Employment Support Services (ESS)

The adult literacy program is a structured initiative designed to address the literacy needs of adults with limited or low-level reading, writing, and numeracy skills. The program aims to improve the functional literacy of adults, empowering them to navigate daily life, engage in meaningful activities, and participate in society. Here are some of the features and components of the program:

• Assessment—The program begins by assessing participants' literacy levels and specific needs. This helps identify individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing our instructors to tailor teaching individually. Based on the assessment results, a curriculum is developed to target the participant's needs. Teaching may cover reading, writing, basic math, digital literacy, and critical thinking.
• Instructional methods—The program employs various ways to accommodate different learning styles. These methods can include one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, computer-based learning, and practical, real-life application.
• Life Skills Training—The program incorporates life skills training to help participants apply their newfound literacy skills in everyday situations. This can include filling out forms, understanding healthcare information, accessing community resources, and navigating technology.

32% of Harris County adults are functionally illiterate, meaning they do not yet have the literacy skills they need to perform their job roles, family, or society successfully. These adults also often face social stigma related to their low literacy, despite the systemic factors or circumstances that have influenced or contributed to it. | Source: Houston's Adult Literacy Blueprint

The time it takes to earn a General Education Development (GED) certificate can vary depending on each person's abilities. Some can prepare for and pass the GED exam within a few months, while others may take longer. The GED is not one single test but a series of exams, and the time required to prepare for each subject varies on an individual's existing knowledge and skills. CRR can help provide regular study sessions, practice tests, and reviews of the material covered on the exams to help individuals prepare more effectively. Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. provides a program and resources to assist adults in their GED preparation journey. 

The Youth Employment Program (YES) is for youth ages 16 to 24 in partnership with the Alliance of Community Ministries (ACAM). The initiative is designed to support and assist young individuals in finding and securing employment opportunities. This program specifically addresses the unique needs and challenges young job seekers face. The program's primary objective is to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to enter the workforce successfully. Some of the critical components of the program are:

• Career Counseling—One-on-one or group counseling sessions to help young people identify their career interests, skills, and goals. Career counselors offer guidance on suitable career paths, educational choices, and job search strategies.
• Job readiness training—The program offers training sessions to develop essential employability skills, such as resume writing, interview techniques, networking, and professional etiquette. The aim is to enhance the young person's readiness to enter the job market.
• Skill Development—Youth Employment Services offers workshops or training courses to help participants acquire specific job-related skills. These are computer literacy, communication skills, customer service, problem-solving, and industry-specific skills, depending on the job market's needs and the youth participant's interests.
• Job Placement Assistance—Program staff works closely with participants to match their skills and interests with suitable job opportunities. They may participate in partnership programs with local employers and businesses to actively connect young job seekers with available job openings.

The employment computer lab is a dedicated facility that provides various resources and assistance to individuals seeking employment. It is designed to support job seekers in their job search efforts by offering multiple tools, technology, and guidance to enhance their chances of finding suitable employment opportunities. Some of the available services are:

• Computer and Internet Access—The lab provides computer access with Internet connectivity, allowing job seekers to search and apply for jobs online. This ensures that individuals who may not have access to computers or the internet can have these resources to explore job opportunities. The computer provides access to online job search platforms, such as job boards, employment websites, and company career pages. These platforms allow job seekers to browse job listings, upload resumes, and apply for positions matching their skills and interests.
• Skill Development and Training—The computer lab provides access to online training programs and workshops to enhance job seekers' skills. These resources may cover resume writing, interview preparation, and job search techniques. The goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in job search and interviews.
• Job Market Information—The computer lab connects individuals with resources for job market research, including information on job trends, in-demand industries, and salary ranges. This helps seekers to make informed decisions regarding their job prospects and allows individuals to find specific positions that are suitable for their search.

Employment Support Services (ESS) are crucial in helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and regain stability in their lives. These services aid and provide resources and training to help individuals secure and maintain meaningful work. ESS offers comprehensive support by combining various services, including case management, transportation support, substance abuse treatment, and social services referrals to ensure individuals have access to essential support such as healthcare, food assistance, legal aid, and housing resources through The Way Home, The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County.

Some of the services include:

• Job Readiness Training—Job readiness assessment can help individuals develop essential skills needed for the workplace. This includes professional etiquette, interview skills, resume preparation, and job search strategies.

• Vocational Training—If an individual is ready, vocational training is available for the following certifications: Texas Food Handlers Certificate, TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) server training, OSHA General Industry Training, and OSHA Forklift Certification.

• GED preparation

• Job Placement Assistance

• Access to Computer Lab—Computer used to conduct online job searches, resume writing, and online training.

• Financial Literacy—Information about managing finances, creating budgets, and developing saving habits.