Programs
Reentry Works is open to individuals in Berks County with current or past justice system involvement. The program helps clients become reliable and successful employees and helps address issues of unemployment and the underemployment for this population. The program uses a case-managed approach and creates individualized employment plans for our clients. The program’s curriculum includes skill, education, and experience assessments; financial literacy; employment preparedness; computer labs; and employer recruitment.
Funding for this grant is through a $10 million gift United Way of Berks County received from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Call to make an appointment: 484.260.3860
WALK-INS WELCOME
Reentry Works
Create a Plan
The Rebuilding Reentrants and Reading (R3) Program is a registered pre-apprenticeship program in the construction trades.
This 8-week program is comprised of three things:
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Career & technical education at Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center and Berks Career and Technology Center
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Hands-on learning at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Woodworking Studio
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Employment focused cognitive curriculum and job readiness skills delivered by Connections Work staff
Participants have the ability to receive:
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Up to $2,000 stipend over 8 weeks
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Job search and placement assistance
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Flagger and OSHA Safety Certifications
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Credit toward Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone and Eastern PA Chapters PLUS select Berks Career and Technology Center Apprenticeship Programs
R3 is the only registered pre-apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania exclusively serving reentrants!
Rebuilding
Reentrants &
Reading
R3
Enter the Construction Trades
Recovery Works!
Recovery Works
Understanding that our expertise with the justice involved is transferrable to others with barriers to success has led Connections Works to expand programming to other populations. Thanks to support from the Council on Chemical Abuse, Connections Work has launched our first ever workforce development program not limited to individuals with justice system involvement.
Recovery Works is a robust workforce development program for individuals with an Opioid Use Disorder and for those for whom opioids have played a part in their substance use history. Connections Works Case Managers will provide Connections Works workforce readiness curriculum, develop individualized employment plans and assist participants with job search, placement, and retention! We are excited to be able to assist Recovery Works participants in their recovery journey!
This program is made possible in whole by funds received through the Berks County Opioid Settlement Agreement.
Call to make an appointment: 484.260.3860
WALK-INS WELCOME
Prep for the Workforce
Working Toward Change (WTC)
Working Toward Change (WTC) provides case management both pre- and post-release from the Berks County Jail System (BCJS). WTC Case Managers complete a thorough assessment with the client to help prioritize targets for change. The client and their Case Manager work together to develop a release plan, set goals and objectives, and identify resources needed to achieve them.
Post-release, clients continue to work with their Case Manager to address any immediate needs, such as housing, ID, food, clothing, and medication. They will complete an employment curriculum, including resume building, interviewing skills, proper job search, completing applications, financial literacy, and job retention. All participants have access to the Computer Based Learning Center (CBLC) as well as employment opportunities cultivated by the Employment Development Specialist. Case management services continue for one year after release from BCJS.
Prioritize Targets for Change
Connect to Success
Connect to Success is a program in which Connections Work is partnering with CareerLink’s Young Adult Program to serve 18-24-year-olds with justice involvement who live in Berks County. Connections Work provides mentoring and assists with program recruitment and outreach. CareerLink’s Young Adult Program provides GED classes and workforce development. This program allows participants to build their resumes and learn more about different career areas, all while earning their High School Equivalency/GED.
This program was made possible by a two-year Youth Reentry Grant from the PA Department of Labor and Industry awarded to the Berks County Workforce Development Board.
Get Mentoring And Assisting
Work in Progress (WIP)
WIP is a comprehensive reentry workforce development program for current or former justice-involved individuals who have a mental health or dual diagnosis and are currently receiving case management services with a mental health provider.
As part of the program, participants will:
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Undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine appropriate service provision.
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Receive one-on-one and group instruction for job preparedness and essential skills training, financial literacy, and a workforce-focused cognitive behavioral intervention curriculum.
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Develop a comprehensive employment plan with the WIP case manager to establish goals, objectives, and tasks.
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Work with WIP CM and Employment Development Specialist to identify prospective employment opportunities.
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Receive ongoing case management and retention support for at least one year.
Get Mental Health & Dual Diagonsis Employment Support
Level Up
Level Up provides GED and ESL classes as part of a customized, case-managed approach to employment preparation. Classes are held in the Connections Work office. With these educational achievements, clients can gain employment and take advantage of opportunities to further their education, and move to the next level.
This workforce development program was developed through a collaboration between the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc. and Connections Work. The program was made possible through a United Way of Berks County Venture Grant.
Further Your Education