Building Pathways To Economic Stability for Single Parents

Middletown Works is an initiative supporting single parents through employment access, wraparound support, and collective advocacy.

Middletown Works is a workforce and family support initiative launched through the Working Cities Challenge to address economic instability among single-parent families. Rooted in community partnership and parent leadership, we connect families to the resources, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive.

Economic stability comes from supporting parents directly and centering them in solutions—not expecting families to navigate complex systems alone.

We primarily serve:

Single parents of color
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families
Parents facing barriers related to employment, housing, childcare, and financial stability

Our work prioritizes families most impacted by systemic inequities in Middletown and the surrounding region.

Our Mission

Middletown Works, in partnership with a network of employers across Middletown, connects underemployed single parents of color to meaningful employment opportunities. In addition, we provide supportive services that help parents pursue and sustain employment. We also offer professional development opportunities to support career growth and long-term economic stability.

Our Vision

We envision a Middletown where families of color achieve economic self-sufficiency, become homeowners, business owners, and workers, and have the support they need to thrive in the roles they choose.

Our Values

Family-Centered

We believe strong families build stronger communities. Our work is designed to support the whole family, using the 2Gen approach, recognizing that when parents are stable and supported, children and communities thrive.

Equity

We are committed to advancing equity by addressing systemic barriers and expanding access to opportunities for single parents, working families, and underserved communities.

Empowerment

We equip families with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to make informed decisions for their families, build confidence, and take ownership of their economic and personal growth.

Economic Mobility & Generational Wealth

We focus on creating sustainable pathways to financial stability, career advancement, and long-term wealth—breaking cycles of poverty and building futures across generations.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Our commitment is to do what is right for the families we serve, while maintaining trust with our partners and the community.

Collaboration

We believe lasting impact happens through partnership. Collaborating across to align resources and drive systems change.

Our Partners

Middletown Works facilitates collaboration among partners, coordinates resources, amplifies parent voices, and advances systemic change to address barriers related to employment, childcare, and education.