Workforce Development and Education Department
Workforce Development and Education – Overview
Workforce Development and Education (WDE) moves Mission Men from a state of dependence and homelessness to long-term economic self-sufficiency through employment permanence. WDE places an emphasis on entry level-to-intermediate positions in the science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] fields, hospitality, culinary, labor, administration and Green industries. The Mission seeks to educate, engage and employ men in positions of promise that enable them to achieve economic and employment permanence.
PATHWAYS
Our PATHWAYS workforce development programs provide valuable training, job experience and references, as well as the opportunity to earn and save wages for permanent housing. Program participants no longer struggle with life-altering addictions or behavior and are motivated to achieve independent employment.
They develop soft skills, technical, trade, apprenticeship skills, and life survival skills. This educational provision undergirds the strategy to long-term economic self-sufficiency. Persisting toward higher education, training and certification serves to provide Mission Men with new or unrealized career goals and clear guideposts to follow.
In partnership with Saylor.org, United Planning Organization (UPO), STRIVE, AFL-CIO and other partners, the Mission offers men resources to support their education through on-site trainers and virtual SMEs. These experts facilitate online courses and narrate self-directed, on-line classes that can lead to certification or direct credit towards an Associates or Bachelor’s degree.
PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION
- Financial Literacy
- Math (Applied Math)
- Digital Literacy & Computer Lab
- Employment Assessments & Counseling
- Professional Development
- PATHWAYS Boot Camp
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS – EXTERNAL EMPLOYMENT & INTERNAL APPRENTICESHIPS
PATHWAYS To Success is a suite of work development initiatives that train Mission students to learn a new trade or enhance existing skill sets while working on the job. It includes apprenticeships that are internal or external to the Mission and placement with partnership employers.
PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINED SUCCESS – THE BARNABAS JOURNEY
The Mission promotes stewardship among those who complete the program. Once men successfully transition they become alumni. Alumni support other men through mentoring. They also find support among their brothers and from staff through aftercare services. These provisions provide alumni with the support needed to ensure employment permanence, which equates to long-term economic and spiritual self-sufficiency. This is a critical reinforcement designed to mitigate relapse and participant recidivism.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Employers & Partners – Hire A Mission Man
Employers, have you considered hiring a Mission Man?
When you hire a Mission Man, you get a committed, vetted and well-trained employee who is ready to succeed for your company.