Because having a good job is a key element of independent living, Project Renewal has created a wide range of employment programs to take people from chronic unemployment to full and part-time work. Our Next Step department is aptly named: it helps individuals who have come to grips with addiction and/or mental illness take the all-important next step toward independent living. Clients can access all types of educational and work-readiness programs, a six-month training and internship program as well as placement in jobs.

As a first step towards entering the work world, each client meets with a vocational counselor to determine that client's employment goals. Together, they develop a plan on how best to achieve those goals: that plan may include further education, training, help with soft skills or the decision to move directly toward finding a job.

See what Housing and Development Reporter wrote about our employment programs

In 2005, nearly 600 clients were enrolled in Next Step classes in reading, math, English as a Second Language, GED preparation and computer skills. Classes run continuously and are taught by qualified, experienced teachers. A dedicated support team of volunteers helps Next Step see that each student

gets individualized attention during classroom time. All coursework develops critical workforce literacy skills clients need to find and hold onto successful jobs.

See what Channel Thirteen's newsletter said about our literacy program

Culinary Arts
Realizing that the food service industry offered disadvantaged workers both a wide range of entry-level jobs as well as opportunities for advancement, in 1992 Project Renewal began experimenting with various training program models. In 1995, these efforts culminated in the creation of what is now our award-winning Culinary Arts Training Program. The program has proven to be an enormous success: better than 85% of graduates have been placed in jobs since inception. The six-month job-training program consists of two twelve-week segments. In the first, students learn basic cooking theory and food preparation in the teaching kitchen located in the basement at Third Street. In the second, they intern at area restaurants and within corporate dining services. In addition, Culinary Arts students attend classes that help them adjust to the working world covering everything from job deportment to drug abuse relapse prevention. In 2001, we added a baking and pastry track to enhance graduates' marketability. For more information contact Edna Sams.

See what the Clem Richardson of the Daily News wrote about the Culinary Arts Program

See what the Daily News wrote about the Culinary Arts Program

Read a transcript of CNN's Tonight's America, which highlighted the Culinary Arts Program.

IMPRINTS
Headquartered at our Holland House, IMPRINTSis a high quality, full-service digital print shop. IMPRINTSW provides meaningful training to chronically homeless New Yorkers who are determined to rehabilitate themselves and transition from the streets to permanent housing and jobs. All of the revenue supports Project Renewal's mission.

Shamrock Construction
Created in 1983 as an experimental program that would give PR clients work experience and a paycheck, Shamrock also generates income for the organization. Shamrock's relationship with the city's Economic Development Corporation has grown exponentially, doing area maintenance at locations throughout the city, graffiti removal in all five boroughs, and maintenance of the piers at South Street Seaport, among other assignments. In addition, Shamrock does all maintenance and construction work for PR.

Once clients are ready to begin an intensive job search, Next Step staff help them find and get good jobs. On the employer side, our specialists track labor market needs and develop relationships with potential employers. On the client side, Next Step staff work with clients one-on-one to develop individualized search strategies, while Job Search workshops provide clients with support during the application and interviewing process. As a result, in 2005, Next Step placement specialists helped more than 310 clients get jobs that pay, on average $8.73/hour, 60% of which offer full benefits.

See what President Bush said about Next Step client Emory Bent

Employment Resource Lab - Independent Job Search
Next Step staff train and encourage clients to use the Internet and standard business equipment (computers, fax machines, scanners) to locate jobs and communicate with potential employers. The resource room is available by appointment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An essential part of Next Step success is its focus on helping clients hold onto jobs once placed. Our retention coordinator works with both new employees and their employers to ensure a smooth transition to full-time work. Clients also participate in weekly meetings to share their experiences. These services have resulted in excellent retention rates: in 2005, 75% of clients held onto their jobs for at least three months; 66% for six months; and 50% for a year or more.