The Reconnect Youth Partner Workforce Development Program
In addition to 3 months of supported employment through our various enterprises, Reconnect Youth Partners also engage in a comprehensive training that prepares them for their next steps once they have completed their experience with us. This training is integrated into our daily work schedules, but we also provide ongoing training and workshops on various topics critical for our Youth Partners during the work week on Wednesdays with the support of job coach volunteers.
Our Training Modules Include:
Civic Engagement
Providing opportunities for youth partners to engage in self advocacy and advocacy for others concerning improvements in the systems that impact their lives.
Overview of Employee Rights/Employment Law
As these apply to the types of jobs to which our youth partners apply during and after our program experiences with them.
Spiritual Awareness/Self Awareness
Exposing youth partners to a range of spiritual traditions and practices as a means to increase self-awareness and self-knowledge.
Financial Capability
Training youth partners in the value of money and in the creation of a personal budget. Working with youth partners to create short-term, intermediate, and longer-term financial goals.
Self-Presentation
What employers expect during the screening and onboarding of new hires, and with respect to ongoing employee performance. This module focuses on the best ways to present oneself in the context of job search.
Telling My Story
Youth partners develop their own narrative regarding their work, training, and educational histories. We practice presenting narratives throughout the program, including during mock and actual job interviews.
Goal-Setting
Youth partners develop short and intermediate-term goals as this relates to job search, skills development, and education.
Self-Wellness
Ensuring youth partners have the tools and resources to make healthy and positive choices outside of work as a means to ensure that they can fully engage in, and remain in their jobs. In addition to healthy lifestyle choices, this module focuses on employee burnout and on containing feelings/reactions in business settings.
Workforce Preparation and Support
Ensuring that Youth Partners are ready for the job search by developing a pre-employment portfolio (including resume, cover letter, references, thank you/follow up letters), social media/online presence, mock and actual interviews, ensuring professional attire.
About Our Youth Partners
99%
Are “out of school and out of work (OSOW)” upon admission to our program
60%
Are court system-involved or have a felony or misdemeanor conviction
30%
Are homeless or have been recently homeless
50%
Are housing insecure
30%
Have one child or more
50%
Are currently or were formerly in the foster care system
30%
Report to having mental health and/or substance abuse histories