Getting the unemployed back to work is the goal of a new program being rolled out by a partnership of local organizations.

The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness and Chapel Hill-based Community Empowerment Fund are joining forces to launch a new program called Job Partners.

“We’re starting Job Partners, which is a program that’s designed to combat unemployment in the Chapel Hill area through facilitating connections between local employers and community members,” says CEF’s Kaity Taylor.

Taylor says that Community Empowerment Fund started in 2009 by micro-financing loans to help people get back in the job market.

“We started offering savings opportunities [and] financial education, as a support for people who are looking to seek employment, housing, and financial freedom,” she says.

Jamie Rohe, with the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, adds that there is one thing that stands out about the Job Partners program.

“[I’m impressed with] how relational they are. They will have one-on-one advocates working with their clients, sometimes two-on-one.”

Rohe says, “It’s so important and it’s so effective to make their clients feel like someone really cares about them. Somebody takes the time to learn about them.”

According to Taylor, maintaining those connections is paramount to the success of Community Empowerment Fund.

“CEF really focuses on developing those relationships, exploring those relationships, understanding the factors that are at work, and the things that are impacting people’s lives.”

Rohe adds that the relationship extends far beyond the job search.

“They work very hard to make people become job ready,” she says. “And then (they) really cream off the people who are ready and connect them to employers. And then maintain that connection after the people are employed, to make sure it’s working out.”

The organizations are looking for community members that live in Chapel Hill, have strong connections in the area, and are willing to use those connections to better the entire community.

If you would like more information on how to get involved, you can visit the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness website or call CEF at (919) 200-0233.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Grad Named to Forbes 30 Under 30
UNC graduate Patrick Mateer has been named to Forbes 30 under 30 List for Social Entrepreneurs, a list that recognizes young entrepreneurs leading businesses as a way to create positive change throughout the world. Mateer’s business, Seal the Seasons, makes local, seasonally grown crops such as strawberries and blackberries available year-round by freezing them and […]
Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]
Drone Shows and Parades: Here's What to Know Before Orange County's July 4 Celebrations
A variety of July 4 festivities are set to take place across Orange County. Here's how local governments are celebrating.
Sitting Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford Dies at 67
Jamezetta Bedford — a longtime elected official in Orange County, accountant and advocate for residents with disabilities — died on Sunday, according to her family. The Chapel Hill resident was 67 years old.
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
Across the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]
Refuel Prepares to Open Renovated Chapel Hill Location; Will Feature New Local Mural
Refuel will celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated gas station, featuring a new mural, in Chapel Hill on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
Local Government Meetings: June 15-19, 2026
This week in local government: a proposed AI moratorium in Durham and a board appointment (maybe) in Chatham County.
Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local Services
The observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli Announces Retirement
Laurie Paolicelli recently announced this year will be her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People Bitten
Two people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
›