More help finding employment for Nashville residents has arrived! This month, we are kicking off our pilot program, "MSS Workforce Readiness".
Executive Director Renée Pratt composed a specialized team to focus on the employment needs of clients who come to MSS for assistance. The team possesses more than a decade of experience in the Workforce Readiness field.
Prior to the launch of this program, MSS case managers would direct clients to companies in the community that are hiring however, this new effort is much different. This highly trained and motivated team will work closely with clients from start to finish. Services include: help creating resumés, developing an "elevator pitch", interview practice, "Dress to Impress", actual job placement, follow up months after job placement to ensure employment success.
"We're seeing an influx in clients and an increased need for help with rent and access to food, especially as we enter the summer. At the core of these acute needs is the lack or the absence of employment. If there is no money coming in, families aren't eating nor can they secure a safe place to call home," said Pratt. "This new complete approach to job assistance will get individuals and families where they need to be and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life of the Nashville community."
Our elite research team recently noted that "Over 200,000 workers in Davidson County earn less than a living wage" (MSS, Community Needs Evaluation, p.1). Coupling that with unemployment, indicates a significant service gap that MSS seeks to fill.
"We've worked for months, building this program. Our program is designed to meet everyone where they are – from no resumé to a resumé that needs enhancement and much more," said Brandy Dix, employment specialist and co-coordinator of MSS Workforce Readiness. "We're a one-stop shop for employment needs and will hold their hand from start to finish."
Quick FAQs
- 32% of MSS clients are unemployed (Jan.1, 2025 – June 11, 2025)
source: MSS data from client intake - 2.8% - Davidson County unemployment rate as of March 2025
Source: TN Department of Labor and Statistics
Special note: While DCo's unemployment rate is 2.8%, reflecting the county's totality, the data point provided from MSS specifically captures the data profile from those who come to our office. DCO rate offered for additional context - More than 1 in 4 Nashville adults has debt in collections. (CNE)
- Over half of renter households in Nashville spend 30% or more of their household income on rent. (CNE)
- Nearly 1 in 5 Nashville children does not have enough to eat. (CNE)
To learn more about the MSS Workforce Development program or to enroll, visit the Workforce Development page.
To view our Community Needs Evaluation that highlights these data points, read the latest Community Needs Evaluation.
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