Two Decades of Service to Job Seekers
The History of Daily Work
Based in the Twin Cities East Metro, Daily Work primarily serves Ramsey County, which has the fourth highest poverty rate in Minnesota. Born from a critical need for living wage jobs, Daily Work operated for its first six years under a collaboration of churches seeking to provide a holistic, long-term approach to overcoming barriers to living wage careers. In 2006, Daily Work became an independent nonprofit organization and eventually expanded our staff from community volunteers to include a social work student internship program. Job seekers benefit from passionate support, while students and volunteers gain practical employment skills and extensive training in poverty, diversity, and equity-building practices.
Today, Daily Work continues to close economic opportunity gaps for very low-income and diverse job seekers and annually supports more than 200 people with more than 1,500 visits.
In addition to the individualized employment and mentoring services provided by our committed staff, Daily Work directly advocates for job seekers with employers, building relationships and chipping away at systemic barriers with education and awareness. By educating employers, service providers and everyone with a role in providing employment opportunities, we help build a community where everyone can work, grow and contribute.
Our Mission and Values
After finalizing a new strategic plan in December 2022, Daily Work's leadership made the decision to review our organizational mission, vision, and values statements. This effort aimed to achieve two main objectives: to more clearly articulate these statements and to ensure they align with our growth and commitment to job seekers. The updates were approved in late 2023 and signify our dedication to continuous improvement, inclusivity, and relevance in fulfilling our mission to make our community a place where everyone can truly shape their future and thrive.
MISSION our core purpose
To partner with people to find quality work by providing comprehensive employment services and fostering meaningful, supportive relationships.
VISION the impact we seek
A community where everyone has the opportunities and connections to shape their future.
Read our Equity Statement and learn more about Social Justice at Daily Work.
The values that shape our behavior and guide our actions include:
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AUTHENTICITYWe believe that authentic relationships are built on mutual regard, intentional listening, and reserved judgment. We foster meaningful, supportive partnerships to transform how we see each other and work together.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTWe believe that the people most impacted by our services must be an integral part of our decision-making. We commit to practices that cultivate participant engagement, input, and trust.
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CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESSWe recognize the value of cultural diversity and commit to learning from and with each other. We honor the experiences and traditions that guide individual and collective decision-making
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SELF-DETERMINATIONWe believe that work can help create choice in a person’s life. We collaborate with people to identify strengths and secure quality work.
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UNCOMMON COMMITMENTWe believe in going beyond what is comfortable, customary, or established to meet people where they are. We commit to helping people discover and access what they need to thrive.
