Employment Services

OpenDoors offers employment case management and group employment readiness classes, both inside and outside the prison. The OpenDoors employment preparation and placement program employs a full-time, experienced job readiness specialist who prepares clients to enter the world of professional employment and become responsible employees.

These employment specific services are designed to compliment other services offered in the Resource Center (including financial literacy classes, computer proficiency classes, and womens' and men's support groups) to provide our clients with holistic support as they prepare to apply for, get, and maintain sustainable employment.

Comprehensive Employment Program

In order to better meet clients' needs, OpenDoors has expanded our employment programming to more effectively address the most common and involved barriers that clients face. The program is balanced between seminars, where clients discuss issues and learn about best practices in a group setting, and workshops, where clients actively complete tasks that will reduce their barriers to employment. The following is a list of all the seminars, workshops and assignments that will be covered in the expanded employment program. These seminars and workshops will take place during the morning hours over a four day period (Tuesday to Friday). More info.

Advanced Employment and Transitional Jobs Program

Starting in May 2010, OpenDoors will offer an advanced employment program 4 times a year. To be eligible for the program, clients must complete the basic employment program and apply for consideration with our employment specialist. 

This program features a month-long Employment Boot Camp that includes advanced financial literacy, job-based computer skills, and more in-depth employment services. Following participation in the "boot camp," clients will enter into skills training based on availability and interest from an array of eligible training programs. Some participants will then enter into a transitional jobs program for 3-months in electronic de-manufacturing.  For more information about the program, please contact Jesse Capece, x121.

Business Start-up Class

OpenDoors launched an online business workshop in the summer of 2008 to teach a small class of eligible clients the basics of starting and maintaining an online business using EBay. Online businesses allow greater flexibility, the ability to work from home, and do not require discussing a criminal record or spotty work history. The class covers such topics as identifying a product, using Paypal and Ebay, marketing and selling your product, and shipping and delivery. For more information or to discuss your eligibility for inclusion in future classes, please contact the Resource Center at ext. 100.