Workforce Development Programs at The Lamb Center

The Lamb Center’s Workforce Development Program provides dignified, transitional work opportunities to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax. In partnership with Fairfax City and Fairfax County, our programs empower participants to gain work experience, earn income, and transition toward long-term employment and housing stability.

City Jobs Program

In partnership with the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department, the City Jobs Program provides meaningful outdoor work experience to unhoused individuals with no earned income. Participants work on community improvement projects such as:

• Litter and debris removal from city parks and public spaces
• Landscaping, mulching, and grounds maintenance
• Snow and ice removal during the winter season
• Supporting city events by helping set up public spaces
• Holiday decorating in Old Town Fairfax, including hanging wreaths and installing the city Christmas tree

Work is performed twice weekly in four-hour shifts, and participants receive a daily stipend. The program supports local beautification and public health efforts and equips participants with soft skills, structure, and references that support job readiness. Many City Jobs participants go on to secure sustainable employment—50% found jobs in FY24, a milestone we are already surpassing in FY25.

Operation Stream Shield (OSS)

In collaboration with Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division, Operation Stream Shield engages participants in environmentally focused work that restores and preserves local ecosystems. Participants are part of supervised crews that:

• Collect trash and debris from stream valleys, trails, and public land
• Remove invasive species and maintain natural habitats
• Restore trails and improve accessibility in natural spaces

OSS teams work four-hour shifts twice a week (Monday and Wednesday), and each worker earns a daily stipend. Participants are onboarded through orientation, placed on a waitlist, and provided with safety gear and transportation. They also receive weekly case management and employment coaching. OSS helps restore local waterways and builds self-esteem and work history for those on a path toward employment.

Zero Waste Pilot Program

Our newest initiative, the Zero Waste Program, launched in partnership with Fairfax County Solid Waste Management, focuses on sustainability by repurposing latex paint for community reuse. This innovative program provides participants with hands-on experience in:

• Collecting, sorting, and safely handling reusable paint
• Processing and packaging recycled materials for redistribution
• Learning basic warehouse and sustainability operations

The Zero Waste crew works six-hour shifts three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and receives an $84 stipend per day. This longer workday mimics traditional employment hours and supports readiness for full-time work. It also offers a meaningful alternative for participants interested in environmental sustainability and less physically demanding labor.

A Pathway to Employment

All workforce participants receive one-on-one support through weekly case management, job coaching, and connections to resources like resume development, interview preparation, and referrals. Participants often transition from the program into part—or full-time employment, and The Lamb Center remains a source of encouragement and support even after their exit.

With a track record of transforming lives and strengthening our local community, these workforce programs remain a vital bridge for individuals seeking purpose, income, and a path forward.