Racine Vocational Ministry, Inc.

About Racine Vocational Ministry

Racine Vocational Ministry is a collaboration of businesses, local, state and federal government programs, regional and local funders and Racine congregations of various denominations. Housed in and supported by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Racine, the faith-based social service agency serves all of Racine County.

RVM establishes partnerships with local agencies and community groups, employers and labor organizations.

History

RVM formed out of a task force on employment issues that began in 2000. It opened its doors Aug. 12, 2002, is incorporated by the state of Wisconsin and operates under 501 (c) (3) status.

RVM staff serves under the oversight of an independent board of directors. The organization receives its funding from both the faith and business communities, as well as the federal government.

Staff

James Schatzman, Executive Director As the founder of the Racine Vocational Ministry, James has served as the primary case manager since 2002, advising and helping to place each person who comes into the program. He also works to build on relationships with companies and funding agencies. When he is not working in counseling and job placement, James can usually be found leading one of the four local choirs he directs. E-mail address:

Lorianne Life, Program Director Lori conducts participant intake assessments and provides employment readiness training through the Solutions for Success workshop. She has been with the organization since 2005 and aspires to earn a degree in social work and social ministry. E-mail address:

Mark Boatwright, Program Specialist/Grants Coordinator Much of Mark’s job is the often unappreciated art of finding funding for the organization, submitting grant proposals and following up with the reports required by our various funding sources. E-mail address:

Kathie Solie, Case Manager After a long career as a Human Resources professional, Kathie joined RVM in 2008. She brings her experiences in hiring to the other side of the desk, to walk with our participants as they journey through the challenges of finding and retaining employment. E-mail address:

Wallace "Coach" Brandies, Case Manager Wallace "Coach" has been in the social service arena for over 18 years. As a seasoned substance abuse and mental health counselor, he is skilled in helping people overcome those barriers to gaining and keeping employment. He brings previous management experience, people skills, case management skills, knowledge of the social services system and bilingual capabilities to RVM. He works with persons experiencing homelessness or those in transitional living arrangements. When not working, Wallace can be found coaching either a baseball or football team. He also serves as a league director for a local youth football organization. E-mail address:	photo available soon

Frank James II, Community Re-Entry Program (CRP) Coordinator Frank oversees the program’s services, coordinating with state and federal officials, the Department of Corrections, law enforcement, the faith community, employers, educational institutions, participants and the community at large. He also facilitates the Community Re-Entry Program meetings. He has served in this position since September 2008. Frank envisions CRP as a truly holistic program for its participants. E-mail address: