Manifestworks: More than Just a Job
In 2019, ManifestWorks has welcomed more applicants and more participants than ever before. We offer participants more resources, our alumni are working more, and we've expanded our team to better serve our participants. And we need your help in 2020.
Since 2014, we have found the cycles of institutionalization can be overcome: Our 12-week program consists of hands-on classes with working professionals in film and television who teach participants about every facet of the business — and share freelance opportunities with those ready for work.
How we measure our success:
- Around 80 percent of those entering ManifestWorks receive at least one form of welfare or government assistance (Medicare, housing vouchers, etc.); this drops to 7 percent one year after entering the program.
- Only 29 percent of those starting ManifestWorks have full-time employment. In the first year after completing the program, 93 percent of participants report being employed full- or part-time; this rises to 100 percent of participants after one year.
- On average, participants enter ManifestWorks earning $285 per week. This rises to $1,172 per week (an annualized salary of $60,944) one year after starting ManifestWorks.
- Thus far, we have seen less than one percent of our alumni return to prison (compared to the 65% recidivism rate in California). And our participants are happier and healthier, with 100 percent of alumni reporting that their life has a sense of direction and meaning.