Jobs for Life

What Jobs for Life does

Jobs for Life (JfL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 in Raleigh, North Carolina (EIN 56-2193808) that develops and distributes a faith-based job readiness curriculum through a church-led network model. Its core products are two proprietary curricula: an 8-week, 16-session adult program combining biblical teaching on identity and character with practical employment skills (resume building, interviewing, workplace conduct), and a parallel youth curriculum called Powered for Life aimed at ages 15-20. Distribution is executed through partner churches and nonprofit sites that complete required CORE Training, purchase toolkits priced at $350 (containing student workbooks, instructor guides, and career assessments), and access a Site Leader Portal for tracking, impact measurement, and collaboration with a global network.

The underlying platform is relatively lightweight: a Site Leader Portal for site management and forums, the WorkerSpring integration for connecting graduates to employers, and online versions of Champion, Facilitator, and now CORE Training. The 2024 product launches extended this stack with an online Champion-led adult curriculum, a self-paced on-demand CORE certification, and a new "Jobs for Life for Business" program targeting employers. Spanish-language curriculum and partnerships (e.g., LIFT Alliance, Young Lives, Young Life) expand the delivery surface into new languages and youth segments.

Revenue mechanics combine (1) one-time toolkit and à la carte material sales at fixed unit prices ($350 toolkit, $40 instructor guides, $20-25 workbooks, with volume discounts at 30+ units), (2) individual donations including the recurring "I AM A JfL Transformer" monthly program, and (3) institutional and church contributions, with ECFA accreditation supporting donor confidence. Network membership is free; the primary customer segments are churches/Christ-centered ministries (delivery platform), employers (hiring pipeline), and unemployed/underemployed adults and youth (students), with donors and volunteers serving as supporting constituencies. The organization reports operations across the majority of US states and at least 9 countries spanning Africa, Australia, and Europe, with approximately 95% of curriculum usage outside Raleigh.

Name

Jobs for Life

Legal name

Jobs for Life

Website

https://jobsforlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Jobs for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers a faith-based job readiness curriculum through church-led sites in the US and 9+ countries, training unemployed adults and youth ages 15-20 via 8-week programs supported by a volunteer Champion mentor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Faith-based Workforce Development

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Functional Life Skills & Transition-to-Adulthood Curriculum (ADL, Vocational, Community) (EDAGAMAJ), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Faith-Based & Mission Service Programs (EDAIAGAI)

Keywords

• Faith-based job training
• Workforce development services
• Job readiness curriculum
• Christian nonprofit training
• Employment skills education

Headquarters

HQ city

Raleigh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Curriculum and Training Materials Sales: Churches and organizations purchase JfL toolkits (including student workbooks, instructor guides, and career assessments) and individual add-on materials (workbooks, guides) to run training classes. Membership/network membership is free; revenue is generated through product sales plus shipping and handling.
2. Individual Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors contribute to Jobs for Life's global mission. The organization runs giving campaigns such as the 'I AM A JfL Transformer' monthly giving program (capital giving campaign) and accepts one-time and recurring donations. JfL is a 501(c)(3) organization with contributions being tax-deductible.
3. Institutional and Church Donations: Funding received from churches, community organizations, corporations, and foundations who invest in Jobs for Life's mission. Approximately 80-90% of financial support historically from the Raleigh, NC faith community. ECFA accredited for financial accountability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Jobs for Life develops and licenses a faith-based job readiness curriculum that combines biblical teaching on identity, character, and community with practical employment skills (resume building, interviewing, workplace conduct). The curriculum is delivered through certified church and nonprofit "sites" via 8-week, 16-session classes for adults and youth. The organization sells toolkits (student workbooks, instructor guides, career assessments), provides train-the-trainer certification (CORE, Champion, Facilitator), and operates a Site Leader Portal with online resources and tracking tools.

Product overview

Jobs for Life offers a faith-based job training ministry with a platform-plus-programs model. The core offerings include two distinct curricula: 'Jobs for Life for Adults' (for unemployed/underemployed adults) and 'Powered for Life' (for youth ages 15-20). These are supported by purchasable toolkits containing workbooks, instructor guides, and career assessments. Training is delivered through CORE Training (required certification), Champion Training (mentor preparation), and Facilitator Training. Sites access resources and track impact via the Site Leader Portal. The organization is expanding digitally with an online adult curriculum (2024 launch) and a new 'Jobs for Life for Business' program. Spanish-language curriculum is also available. Membership is free; churches and organizations purchase toolkits to implement the program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Powered for Life: Jobs for Life program specifically designed for youth ages 15-20, helping young adults understand God's gift of work and prepare for a rewarding career through an 8-week, 16-session training class.

Products and services

• Jobs for Life for Adults An 8-week, 16-session job readiness training course incorporating biblical truths to help unemployed and underemployed adults understand their identity, develop character, and foster a supportive community. The course combines soft skills training with faith-based principles to enable participants to find and retain meaningful employment.
• Powered for Life (JfL for Youth) A job readiness and spiritual development program for young adults ages 15–20. The 8-week, 16-session course helps youth understand God's gift of work, uncover their gifts and talents, live with hope and purpose, and prepare for rewarding careers.
• JfL Toolkit for Adults A comprehensive toolkit priced at $350 that contains all materials needed to implement the Jobs for Life training class at a church or organization, including 10 Student Workbooks (Paperback), 3 Instructor Guides (Paperback), 10 Career Assessments, and access to online resources, tools, and additional trainings.
• Powered for Life Toolkit A comprehensive toolkit priced at $350 for youth-focused programs, containing curriculum, tools, and resources needed to implement the Powered for Life training class at churches and organizations serving young adults ages 15–20.
• JfL CORE Training Required training course that equips churches and organizations to start a Jobs for Life or Powered for Life class. The course walks participants through biblical principles, proven strategies, and key logistics through interactive facilitation, group discussions, and exercises.
• Champion Training A 2-hour online training session that equips volunteers to serve as friends and encouragers (Champions/mentors) to students in the Jobs for Life class, providing practical guidelines and tools to help ensure student success.
• Facilitator Training A 2.5-hour practical workshop for individuals seeking to be facilitators for a Jobs for Life Class, covering best practices, engagement techniques, building trust and authenticity, and class planning.
• JfL National Training Team Certification An elite certification program that empowers and equips JfL leaders with tools, resources, and hands-on facilitation skills for equipping other leaders and building community around the globe. Members serve as an extension of JfL National Headquarters Staff.
• Jobs for Life for Business A business-focused model and curriculum launched in 2024, designed to help businesses engage with and support the Jobs for Life mission, including hiring JfL graduates and participating in workplace ministry.
• Site Leader Portal An online portal for registered JfL sites to access training materials, track class progress, measure impact, archive student and volunteer data, and connect with other site leaders and volunteers globally.
• Spanish Jobs for Life Spanish-language version of the Jobs for Life curriculum designed for use with Spanish-speaking populations, including in correctional facilities with large Spanish-speaking inmate communities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 229 clients completed JfL and found jobs through Raleigh Rescue Mission's Life Plan program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WorkerSpringcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorkerSpring is a strategic alliance partner of Jobs for Life. It is a platform used to manage employment relationships, share employment resources, and track employment activity for JfL participants. JfL sites register with WorkerSpring to connect graduates with job openings and facilitate hiring. Erik Hanvey, founder and CEO of WorkerSpring, serves on the JfL Board.
• M20 NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerM20 Network is listed as a strategic alliance partner. JfL has a vision to create pathways to meaningful work and entrepreneurial opportunities through community engagement, aligned with M20's mission. The partnership supports JfL's business model and curriculum expansion.
• 11Ten LeadershipminorGTM or Marketing Partner11Ten Leadership is a strategic alliance partner that provides gifts to JfL site partners. The partnership includes site partner support materials distributed through the JfL portal.
• LEC (Law Enforcement Engagement)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEC (Law Enforcement Engagement) is listed as a strategic alliance partner supporting Jobs for Life's mission.
• True Charity NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrue Charity Network is a strategic alliance partner. JfL hosts True Charity Network during its Summer Leadership series, and the two organizations collaborate on faith-based community transformation efforts.
• LIFT AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIFT Alliance, located in Tampa, FL, is collaborating with JfL to bring the JfL Curriculum online. LIFT Alliance recognizes the value of working together to advance the Kingdom. JfL CEO Margaret Jones served as a judge at LIFT Alliance's non-profit Shark Tank event.
• Young LivesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYoung Lives is partnering with Jobs for Life for JfL for Parenting Youth, focusing on a demographic not previously served by JfL. This collaboration represents JfL's expansion into new youth-focused segments.
• Young LifeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYoung Life is collaborating with Jobs for Life for JfL for Parenting Youth programs. This is part of JfL's broader collaboration strategy with youth-focused ministries.
• Shepherd's VillageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShepherd's Village in Tampa, FL is partnering with Jobs for Life for JfL for Parenting Youth programs.
• CCDA (Christian Community Development Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with CCDA. David Spickard, former JfL CEO, previously led the CCDA Market Solutions for Community Transformation pre-conference. The CCDA logo is shown under affiliations.
• NFWA (National Farm Workers Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with NFWA. The NFWA logo is shown under affiliations.
• WorkerSpring (for Employer Engagement)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkerSpring is the platform JfL uses to spread the word to employers about hiring JfL participants. JfL sites register with WorkerSpring, manage employment relationships, share employment resources, and track employment activity for their participants.
• We Are Lazarus MinistryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAtlanta, GA ministry that fosters kinship with people on the margins to transform lives in meaningful and tangible ways. Collaborates with Atlanta Mission and churches in Atlanta, embodying a holistic model of life transformation alongside JfL.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Atlanta Mission: Faith-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, recovery, and workforce development services to people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. A direct JfL implementation partner and serves the same population through church-affiliated holistic transformation services.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit serving young adults ages 18-24 from low-income communities with training, internships, and corporate partnerships. Comparable to JfL's Powered for Life youth program in targeting young adults and bridging to employer demand, though operates a more intensive, secular program model.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and job-skills training to individuals from underrepresented communities. Comparable to JfL in workforce development mission and underserved target population, but specializes in tech/IT career pathways rather than faith-based soft skills.
• Chrysalis: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing job-readiness training, paid transitional work, and job placement services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Comparable to JfL's adult curriculum in target population and outcomes focus, though delivered through secular case-management rather than church-based classes.
• Center for Employment Opportunities: National nonprofit providing immediate employment, retention, and career advancement support to people recently returning from incarceration. Comparable to JfL in serving people with significant employment barriers through structured training pathways, but operates a secular, government-funded model.

Broad incumbents

• Salvation Army: International faith-based nonprofit providing workforce development, addiction recovery, and social services. Comparable to JfL in faith-based holistic services to underserved populations, but operates as a broad incumbent with significantly larger scale and broader service portfolio.
• Goodwill Industries International: One of the largest workforce development nonprofits in the US, providing job training, placement, and support services to people facing barriers to employment. Directly comparable to JfL in mission but operates a broad, secular, retail-funded model at significantly larger scale.

Others

• Christian Community Development Association: Christian association that mobilizes church-based community development practitioners and is a JfL affiliate. Comparable as a peer church-based network with overlapping constituency, but functions as a membership/advocacy body rather than a direct training provider.

Emerging players

• Prison Fellowship: Faith-based nonprofit serving prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families with reentry and employment support. Comparable to JfL in faith-based reentry and workforce programming, with overlapping referral populations and church-based delivery network.

Regional players

• Young Life: Faith-based nonprofit serving youth through mentoring and community programs, with active JfL partnership for JfL for Parenting Youth. Comparable as a faith-based youth development organization, though it does not directly deliver workforce training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/jobsforlife
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVPuFkljo-QpXfJVxQlYrkg
• Facebookfacebook.com/jobsforlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jobs-for-life
• Instagraminstagram.com/jobsforlife/?hl=en

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Jobs for Life