In this newsletter we highlight the inspiring work of three organizations - NCircle, Johnson County Corrections, and Johnson County Community College - who are working together in the State of Kansas to make a huge difference in the lives of members of their community in finding employment
In this newsletter we highlight the inspiring work of three organizations - NCircle, Johnson County Corrections, and Johnson County Community College - who are working together in the State of Kansas to make a huge difference in the lives of members of their community involved with the justice system. Both the following articles are from their publications and websites.
LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Learn how Johnson County, Kansas helps individuals overcome obstacles and get employed 1
Johnson County Corrections (COR) offers many employment services to its clients. All clients are assigned to a specific resource developer who will handle their employment needs. The resource developer will look at the client’s skill set and then match that skill with an employer in the community. The resource developer reviews the employment history and then conducts an Employment Readiness Scale (ERS) assessment to evaluate their barriers and strengths to employment. The resource developer will review the outcome of the assessment with the client and they will work collaboratively on an action plan. Depending on the outcome of the ERS, the client can either be placed into employment, if they are job ready, or work on their individual barriers before attempting to seek employment. If clients wish to improve or gain a new skill set, COR offers a 12 week skills certification program called College of Trade. College of Trade is a collaborative effort with Community Corrections, NCircle(a non-profit) and Johnson County Community College. This program is offered three times a year and can serve up to 20 clients each session. During this program, clients are taught essential skills for employment and can obtain certification in welding, forklift operation, culinary or construction.
“It got me believing I could be a productive citizen and pursue the goals I’ve always had in my life.”
College of Trade also offers non certification classes in photography, creative writing, digital literacy, public speaking, and financial literacy. All clients have access to a resource room at the Residential Center and the Intensive Supervision field office where they can work on their resumes, complete employment applications and check emails. The field division puts on a “Successful Probation” meeting where current clients are invited to hear success stories of former clients who have succeeded on probation and turned their lives around. This event leaves everyone inspired and motivated! It’s so encouraging to hear former clients tell how much Johnson County Probation has impacted their lives and helped them succeed.
NCircle and JCCC Partnership Builds a Better Tomorrow 2
Break the cycle of incarceration — that is the goal of a collaborative partnership between Johnson County Community College, NCircle and the Johnson County Department of Corrections.
The three local organizations work in tandem to give clients in the Corrections system advocates and avenues to advance in a career that provides a good income and a healthy life. Community Corrections assists with job placement. Johnson County Community College provides skills training in a variety of high-demand fields— welding, construction, food service and information technology. NCircle, a local nonprofit led by Executive Director Lee Jost, coordinates the program, provides life skills for stable employment and serves as a bridge between Corrections and JCCC.
Mission Accomplished and Lives Improved
United Community Services of Johnson County recognized all three organizations with the 2021 UCS Excellence in Community Service Award (video). This award recognizes a human service organization or partnership that has significantly improved the lives of Johnson County residents.
“JCCC’s Mission is to inspire learning to transform lives and strengthen communities,” said Debbie Rulo, Executive Director of JCCC Continuing Education. “This partnership is on target to fulfilling the College’s mission; in fact, I think we have hit the bull's-eye.”
Andrew Anderson, NCircle client, graduated from a welding certification course after testing out of a computer/literacy skills course. He plans to find a job in welding and further his training with more certifications.
Sanford’s Success: Flooring Company Owner
Sanford Willis connected with NCircle and JCCC in 2019. He now owns and operates a hardwood flooring company. His business was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it’s going strong again. Last year he earned a forklift certification and gained culinary training through the College of Trades. His culinary credentials qualified him for a part-time job at one of the area’s most popular sit-down restaurants. This supplemental income is helping Sanford reach even more personal goals.
“My experience with NCircle has been both awesome and super helpful in relation to my vocational aspirations,” said Sanford.
With this new lease on life, Sanford is always striving to improve himself and make his skills marketable. Getting certified as a personal trainer is his next endeavor.
“I’m always looking for new ways to make myself more marketable,” he said. “And be prepared for any possible changes to our economy. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity afforded me by NCircle and the funding others have provided.”
“My experience with NCircle has been both awesome and super helpful in relation to my vocational aspirations,” said Sanford.
Book we recommend: "Untapped Talent" by Jeffrey Korzenik.
"How can the nation turn the problem of mass incarceration into an opportunity to develop the workforce of the future? In this important and extremely timely book, Jeffrey Korzenik shows us exactly how this an be done".
Walter E. Massey, Retired Chairman, Bank of America
If you would like to submit an article for publication in this newsletter, please contact me at france@ERSscale.com
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