The Program

STRIVE’s unique training program is short by design. The goal is to help the chronically unemployed make critical adjustments and get to work as quickly as possible through:

• High impact 3-4 week training workshop in a realistic work environment.
• Structured training on personal responsibility, attitude and "soft skills."
• Developing communication skills and confidence.
• Building an understanding of the work environment.
• Job placement.
• Long-term support and follow-up.
• Career counseling and advancement.

The majority of our clients start with our program geared towards gaining full-time employment. Some don't make it through on the first try and repeat until they complete the 3-4 week workshop. Additionally, affiliates may offer supportive social service programs that address such interrelated issues as parenthood, substance-addiction, and teen literacy.

The First Step

	Our Core program is designed to train participants within four weeks and get them into paid employment quickly. We aim to remove barriers to employment including lack of money; our programs are offered at no cost to clients. For many participants, STRIVE presents their first chance to learn about the skills and behavior expected, and required, in the workplace environment.

"Life ain’t fair," admonishes Rob Carmona, purposely using his listeners’ street lingo for effect.

The President and CEO of STRIVE is addressing a group of new participants early on the first day of their Core Training Program. Among those seated in front of him: ex-convicts, former drug addicts and pushers, unwed mothers, deadbeat dads. Some have been ordered by the courts to attend a program like this.

No matter what their background, virtually are all considered "hard to employ." That’s why they are here.

Yet many of them believe that since life has dealt them a "bum rap," they’re entitled to an easier time going forward... with little or no effort on their part.

Carmona senses this and spontaneously continues: "And furthermore, SOCIETY OWES YOU NOTHING. So get used to it."

He asks probing questions of his recruits, seeking their input as he lays the groundwork — and sets the ground rules — for their four week program. He’s stern, yet respectful. He knows where they’re coming from, because he’s been there. He tells them they’re in for a lot of hard work, yet they may consider it a life-altering experience by the time it's over.

Carmona also introduces critical elements of STRIVE’s philosophy — elements that go well beyond the technical job skills they’ll learn. Such as how much they must be perceived as likable to a prospective employer. One essential way to create this perception? A smile. In fact a pretty consistent smile. This positive frame of mind is fundamental to behavior change. It translates into a willingness to work hard.

And it means taking active responsibility for the consequences of prior bad choices — for indeed, even amidst unfortunate adversity, clients come to realize they often had options. Program leaders, along with the rest of STRIVE’s staff, will insist on participants taking personal responsibility for choices already made. The staff will help them make more enlightened, informed choices going forward.

Of course none of this happens overnight. Throughout their first month, and thereafter, STRIVE continues to reinforce and support what for some will become a real transformation.

So the stage is set. The tone is set. For many, this begins not merely four weeks of training but also a new outlook on life. These so-called disadvantaged are being prepared to secure a worthwhile job — and ideally, over time, a career. Equally important, they’re learning how to be better rounded, more valuable employees, co-workers, family members, and citizens.