Religion,Job Readiness,and Employment Outcomes: The Case of Latter-Day Saint Employment Resource Services

Abstract

Despite increased attention to religious organizations as an ally in America's welfare-to-work revolution, faith- based employment assistance programs have garnered little attention from scholars. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining intake and follow-up survey data collected from clients of Employment Resource Centers sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The authors begin by examining the sociodemo- graphic composition and human capital of the clientele served by Employment Resource Centers. They then proceed to explore the economic outcomes associated with program participation. LDS job seekers differ from their national counterparts, with the former commanding significantly higher stocks of human capital. Still, net of controls for human capital and other characteristics, positive economic outcomes are observed for client participation in select Employment Resource Center programs. This study sheds new light on the prospects and challenges of faith-based efforts to assist unemployed and underemployed job seekers.

Keywords

religion faith based welfare employment

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