Purpose of the Project

The unemployment rate among minorities and low-skilled individuals can reach as high as 50% in certain communities, including counties in Alabama. However, this is not due to a lack of job opportunities or work capabilities. Rather, many mothers are eager to join the workforce but lack the necessary skills and support systems to succeed. While common job training programs focus on essentials like resume writing, interviewing, and appropriate attire, these skills help secure a job but do not necessarily equip individuals to retain employment. We will assist these mothers with comprehensive support to address these gaps. With the right assistance, many individuals in our community will opt to contribute positively as productive citizens instead of remaining in poverty, dependency, and involvement in criminal activities.

The specific activities to be provided for our participants are listed below:

• Enroll newly released women in the SNAP program.
• Encourage participation in the A-RESET program.
• Identify and work with SNAP recipients who may be unemployed or underemployed to help them access training that could help them obtain an initial job or a better job.
• Provide intensive individual case management with women recently released from prison and women in the approved program counties to determine needs and barriers to employment (i.e., ID cards, eyeglasses, dentures, clothing, shoes, and transportation to work).
• Provide access to job training and education, including GED, ABE, ESL, or post-secondary education.
• Provide Work Readiness Classes.
• Assist with interview skills, job coaching, and resume preparation.
• Assist with job searches, completing online applications, opening an email account, and providing computer access.
• Provide appropriate interview outfits and basic hygiene supplies.
• Provide housing for participants (limited by our bed space of eight), and
• Provide any additional wrap-around services and follow-up after employment is attained for at least 90 days.