Project Connect
Our new Project Connect Program provides a violence reduction program targeting unskilled, out-of-work, high-risk youth ages 18-28. We also target re-entering citizens who reside in the Roseland, Pullman, and far South Side communities and assist them in connecting to resources and services that will decrease their incidence of participating in violent acts and will also decrease their involvement and re-association with peers engaging in risky behavior. Over three, 4-month cycles, our program will reduce the gap between HOPELESSNESS and HOPE and decrease the participants' engagement in acts of violence. Additionally, the program will connect out-of-work participants into skill training programs to help increase their opportunity for employment once they are stable. Our job training sectors are: Construction; Foodservice, Warehousing (Forklift), and Janitorial. Our program incorporates:
Anti-violence Workshops
Pre-Employment Training
Mentoring & Life Coaching
Supportive Wrap-around Services
Anti-violence Workshops
These workshops are designed to educate participants about the roots and repercussions of violence. They provide strategies for conflict resolution, anger management, and effective communication skills. Participants learn to recognize triggers that could lead to violent behavior and are taught alternative ways to handle disputes. These workshops aim to instill a sense of personal responsibility and awareness, helping individuals make safer choices in their daily lives.
Pre-Employment Training
This aspect of the program focuses on preparing participants for the workforce. It covers basic job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette. The training also often includes digital literacy skills and may provide insights into specific job sectors depending on the interests and needs of the participants. The goal is to equip them with the necessary tools and confidence to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Mentoring & Life Coaching
Mentoring and life coaching are critical components of Project Connect, offering participants personalized guidance and support. Mentors and coaches may help with setting personal and professional goals, developing positive habits, and overcoming personal challenges. This relationship aims to provide a stable, supportive connection for the participants, often acting as a bridge to other services and opportunities for personal development.
Supportive Wrap-around Services
These services address the various other needs that participants might have, such as mental health support, housing, legal assistance, or access to healthcare. The idea is to provide a holistic support system that considers all aspects of an individual's life, making it easier for them to focus on personal development and employment training. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that no participant is left behind due to unmet needs that could impede their progress.
