Chason Forehand

HR-4U INC.

My story consists of years of physical and mental abuse, drug addiction, homelessness, shame, self-loathing, incarceration and suicidal ideation.

I thought I was worthless.

I was offered a gift by someone in the culinary field that wanted to pay it forward, as it had been paid forward to them.  This set me on a path to get clean and see how I could pay it forward.

Forty-four percent (44%) of the U.S. makes below a living wage.
  
Poverty is on the rise.

Food Insecurity is at an all-time high.

How do we address these socioeconomic challenges with actionable change that breaks the cycles?

On the Advocacy side, we lock arms with End Workplace Abuse, Workplace Fairness, over 115 partners in 8 countries, to stand firm that people matter over everything else.  We are currently charging in the NY/NJ/CT area to help pass the Psychological Safety Act.

Our boots on the ground is our Transformation Kitchen(™️) program which builds strong communities of mentally and physically healthy humans that leave their addictions, violence, incarceration and past decisions behind to move forward in a positive way.  

With our Director of Student Wellness, Sarah O'Brien, we make sure those moving through our program are set up to thrive, not survive.

We are much more than a culinary training facility; we are a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Our first #TK is in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, working in tandem with Rayo de Sol to build a legacy of economic change.

Our next one will be in NY and we will be making more announcements soon.

If you would like to know more about our programs and how to get involved reach out here:
https://linktr.ee/chasonforehand

Founder

The Outlier Project

A dedicated professional development and growth community.  A special focus of The Outlier Project is to develop leaders who believe that companies and individuals alike succeed or fail based on the quality of the teams they build and the relationships they invest in.  We call this having a “People Over Everything” mindset.

Proud Audacious Member

Success Champion Networking (SCN)

The Success Champions Network is a B2B networking platform designed to connect like-minded businesses for genuine conversations, introductions, and growth opportunities. 

It aims to foster collaborations and substantial business growth through a community of professionals who adhere to the Success Champion's Code. Members gain access to actionable insights, immediate knowledge for business growth, and exclusive training programs. 

The network is not just about networking; it's about building a community, expanding business opportunities, and accessing practical knowledge to help members take their businesses to the next level.

Hospitality Table Member

Transform

The Transform Community is a dynamic network of professionals and leaders dedicated to enhancing their professional journeys through a dedicated online member experience. 

Members can leverage the collective wisdom of the community, engage in discussion forums, and access specialized groups. The community also offers real-time chats and a membership directory, providing rich resources and events to keep members connected and inspired.

U.S. Member

HR Consultations

I am the Founder and creator of a company designed to help small to medium sized Not-For-Profit, and Social Good organizations receive sound, expert advice, technical system assistance, and services without sales pressure and upselling. Our team has created a robust portfolio of helping many organizations thrive in tough economic times and a global pandemic.  We support our clients in every aspect of HR, developing policies, procedures, technical advice, developing programs and platforms to enhance their needs and put them on an empowered path of self-reliance.

Founder / Fractional HR

Spartan/LifeLab

As a senior leader of the organization, I was tasked with developing strategies for retaining the best talent, including how we recruited, engaged. and communicated with staff members across three countries and in multiple US states.  

My teams and I built the entire HR stack, award winning Safety Protocols for our warehouses, and all of the policies and procedures for the company.  We also developed, created, and marketed natural, food grade, nutrient-based supplements, and personal care products which were manufactured and distributed in the US.  

Our incredible marketing and Sales teams worked in tandem to double our YoY numbers in every division category, opening pathways to new markets, while solidifying relationships with Amazon, Walmart, Sally's Beauty, and others.  We developed strategies to increase our market space in traditional brick-n-mortar, B2B and B2C capacities while challenging ourselves for "what's next".

Our Warehouse teams went over 2 years without a single accident, maintained cGMP standards, and received excellent ratings from the FDA, Health Department, and other agencies, while shipping 100% on time to our partners each week.  This won us two coveted awards where we all shared the victory.

Director Of Operations

Founder of hr-4u.org▪︎Breaking down employment barriers▪︎People over Everything▪︎Neurodiversity Inclusion▪︎Disabilty Equality▪︎Military Ready

I believe in the power of people.

When we collaborate and work together we can move mountains, build communities, and conquer socioeconomic issues plaguing our cities.

Everyone should have a safe space to call home.

Everyone should have consistent access to nutritious food.

Everyone deserves to make a living wage.

I believe there is a way that companies and their teams can thrive.

At HR-4U INC, we are known for empowering change-driven companies and their leaders to advocate for and uplift their employees with living wages, worth, and wellbeing. 

Using a specialized grassroots approach, we empower change-driven leaders to stand up, speak out, and take action. This approach includes strategically collaborating with other nonprofits to shine a light on leaders who prioritize people first. 

This collaborative spirit stems from over 40 years of honing my “people-first” passion and experience in the Culinary, Human Resources and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion spaces. 

We are thrilled to announce that HR-4U has achieved the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar for the fourth year in a row. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to our unwavering commitment and relentless dedication.

Our newest program, Transformation Kitchen™, is designed to provide participants skilled training, a strong sense of community, wellness checkups, healthy meals and living wage careers.

Find out how you can get involved to create positive change in your community.

We are a charitable 501c3 Nonprofit, incorporated as hr-4u inc., in Delaware.  We're on a mission to remove the roadblocks that create barriers to finding living-wage employment for all communities. 

How we affect change:

We create meaningful relationships with employers, of all sizes, that are already exhibiting equitable hiring behaviors, creating meaningful diversity measures, and align with our mission.  We also look for individuals that are coaching leader behaviors towards people over everything.

We shine a light on the successful behaviors of our Employer-Partners & Leader-Partners through social media avenues, video recordings, speaking engagements and other venues.  By shining this light on positive behaviors, we create change for all to see and witness.  As our partnerships grow, the intensity of our light will grow, creating organic change while supporting fantastic leaders that are changing the world.

Joelle Monaco Consulting, LLC

Joelle Monaco Consulting empowers our clients to strengthen three pillars of their business; People, Processes, and Performance – developing and enhancing a foundation to excel and grow. 

Organizational Development  —  Organizational Culture, Workforce Development, Change Management, Organizational Transformation

People Operations  —  People Experience, Relationship Management, Capacity Building  

Workplace Wellbeing  —  Organizational Culture, Benefits, Learning & Development, Mental Health, Burnout

President

New York Association for Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP)

o Develop, execute, and lead the implementation of executive and leadership development programs
o Develop and enhance the skills, key competencies, and knowledge of workforce professionals to increase effectiveness and satisfaction
o Provide data-driven resources and knowledge to help high-risk and high-need New Yorkers
o Decrease burnout and encourage career development within the workforce development field
o Create an environment that fosters collaboration and networking among the workforce professionals
o Support the vision of the workforce development field as an occupational destination

Director of LevelUp Professional Development & Training 

University at Albany, SUNY

Taking a Person First Approach in Organization Operations

This microcredential explores various topics related to creating a person-first approach in your organization to gain a sense of understanding, recognize where there is an opportunity for growth, and identify tools and resources while empowering you to move your organization forward.  

Learners explore building a person-centered organizational structure, human capital, organizational belonging, workforce development, burnout, and committing to a culture of change and elevation. 

Have You Taken Your People into Account Lately? Understand the need to align people with organizational goals to achieve engagement, retention, and succession. Participants consider the organizational health of their organization and explore concepts of how individuals impact organizational development and success. 

Transforming from Employee Engagement to People Experience. An environment of inspiration and productivity requires organizations to create a space where people feel connected, valued, and motivated. Learners will identify ways to assess their organization's operations, policies, and benefits to meet their people's needs. 

Workforce Development: Beyond the Onboarding Process. This session explores why workforce development is essential and what it looks like beyond general onboarding to ensure engagement, retention, and internal succession. In addition to general knowledge, the session explores action-based ideas and techniques. 

Elevating Organizational Operations & Structures to Reduce the Impacts of Burnout. This session discusses the operational and structural causes of burnout and potential impacts on the workplace, team dynamics, and people experience. This session also includes topics and techniques to create change organizationally and as a leader. 

Learn more here - https://www.albany.edu/pack/microcredentials

Lecturer

Speaking Engagements

o CRHRA's Strategic Leadership Summit, 2023
o NYATEP Conference; Professional. Development & Succession Planning Panel, 2023
o Saratoga Chamber HR Council; Bridging the Gap - In-Person & Remote Employee Engagement, 2023 
o University at Albany Alumni Association; Elevating Organizational Operations by Putting Yourself First to Reduce the Risk of Burnout, 2023
o Capital Region Chamber BusinessU; Elevating Organizational Operations by Putting Yourself First, 2022
o NYACHO & NYSPHA; Promoting a Person-First Workplace & Organizational Structures to Support a Sustainable Workforce, 2022
o NORC & University of Cincinnati; Elevating Organizational Structures by Putting the Workforce First, 2022
o University at Albany – Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator; Positive Workplace Culture: People Experience, 2022
o American Heart Association; Check It! Community Conversations Panel, 2022
o Albany Business Review; (Em)Power Women Finding Balance in the Busy; Panel, 2022
o University of Rochester Medical Center; Dementia & Mental Health Disorders in Older Adults, 2021
o Albany Law School; Re-Humanizing Organizations Through Employee Wellbeing, 2021
o NORC at the University of Chicago; Individual and Organizational Approaches for Primary Care, 2021
o CRHRA; Cultivating Resiliency, 2021
o New York State Community Action Association; Reconnect and Recharge Annual Conference, 2020
o Association of School Business Officials of New York; Annual Conference, 2020
o Capital Region Chamber of Commerce; Talent and Inclusion Summit, 2020
o Capital Region Association for Talent Development; Virtual Talent Development Conference, 2020
o New York State Bar Association; Lawyer Assistance Program Spring Retreat, 2020
o Northeast New York EAP Association; Mental Health & Wellness 101 in the Workplace, 2019
o Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.; Strategies for a Healthy School Workplace, 2019
o Veteran Workforce Collaboration Panel; Excelsior College, 2019

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

o Trained over 1,600 individuals
o Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) helps participants assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis
o Maintain fidelity of the evidence-based, peer-reviewed program
o Create a psychologically safe learning space where participants can engage, ask questions, and implement practical application 
o Oversee course logistics, including planning, marketing, technical setup for both in-person and virtual instruction, data entry, client and participant support
o Coach and mentor junior trainers on curriculum and program development 
o Certified in teaching Mental Health First Aid for adults, youth, higher education, and veterans

Mental Health First Aid Instructor 

Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.

o Led Workforce Development Outreach Programming
o Identify cross-functional relationships with organizations to address and resolve community workforce development and increase trainings while focusing on individuals’ mental health and wellness
o Oversee Federal, State, and private consulting training: contract development and negotiations, logistics, analytics, projections, community engagement, staff development, succession planning, and financials
o Developed and led a consulting line of business focused on creating training plans that align business plans with organizational culture to meet current and future needs while supporting individuals' multi-dimensional approach to health and wellbeing in the workplace

Director of Outreach & Business Engagement

o Developed and led the Mental Health First Aid programming to support the Capital Region Project, AWARE-C Grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)
o Oversaw logistics, trainer development, organizational outreach & engagement as well as programming and staffing, which included Federal, State, and private trainings
o Built cross-functional relationships and community partnerships with local stakeholders and engaged over 220 organizations and executives within three years
o Trained over 750 individuals within three years while exceeding our Federal timelines and deliverables,  resulting in MHANYS achieving a second Federal Grant for an additional three years. 
o Created a marketing campaign to increased brand recognition for the organization outside of the behavioral health field, increasing consulting, speaking engagements, partnership opportunities, and talent attraction

Mental Health First Aid Program Coordinator

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Budget of $3.5 million, ranked among the top three for campaign results in the Northeast Region
o Oversaw the management and development of services, programs, and events in 32 counties across Eastern New York and Vermont
o Managed and oversaw more than 150 events annually; effectively communicating and staff training enable campaign success and development - two annual events ranked within the top 10 Nationally 
o Nominated to serve on an HR panel of five Nationally - assisted in the development and execution of organizational values campaign; to enhance employee engagement and qualify MDA as an employer of choice

Executive Director

Coach

Budget of $2 million, ranking among the top 50 stores in North America in 2013 for fiscal accountability
o Store ranked above company standards for three consecutive years in staff engagement, retention, development, and succession management
o Company-wide recognition for client development through innovative methods; January 2013
o Oversaw the process of staff recruitment through training; while being responsible for salary negotiations, daily coaching, and annual performance reviews
o Led in-store staff development and took part in off-site personal development; Situational Leadership, Franklin Covey, Talent Management Meetings, and Sales Management Training

Store Manager

o Oversaw the research and development of a clothing allowance system for individuals living in adult care facilities, funded by the Department of Health in New York State
o Advocated for funding of $95,000; serving over 950 residents.
o Collaborated with interested retailers, resulting in a contract with Macy’s Queens, New York, to service 950 residences - resulting in the second round of funding to continue servicing the community
o Networked and built relationships with local businesses to assist the organization with community events and fundraisers

Program Specialist

Fueled by Espresso — Motivated by Sunshine — Inspired by Connection

I'm passionate about educating others from a People First Principle; an organization's people are their most valuable asset — each with their own experiences, assets, and purpose. 

My expertise expands over fourteen years in organizational development with over ten years in the mental health field across the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with extensive experience in planning, directing, and training enhancements for both people and organizational success. 

o Focusing on the human experience in the workplace and across business operations 
o Empowering organizations and individuals to grow through training and development
o Engaging business leaders, educators, and community members to better understand how they can influence and support the idea of whole-person health within the workplace
o Workplace wellbeing including; emotional, physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, occupational, environmental, and financial wellness
o Drive results by building relationships that support organizational growth and success
o Creating spaces where individuals can bring their entire self to the workplace
o Cultivating cross-functional relationships, both internally and externally

taplio

The Battle

Chason Forehand

Joelle Monaco, MBA She-Her-Hers

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