor participants' diversity in demographics, disability types, and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure inclusive access. Measure the number of businesses, organizations, and policymakers that have adopted inclusive practices or policies due to the initiative's efforts. Monitor media coverage, community partnerships, and public perception. Assess the long-term impact on individuals' financial stability, quality of life, and social inclusion. Conduct follow-up surveys or interviews with participants to gather feedback on the sustained benefits, changes in their economic circumstances, and overall well-being over time.

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 300

Indirect Impact: 2,000