Enhancing Economic Opportunities for Community Residents
Training and Employment for Victims of Domestic Violence
The Need
Mothers who are victims of domestic violence face difficult barriers to self-sufficiency.
Often, victims of domestic violence have led isolated lives and do not have work
force experience. Yet, economic independence through work makes it possible for
mothers to raise their children apart from abusive fathers. In addition, employment
increases self-esteem and self-worth—two commodities that victims of domestic
violence are seriously lacking.
The SCI Training and Employment Program works with participants to prepare for entry-level careers in the health care industry. Sinai Community Institute has developed a supportive training program in a safe, welcoming environment to meet the unique needs of survivors of domestic violence.
How SCI Helps
Since 2000, SCI has provided training and employment services to victims of domestic
violence, many of whom are living in domestic violence shelters in the area.
The participants are mothers who have had little or no work experience. In addition
to providing health care job training, Sinai connects them to the support services
they need to succeed at their jobs.
SCI’s health care job training services include
- Orientation and job readiness training
- Career assessment testing (Test of Adult Basic Education or TABE)
- General Education Development (GED) classes
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training
- Resume writing, interview coaching, job search, and pre-employment support
- Job placement support and retention services.
Each participant has a case manager who assists participants in completing the job training program components as well as making referrals for appropriate support services. Support services include anything from interpersonal and drug related counseling to parenting classes to childcare to housing support to other public assistance programs they might be eligible for.
Because we know that victims of domestic violence face many obstacles to employment beyond attaining basic skills, Sinai’s Training and Employment program works to address the many barriers this population faces. SCI’s Computer Resource Center provides on-site job search support for careers in many fields. Computers are also available for typing resumes, learning software and conducting Internet job searches. A listing of job openings throughout the city is available at the Center and quarterly job fairs are also held.
Since many of the participants have fled their homes with few clothes and possessions, they do not often have appropriate interview and work clothing. SCI has developed an in-house clothing closet, and also directs participants to The Bottomless Closet. If neither of these options works, the program provides clothing vouchers to local stores.
