Avenues for Justice Continues to Expand Our HIRE Up Program with Job Readiness Workshops and Civics Programming

At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), our commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as we engage with Participants through our comprehensive HIRE Up program at our community centers in Harlem and the Lower East Side. Through HIRE Up, AFJ provides wraparound services for job readiness and workforce development, educational support, and crucial mental and physical health services. The workshops are supplemented with cultural opportunities for our Participants to explore and learn more about their neighborhoods and the city. We would like to highlight three exciting engagements hosted at our community centers this month.

At the beginning of September, we hosted a job recruitment event with the Workforce1 Industrial and Transportation Career Center, which focused on job sectors in transportation, construction, food and beverage, carpentry, and more. The event, held at our Harlem community center, was organized by AFJ’s Job Developer, Shantel Brooks. 17 AFJ Participants were interviewed and pre-screened for job opportunities  and several Participants were able to schedule interviews as soon as the following day. AFJ’s partnership with the Workforce1 Industrial and Transportation Career Center is part of our HIRE Up efforts to expand job training, employment placement, and certification programming for our Participants. Since the beginning of the year, 36 Participants have received a total of 47 job offers.

“The event was important for our Participants as they were excited to be interviewed and hear about different job opportunities and paid training programs. We had a great turnout and look forward to continuing our partnership with Workforce1. At our next recruitment event, we will be focusing on working with individuals who are justice impacted.” ~Shantel, AFJ Job Developer

This week, in preparation for the October start of our fifth paid internship cohort, AFJ piloted a mandatory 8-day Internship Readiness Program. The curriculum prepares Participants with basic soft skills and ensures a level of commitment for their upcoming internship placements. Topics covered include the importance of proper identification, cover letter and resume development, interview skills, and workplace etiquette.

Last week, AFJ welcomed NYC Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, to our Harlem Community Center for a special presentation about his journey to public office. This workshop was attended by more than 35 AFJ Participants. They were able to hear from Public Advocate Williams as he shared his journey to his current role and highlighted the significance of civic engagement and voting.  

His presentation was followed by a Q&A session where our young people got the opportunity to voice their concerns about the violence plaguing their communities, the lack of resources in their schools, and safety issues in their neighborhoods. Participants also shared about the mental health issues directly impacting them. Public Advocate Williams discussed what it was like growing up with Tourette's syndrome and being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. He dispelled some of the common myths about Tourette’s and discussed how the city is bridging the gaps in mental health knowledge to help young people.

“Public Advocate Williams serves as a vital bridge for at-risk youth, providing them with a voice and guidance. By championing their needs and aspirations, we empower them to envision a brighter future, helping to break the cycle of adversity and inspire positive change in their lives and communities.” ~Jessica, AFJ Program and Activities Coordinator

Our events this month underscore AFJ’s commitment to providing our Participants with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through job readiness, internship preparation, and engaging dialogues with community leaders, AFJ supports all of our Participants through new opportunities that will help them create a path forward for themselves. As we grow our partnerships, AFJ remains focused on delivering the wraparound services that equip young people with the tools to succeed.