Facebook Live Recap: LifeWorks + CapMetro

On June 11, LifeWorks joined CapMetro in a Facebook Live event to shine a spotlight on opportunity youth in the community and the impact of COVID-19 on providers and the clients we serve. LifeWorks Chief Executive Officer, Susan McDowell and CapMetro President & CEO, Randy Clarke, led the virtual discussion in which they dived right into what makes LifeWorks a truly unique and impactful organization. They also discussed the pandemic-driven innovation highlighting how both CapMetro and LifeWorks transformed a time of crisis into a moment for cutting-edge care. 

From this conversation, we learned: 

• Defined by three pillars, LifeWorks undoubtedly believes that everyone deserves a place to call home, the opportunity to work, and the chance to heal. Across those three areas, LifeWorks offers 19 programs to help youth overcome the hurdles to self-sufficiency. 

• When COVID-19 became a reality, LifeWorks found that the top priority was to house youth experiencing homelessness, a population most vulnerable during a public health crisis. Not only are youth experiencing homelessness exceptionally vulnerable from a health perspective, they are vulnerable from an emotional perspective particularly for those carrying around a history of trauma. 

• LifeWorks is leading Austin’s effort to end youth homelessness by the end of 2020 and despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, it’s a goal that LifeWorks believes is achievable.  

• The pandemic has exposed structural issues in society. However, it has also shined a light on our community’s everyday heroes. LifeWorks staff quickly pivoted to provide virtual and socially distant services. CapMetro’s bus drivers continued to show up for work every day even when the fear was at its highest. 

• The pandemic has spurred innovation for accessibility. CapMetro creatively pivoted during COVID-19 by working with the food bank and delivering groceries to the community.  

• 11.7% of Americans ages 16-24 – an estimated 4.6 million teenagers – are neither in school nor working. This number demonstrates both the need and opportunity to engage these youth during this vulnerable time. 

For CapMetro’s latest news and service announcements, visit capmetro.org. 

Watch the full discussion below: