Meaningful employment and education not only provide us with the financial means to sustain our livelihoods, but also allow us to be productive, contributing members of society.
Employment and education provide a strong sense of social value, enable the development of networks of support and belonging, and build our knowledge and self-esteem. These key components can also mitigate risk and help people deal more effectively with stressful events. Providing the training, supports, and opportunities necessary for people facing complex barriers to secure and maintain employment that meets their interests and capabilities is one of the most fundamental ways that we can contribute to a safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all.
Various personal, physical, structural, and systemic barriers hinder people’s ability to find and maintain meaningful employment that fosters economic security. While research consistently shows that vulnerable or marginalized people want to work, being homeless, lacking current, relevant, or professional experience, facing physical or mental health challenges, developmental disabilities and/or experience with the criminal justice system can create compounded barriers from accessing and maintaining employment.
Our employment and education programs and services assist individuals to identify, work towards, and achieve their personal and professional goals, and provide the supports necessary for them to build, maintain, and advance their education and career paths.
Our Employment & Education Programs
Our employment programs provide the resources, skills, training, networks and supports necessary for individuals facing complex barriers to employment to work towards and achieve their professional goals. Some JHS employment programs are specifically designed for youth and young adults; persons with developmental disabilities and/or spectrum disorders; persons that have been impacted by the criminal justice system; or for all community members in need of employment supports. Our employment programs and services meet people where they are at, and assist them in meeting their self-determined goals and needs.
Our education programs provide hands-on learning for participants, facilitation training for professionals, and community education initiatives on the impacts of crime. From Restorative Justice education to tenant rights and responsibilities, from healthy relationships to training initiatives, JHS education programs provide participants with the knowledge and skill-based certifications and training needed to achieve their professional, personal, and educational goals.