Job Training
Employment is a foundational part of helping people get back on their feet in a sustainable way. Our job training classes help those who are experiencing homelessness gain valuable work experience and find a pathway to financial stability and independent living. These classes are available to Good Sam participants.
A New Approach to Job Training
On March 25, 2019, our job training classes launched. Six men from our Phoenixville shelter joined this program to learn more about job readiness, computer skills, resume writing, and how to apply online. They also practiced these learned skills through interview training, mock interviews, and field trips to local businesses. On these trips, the students spoke with Human Resource Personnel to learn more about what organizations look for when hiring new employees. Upon completion of this 10-week program, each participant attended a graduation ceremony and received a $1,000 stipend for attending and participating in the classes.
These classes are taught or coordinated by a very gracious volunteer, Kris Kraihanzel.
We have continued these classes every 6 months with our different services areas, and since then each student indicated that their confidence level SIGNIFICANTLY increased in the areas of:
- Interview skills
- Managing wages
- Networking
- Creating a public profile on LinkedIn
- Creating a dynamic resume
- Basic computer skills
- Understanding their personal strengths
Below are community businesses and organizations who have been vital to our job training classes:
GraceCrossing Community Church
Great American Pub Phoenixville
Betty Stafford Clarke and Pfizer
Here are some quotes the students shared about the impact of the program:
“I feel more confident in my ability to find a job and keep a job.”
“The Managing Finances class was eye-opening.”
“The interview class forced me to come out of my shell and build my confidence!”
“I learned what my weaknesses are and how to build off of them.”