FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nonprofit unveils new identity, updated program names and renewed focus on workforce empowerment
Phoenix (May 6, 2025) — St. Joseph the Worker, Arizona’s leading employment-focused nonprofit, has officially rebranded as The Worker, a name that better reflects its mission to eliminate barriers to employment and connect individuals with quality jobs across the Valley. The rebrand, publicly unveiled at a celebratory open house on May 1, includes a modernized identity and updated program names designed to strengthen clarity, connection and community impact.
“While our official name remains St. Joseph the Worker, we will now be commonly referred to as ‘The Worker’ to better reflect our mission and the communities we serve,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of The Worker. “This rebranding allows us to modernize our identity while staying true to our core purpose—empowering individuals through employment. That way, there is no confusion on who we are and what we do.”
Held at The Worker’s central Phoenix office at 382 E. Palm Lane, the open house welcomed more than 200 supporters, community leaders and business partners. Guests toured the updated space, connected with staff and heard powerful testimonials directly from clients who have overcome significant barriers to employment and housing. Attendees also enjoyed delicious food from local favorite Taco Head food truck and contributed to a core value’s mural facilitated by arts nonprofit The Walter Hive.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised The Worker’s enduring role in strengthening Arizona’s workforce.
“The Worker has remained a constant pillar of hope in our community for decades, restoring dignity through employment and opening doors to opportunity,” said Mayor Gallego. “The work they do is inspiring and has transformed many lives. This kind of grassroots leadership doesn’t just change lives; it strengthens the very foundation of our city.”
For 37 years, The Worker has helped more than 40,000 individuals secure stable employment by addressing key barriers such as transportation, professional attire, transitional housing and essential life skills. As wages stagnate and costs rise, The Worker plays a critical role in helping underemployed individuals move beyond survival jobs and into careers that offer real economic mobility—especially in a region where, as of 2023, Phoenix’s true unemployment rate was estimated at 22%, including those earning less than $25,000 a year.
As part of its rebrand, The Worker has reintroduced key programs under new names that better communicate their mission:
- Workforce Development (formerly Employment Without Barriers) is a free, direct-hire program that takes a comprehensive approach to employment assistance. It takes a recruiting mindset to assess an individual’s skills, physical abilities and long-term career goals to connect them with the right opportunities. To ensure success, The Worker provides essential support such as professional resume writing, interview coaching, and workplace soft skills training. Additionally, transportation assistance, uniforms and work shoes are provided so new hires are ready to excel from day one.
- Preferred Business Partners strengthens partnerships between Arizona businesses and The Worker, helping companies access qualified, job-ready candidates while creating sustainable employment opportunities. In addition, it extends the same employment resources and support to the employees of partners, ensuring that both businesses and their workforce have the tools needed to succeed.
- Workforce Housing provides free 90-day and 120-day transitional housing that helps individuals build financial stability by allowing them to save up to 80% of their income, ultimately preparing them to secure market rate housing in their name. To support long-term independence and success, participants also receive essential life skills training, including personal finance, food budgeting and meal prepping.
Those unable to attend the open house are encouraged to learn more, get involved or donate at theworkeraz.org.
About St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph The Worker (The Worker) was formed in 1988 in response to the unhoused community saying, “We want to work, but don’t have the resources.” Since then, The Worker has been forging pathways to self-sufficiency with employment at the core, believing the only way out of poverty is a paycheck. Common barriers clients face when looking for and upon finding stable employment include access to transportation, money for interviews and uniform attire, lack of certifications for the role and stable housing. By breaking down barriers clients often face when job searching, The Worker is providing an opportunity for clients to build a sustainable life free of government assistance. To learn more about The Worker, visit theworkeraz.org, or follow @TheWorkerAZ on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
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To schedule an interview or obtain more information, please contact Samantha DeRose at 480.495.4930 or [email protected].