2nd Chances
Mission
To provide employment training,
referral and support services to x-offenders
who are striving to live a better life.
Employment Preparation Course
This 2 hour class teaches the etiquettes of how to gain and maintain employment with special emphasis on how to market yourself. Class instructions include teachings on appearance, preparation, integrity, punctuality, interviewing, follow-up and application completion, etc. Classes are held monthly. For the convenience of transitional homes that have curfews, we offer this course on site for a fee of $25.00 and $100.00 for all other special request. Entreprenuship and Money Management classes are also available.
Instructors: *Malcolm Bellamy *Ingrid Brown *Dr. Bob Butler *Robert Grant
Counseling
All participants have access to private or group counseling sessions with our partnering agency ACTS Counseling Center of Temple Church, Inc. located in East Nashville. Counseling topics include parenting, anger management, grief & losses, spiritual 12-Step sessions along with other substance abuse recovery skills. For the convenience of transitional homes that have curfews, we offer group sessions on site for a fee of $25.00 per session.
G.E.D. Testing Fees
G.E.D. testing fees and re-testing fee are paid for eligible applicants that earn less than $30,000.00 per year. Staff Professor Dr. Joyner will assist degree seeking participants with college preparation courses and application for financial aid.
Fresh Start Gift Certificate
Wal-Mart $50.00 gift certificates are available to provide personal necessities to x-offender residents who have secured full-time employment. Having the basic necessities such as clothing, can boost self-esteem, confidence and work performance. Gift Certificates are available to x-offenders who have been court mandated to stay at a transitional home facility. Upon securing employment and at the recommendation of a staff member, residents will receive this certificate to purchase hygiene products, under garments, shoes and clothing. Certificates are given to staff only.
Haircuts
NWANI'S Barber Style and College will provide full grooming service to eligible applicants.
Gas Cards
$25.00 gas cards are available to x-offender residents who have become employed full-time and are in need of transportation assistance to travel back and forth to work. Upon securing employment and at the recommendation of a staff member, residents will receive a gas gift card (max of 3) until they have received their first paycheck. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and a car registered in their name.
Driver License Matching Funds Program
This program was incorporated to support eligible applicants that are working diligently to regain their driver license. Recipients must be consistently employed for a minimum of 6 months. For every earned dollar put toward the reinstatement fee, we will match up to $150.00. This will not only enhance and expand employment opportunities; it will also serve as a reward and a means to help carry on as law abiding citizens. If you would like to help launch this program by making a donation, please visit GivingMatters.com.
Recognition & Rewards
Each quarter we recognize an extraordinary participant that has been exceptional in character, leadership, and community involvement. The participant will receive a monetary reward and will be featured on our website.
Referral Service
Other post-releases services such as housing and bus passes are available.
All program services are available to eligible applicants free of charge.