The Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Re-Entry2Work (R2W) is a two-week work-readiness training serving people with criminal histories. It’s designed to support steps toward successful re-entry and self-sufficiency by assisting the transition into employment and the community.

Training is FREE! In fact, program graduates receive incentives.

• Explore new careers and educational possibilities
• Strengthen your work skills in a confidential and fun learning environment
• Friendly, experienced staff
• Connect with others in the same situation
• Guest speakers connect you with resources and valuable information

Who can attend R2W?
R2W is for adults (18+) whose criminal backgrounds are a barrier to entering the workforce.

Class Structure
Classes take place at the PPL Learning Center. The two-week class session runs June 11 - 22, 2012, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm, including a break for lunch.

Curriculum
Classes feature professional development lessons, including:

• Confidence Building
• Effective Communication
• Professionalism
• Computer Skills
• Resumes and Applications
• Expungement Options
• Job Searching
• Interviewing

How can I enroll?
Call the Project for Pride in Living(PPL) at 612-455-5300 to begin the enrollment process.

 

posted by Daniel M.

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Recently, Freedom Ticket talked with Andy Sagvold, Reentry Services program manager, about their programs for people leaving corrections facilities.

How does Goodwill Easter Seals help people leaving corrections facilities?

Goodwill Easter Seals currently has several programs that help individuals successfully transition back into the community following incarceration. The programs vary in their focus, but all work to provide solutions that address the multitude of barriers commonly faced, such as child support compliance and arrears, parenting education, skills training, employment readiness, finding a mentor, resource navigation, mental health and medication concerns.

Services and support for some of the programs are initiated while individuals are still incarcerated and continue in the community upon release. Programs also vary in that they target specific populations – from federal prisoners with documented disabilities to homeless individuals pending release after a few months in the county workhouse.

What types of job training programs do you offer and how can someone sign up?

We offer a variety of skills training programs well-suited for individuals with criminal records to ensure a competitive job in the community. The best options are construction, automotive and customer call center training classes.

We also offer a four day Employment Readiness Training (ERT) that helps assess individuals’ skills and make career options. ERT also is very beneficial in helping individuals answer interview questions about their record as well as providing a videotaped mock interview help individuals gain constructive feedback and increase their interview success.

Some individuals may also be eligible to participate in the Employment Development Services (EDS) program. EDS is a paid transitional work experience program offered at various community and Goodwill Easter Seals locations. Individuals build their job skills and résumés while working on their soft skills and work readiness with both a job site supervisor and a case manager.

With generous support from a variety of funding sources – including federal and state grants, private foundation awards and Goodwill Easter Seals retail earnings – the eligibility requirements for the programs vary greatly. In order to determine which program is available and the best fit, please contact the Reentry Services Intake Coordinator, Christen Munn, at 651-379-583.

What suggestions do you have for someone beginning a job training program after being incarcerated?

Be motivated and ready to succeed – not only for yourself and your family but also for all of the individuals leaving corrections behind you.

Allow the staff to build rapport so they are able to understand, support, and discover ways to address your personal barriers to employment success – whether adjustment anxiety, substance abuse, housing difficulties, mental health concerns or relationship and parenting issues. This approach to services ensures that individuals are prepared to succeed in all aspects of their lives and are not just simply placed in a job. This also solidifies business relationships by ensuring that individuals placed are ready to retain the job and succeed.

 

posted by Daniel M.

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Inside Change is a blog created by Amicus for volunteers, donors, ex-offenders, social workers, educators, law enforcement officers, parents and anyone whose life touches that of an inmate, ex-offender or juvenile in trouble.

You’ll find four things there:

• Amicus and other experts talking about issues of the moment related to building better lives for those currently or formerly incarcerated


• Links and commentary on breaking news connected to Amicus’ work, and opportunities to support and engage more deeply in that work


• Stories from the field including conversations and interviews with donors and volunteers, as well as the voices of inmates sharing their stories or views


• Posts and short features on the edge of topics—subjects some might consider unrelated to Amicus—to broaden our reach, spark conversations and as always, elicit your comments

For more information about Amicus and their work helping inmates, ex-offenders and juveniles build better lives and stronger communities, go to www.amicususa.org.

 

posted by Daniel M.

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Books can help young children cope with life's tougher lessons. In this book, animal characters and inviting illustrations gently explore difficult situations. Also, the sidebars offer important and empowering coping tips.

When someone you love goes to jail, you might feel lost, scared, and even mad. What do you do?This story can help young children better cope through the tough times of when a family member is arrested or  incarcerated.

 

posted by Daniel M.

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