Moving Men and Women to Economic Independence

This service model targets individuals with employability challenges including learned dependence on entitlements, inadequate environmental supports, and underdeveloped socialization skills. The program also assists ex-offenders successfully return to the community and to reduce the potential for recidivism.

The program is funded through private foundations and governmental grants and was initiated in response to the expressed needs of the business community for training and support services beyond the scope of the traditional approaches previously attempted with chronically unemployed individuals. The interests of the business community are represented through a Business Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC is comprised of leaders representing a variety of service and industrial businesses and is instrumental in shaping the program.

The program starts with the development of a foundation of solid support. This is accomplished through an initial assessment, the development of a service plan, and case coordination.

Once the foundation is established, participants are active in a combination of classroom activities, work experience and problem-solving discussion groups that is carried out over the course of six weeks. This component focuses on developing participants’ self-confidence, motivation to change, and ability to interact appropriately with supervisors, co-workers and customers.

The program also provides the opportunity to access remedial education training to increase reading and math skills as a part of their individualized plan. The job placement component begins as the curriculum draws to completion. An individual profile is developed to ensure that each participant’s interests and skills are matched appropriately with employment opportunities. Participants also receive assistance in searching for job opportunities and arranging interviews. After the participant obtains employment, services continue for one-year with post-placement follow-up with employers to monitor participant progress.