Program activities include: workshops provided by staff and representatives from community organizations; support groups; on the job volunteer training at the LSS/SC Long Beach Center; case management; and the full range of agency services.
The LSS/SC Preparation for Employment Program (PEP) was developed as a response to Welfare Reform and received initial funding from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in November 1996. With this funding we were then able to receive grants from the Josephine Gumbiner Foundation for the next three years. In May 1999 we applied for a “Working Out of Poverty” grant from the Josephine Gumbiner Foundation. Eight agencies were selected from over forty applications, and we were invited to participate in the second round of the process. After a site visit, we were informed that the Gumbiner Board of Directors were very impressed with our agency and unanimously approved the full amount we requested of $25,000; in November 2000 they approved a second year of funding for $25,000. Throughout the years the program has received additional grants including an unprecedented grant of $50,000 from the Hearst Foundation, funding from Boeing Employees Community Fund and donations from individuals and groups.
The Preparation for Employment Program (PEP) utilizes a comprehensive proven model which emphasizes developing long-term solutions and plans including job training, further education and employment. The PEP focuses on building long term solutions to unemployment and poverty by recognizing that job placement is not enough by itself. The program was designed with a comprehensive array of services designed to not only prepare clients for the workforce, but to teach them the skills necessary to maintain jobs with livable wages. The program uses group interaction, educational methods, case management, and on the job training experiences. This combination of services offers the most effective outcomes in helping clients develop skills for current problems and future needs. The PEP provides workshops, small groups, on the job training experience, individual case management, and follow-up on progress made and outcomes. Additionally, participants of the project are eligible for the full range of services of the agency including emergency assistance and literacy training.
Monthly workshops are provided which involve primarily presentations by the project staff and volunteers from community agencies and organizations. While the cause of poverty is a complex issue, certain factors have been identified as major parts of the problem, and the monthly presentations are made in these general areas: family concerns, parenting, and gang prevention; substance abuse and health problems; self-esteem and mental health; and employment preparation and issues. From the workshops weekly small groups are formed and focus on specific concerns and topics. The small groups are especially effective in helping the participants network and share resources, supporting each other in the process of attaining goals and employment, and providing an opportunity to practice and learn important job search and employment skills such as interviewing techniques and communication in the workplace.
Outcomes of clients enrolled in the PEP include: improved self-esteem and motivation; improved skills in family living including new knowledge and insight into family problems and motivation to improve family relationships; increased ability to utilize community resources; substance abuse treatment; increased knowledge and experience with employment issues such as resume writing, appropriate dress and communication in the workplace, interviewing skills, and job search abilities; and increased skills and knowledge gained through the program’s on the job training experience including interviewing clients, answering phones, compiling statistics, filing and clerical work.
The Preparation for Employment Program (PEP) has accomplished its goals and exceeded its projected objectives through the years. The program has had tremendous success in teaching participants to effectively utilize community resources, gain self-esteem and confidence, and make positive changes in their lives as they achieve their long term goals.
714-685-1800