Because having a good job is a key element of independent living, Project Renewal has created a wide range of employment programs to take people from chronic unemployment to full and part-time work. Our Next Step department is aptly named: it helps individuals who have come to grips with addiction and/or mental illness take the all-important next step toward independent living. Clients can access all types of educational and work-readiness programs, a six-month training and internship program as well as placement in jobs.

As a first step towards entering the work world, each client meets with a vocational counselor to determine that client's employment goals. Together, they develop a plan on how best to achieve those goals: that plan may include further education, training, help with soft skills or the decision to move directly toward finding a job.

See what Housing and Development Reporter wrote about our employment programs (28K .doc)

In 2005, nearly 600 clients were enrolled in Next Step classes in reading, math, English as a Second Language, GED preparation and computer skills. Classes run continuously and are taught by qualified, experienced teachers. A dedicated support team of volunteers helps Next Step see that each student gets individualized attention during

classroom time. All coursework develops critical workforce literacy skills clients need to find and hold onto successful jobs.

See what Channel Thirteen's newsletter said about our literacy program (28K .doc)

Culinary Arts
Realizing that the food service industry offered disadvantaged workers both a wide range of entry-level jobs as well as opportunities for advancement, in 1992 Project Renewal began experimenting with various training program models. In 1995, these efforts culminated in the creation of what is now our award-winning Culinary Arts Training Program. The program has proven to be an enormous success: better than 85% of graduates have been placed in jobs since inception. The six-month job-training

program consists of two twelve-week segments. In the first, students learn basic cooking theory and food preparation in the teaching kitchen located in the basement at Third Street. In the second, they intern at area restaurants and within corporate dining services. In addition, Culinary Arts students attend classes that help them adjust to the working world covering everything from job deportment to drug abuse relapse prevention. In 2001, we added a baking and pastry track to enhance graduates' marketability. For more information contact Edna Sams.

See what the Clem Richardson of the Daily News wrote about the Culinary Arts Program

See what the Daily News wrote about the Culinary Arts Program (36K .doc)

Once clients are ready to begin an intensive job search, Next Step staff help them find and get good jobs. On the employer side, our specialists track labor market needs and develop relationships with potential employers. On the client side, Next Step staff work with clients one-on-one to develop individualized

search strategies, while Job Search workshops provide clients with support during the application and interviewing process. As a result, in 2005, Next Step placement specialists helped more than 310 clients get jobs that pay, on average $8.73/hour, 60% of which offer full benefits.

See what President Bush said about Next Step client Emory Bent (740K .doc)

Employment Resource Lab - Independent Job Search
Next Step staff train and encourage clients to use the Internet and standard business equipment (computers, fax machines, scanners) to locate jobs and communicate with potential employers. The resource room is available by appointment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In 1998, we opened New Providence for homeless women. This transitional housing program, located in a newly renovated building on East 45th Street, serves two groups of clients: 50 women who are diagnosed as mentally-ill or mentally ill and substance abusers, and 80 who are solely substance abusers. At New Providence, women learn how to cope with their disabilities and recreate their lives, eventually moving on to their own housing and jobs. The New Providence program's goal is to stabilize, treat and offer rehabilitation to women who will ultimately be helped to move on to long-term housing.