Harvard Maintenance & Nashville Rescue Mission
The Opportunity
At Harvard Maintenance, we believe that creating exceptional workplaces starts with creating opportunities for exceptional people. As part of our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve, Harvard partnered with Nashville Rescue Mission to connect individuals completing the Mission’s Life Recovery Program with meaningful employment opportunities.
The partnership supports two important goals: helping Harvard meet staffing needs for the facilities we serve while providing individuals rebuilding their lives with a pathway to long-term employment and stability.
About Nashville Rescue Mission Life Recovery Program
Nashville Rescue Mission’s seven-month Life Recovery Program serves men and women overcoming homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. During the residential program, participants receive comprehensive support designed to prepare them for independent living and sustainable careers free of charge.
The program includes:
- Recovery and faith-based counseling
- Life skills and career readiness training
- Resume development and mock interviews
- Goal setting and career planning
- GED and high school diploma assistance
- Work therapy assignments in custodial services, food service, security, and donation processing to build practical workplace experience
- Transportation assistance through three-year Nashville bus passes
Upon graduation, participants who secure full-time employment are eligible for up to 18 months of transitional housing, creating the stability needed to successfully re-enter the workforce. Others pursuing college or trade school can also receive transitional housing while working part-time.
A Partnership with a Purpose
Through this new partnership, Nashville Rescue Mission refers graduates who have completed the Life Recovery Program and are ready to begin employment.
Each candidate is:
- Professionally mentored throughout the recovery process
- Vetted and trained before referral
- Background checked
- Prepared with foundational workplace skills and interview experience
Harvard hires qualified graduates into custodial positions supporting buildings, providing opportunities for meaningful careers with a respected employer.
Early Results
Although the partnership is still in its early stages, it is already making a measurable difference.
- Several graduates have successfully joined the Harvard Maintenance team.
- Additional candidates are currently progressing through the hiring process.
- Harvard has established a sustainable hiring pipeline that benefits both the business and the local community.
Community Impact
This partnership demonstrates how workforce development can create value beyond filling open positions. By working alongside Nashville Rescue Mission, Harvard is helping individuals transition from recovery to meaningful employment while supporting stronger, healthier communities.
Employment provides more than a paycheck, it offers purpose, dignity, and the opportunity to build a stable future. Together, Harvard Maintenance and Nashville Rescue Mission are helping individuals take the next step toward long-term independence while creating a reliable talent pipeline for essential facility services.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Harvard Maintenance has long believed that business success and community impact go hand in hand. This collaboration reflects our People First philosophy by investing in individuals who are committed to building a better future for themselves.
By partnering with organizations like Nashville Rescue Mission, Harvard continues to demonstrate that exceptional service begins with investing in people; creating opportunities that strengthen our workforce, support our clients, and positively impact the communities we serve.