Our Founder

Executive Director Emeritus

James Schatzman is a visionary leader and dedicated community advocate, best known as the founder of Racine Vocational Ministry (RVM). His extensive career, spanning 40 years, is marked by a profound commitment to addressing unemployment and fostering economic opportunity through strategic program development and robust community partnerships.

In 2002, Schatzman established Racine Vocational Ministry, driven by a critical need identified through extensive community research beginning in 2000. This research revealed persistent poor employment outcomes in Racine, with 2,000-3,000 citizens consistently out of work and the city leading the state in unemployment for 17 consecutive quarters. A key finding was the absence of programs directly addressing the “soft skills issue” a common barrier for the chronically unemployed. Under Schatzman’s direction, the RVM Jobs Program was founded to directly assist individuals struggling to find and maintain life-sustaining employment. The program quickly gained traction with initial funding from the SC Johnson Fund, Racine Community Foundation, the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, and the United Way of Racine County. Through his leadership, over 5,500 individuals were successfully placed in jobs, education, and career-advancing opportunities, with over 490 participants achieving promotions or
advancing in their chosen fields.

Schatzman’s innovative spirit further materialized in 2005 with the creation of the Second Chance Reentry Program. This groundbreaking initiative, formed as an equal partnership with the Racine Police Department, the Wisconsin Division of Community Corrections, the US Attorney, and Racine Vocational Ministry, earned national recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice. It was presented by the US DOJ as a best practice at the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 2007 National Convention, highlighting its effectiveness in aiding individuals re-entering society. Over 17 years, this program fostered a strong relationship with Community Corrections, leading to expanded services into Kenosha. Schatzman also assisted in replicating the program in Rockford, Illinois, in coordination with the United Way of Rock River Valley and the Rockford City Council, securing initial funding from the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood and the City’s CDBG funds.

Throughout his career, Schatzman demonstrated exceptional skill in executing federal, state, and local grants. He  cultivated vital relationships with more than a dozen partners across various sectors, including federal, state, and local governments, colleges, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies. Notably, many of these partners also became employers for RVM participants, creating a sustainable ecosystem of support and opportunity.

As he approached retirement, James Schatzman was honored in December 2024 with the title of Executive Director  Emeritus. In this capacity, he continues to serve as a valuable advisor to Racine Vocational Ministry, supporting the executive director and the board of directors as needed, ensuring his legacy of transformative impact endures. Now that he’s retired, James can often be found conducting the Choral Arts Society of
Wisconsin.