Program Overview
Enhanced Employment Initiative (EEI) advances education and employment opportunities for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Clients Served Last Year:
700
Funding Generously Provided by:
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and private donations.
Cyre’ Hope, MPA, GCDF
Program Director
Shereen Goodson
Program Director
Contact Information:
New York City
175 Remsen Street, 5th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 237-9404 x247
chope@nyctas.org
Nassau
175 Fulton Avenue, Suite 400
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 489-8101 x184 or x128
shereen.goodson@eac-network.org
Program Description
The Problem:
Due to the stigma associated with the criminal justice system, individuals with a pending charge or criminal background have difficulty finding employment.
Our Solution:
Provide job readiness, employment placement, and other transitional services to TASC participants in order to help clients become productive, self-sufficient members of the community.
How We Do it:
In a collaborative effort with EAC Criminal Justice programs, the courts, the District Attorney’s Office, treatment providers, and various community-based organizations, EEI offers clients with job preparation, employment placement, individual career counseling, referrals to education programs, and specific services including:
- individual career counseling
- skills, abilities, and interest testing
- “Ready Set Work” employment and resume workshops
- referrals to appropriate VESID or HRA-sponsored job training programs
- referrals to GED, basic education, ESL, or ESOL schools
- intensive job development
- direct job placement
- special accommodation negotiation
- appropriate interview attire
- Moral Reconation Therapy
- help to apply for a Certificate of Relief from disability or good conduct
- help to obtain a rap sheet
- help resolving child support and payment issues
In order to be eligible, clients must have current involvement in the Criminal Justice System, be referred by their current advisor within the criminal justice system (Case Manager, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, etc.), score medium to high based on the COMPAS Risk Assessment, compliant with all legal requirements, motivated to work, and willing to take the steps towards independence.
How You Can Help:
To support Enhanced Employment Initiative with a gift, click here or call (516) 539-0150 x117.
The Outcomes of Enhanced Employment Initiative
EEI consistently serves around 450-500 people annually and provides clients and their families with financial security and independence. Recent highlights include:
272 new enrollments
135 successfully graduated and met employment goals
100 newly employed
116 completed Moral Reconation Therapy job readiness
160 completed 10 modules of Ready Set Work
What People Say About Enhanced Employment Initiative
The journey I took to find employment seemed to be a long one. As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months my emotions began to show. I looked back at my past and saw how drug addiction and negative behavior had destroyed my life. Now deep in my mind I know that I must use my consequential thinking 24 hours a day and 365 days a year as I strive for my recovery. Everyone at EEI never gave up on me – even when I had given up on myself. For that I will always be forever grateful.
