Jobs for Life at Shelby Supply Company

Restoring Lives, Restoring Community

Shelbyville, Indiana, has a long legacy of hard work, industry, and craftsmanship. From its early days as a furniture capital to the resilience shown after economic downturns, this community has always been built by people who put in the effort to create something lasting. Today, as Shelbyville experiences a revitalization, one organization is ensuring that its people aren’t left behind in the process.

Shelby Supply Company’s Jobs for Life program is tackling one of the biggest challenges facing the community: breaking generational cycles of poverty, addiction, and joblessness. While Shelbyville’s employers are eager to hire, many struggle to find candidates with the necessary soft skills—things like punctuality, teamwork, and accountability. That’s where Jobs for Life steps in, bridging the gap between potential employees and sustainable careers.

Jobs for Life cycle graphic: No job, no home, no food

Jobs for Life: A Training Ground for Success

The Jobs for Life program takes a hands-on approach to workforce development, using the Shelby Supply Company’s wood shop as a training ground. Participants are not just given tasks to complete; they are equipped with the mindset and skills necessary to hold down a job and build a career.

Step 1: Job Readiness
Participants start by learning the fundamental value of work—how it provides dignity, supports families, and strengthens the community. They receive guidance in resume writing, participate in mock interviews, and gain confidence in explaining past life challenges to potential employers.

Step 2: Building Job Skills
Employers often evaluate workers based on three key criteria: attitude, attendance, and achievement. Through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world work in the wood shop, participants develop these essential skills. By the time they graduate, they have built a work history that can be shared with potential employers.

Step 3: Connecting with Employers
Finding a job isn’t just about having a good resume—it’s about having someone willing to give you a shot. Jobs for Life actively builds relationships with local businesses willing to hire individuals who have worked hard to turn their lives around. By doing so, they not only provide second chances but also help local industries find the workforce they desperately need.

The Power of Mentorship

One of the most impactful aspects of Jobs for Life is the Champion System. Every participant is paired with a champion—someone who walks alongside them through the program, providing encouragement, accountability, and support. This personal connection makes all the difference, ensuring that participants don’t just graduate from the program but are truly prepared for the challenges ahead.

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CraneWerks Stands with Jobs for Life

At CraneWerks, we understand the importance of investing in people. That’s why we were honored to participate in the Second Chance Employer Panel hosted by Jobs for Life. As a company that values hard work, dependability, and community, we support programs that give individuals a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their workplaces.

Shelbyville was built on enterprise, thrift, and industry, and it’s through programs like Jobs for Life that this community will continue to thrive. Restoring buildings and adding new amenities is important, but true revitalization happens when people are given the opportunity to succeed. By equipping individuals with the skills, mindset, and support system they need, Jobs for Life isn’t just transforming careers—it’s transforming lives.

At CraneWerks, we’re proud to stand behind this mission, and we encourage others to do the same. Whether you’re an employer looking for hardworking individuals or someone seeking a fresh start, Jobs for Life is proving that with the right tools, anyone can build a better future.

Work together, learn together, and achieve together through collaboration.

Collaboration isn’t just about internal teamwork; it’s about extending our efforts beyond our walls, forging strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences to accomplish more than we ever could alone. Working hand-in-hand with our dealers, crew members, and suppliers, we’ll tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and deliver exceptional service and value.

Contact us today to learn more about how CraneWerks can support the community.