Gracious Promise Foundation

The GPF Employment Department focuses on job placement assistance for ex-offenders and their families.

PROJECT H.O.P.E.

Helping Others Pursue Employment

In May 2009 we began a revolving four-part series of Job Readiness Workshops facilitated by volunteer business professionals. These interactive group sessions provide detailed information and strategies for developing an effective job search.  Project H.O.P.E. workshops are conducted twice a week on select Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and are available to any GPF client who has attended our orientation and completed an intake assessment.

Comments From Recent Workshop Graduates:

• These classes were a great experience for me – Thank You So Much!!
• My favorite part was the social interaction
• I’ll keep HOPE and continue to network
• It’s been GREAT!
• My least favorite part was having to say goodbye!
• The instructors were considerate and passionate…  I’ll definitely recommend this program to others.

Workshop Topics

JOB SEARCH BASICS

• How to Conduct an Effective Job Search
• Developing Your Network
• Tools to Use
• Job Search Strategies
• Master the Application
• Employment Information Worksheet
• The “Ricky” Scenario
• Sample Employment Applications

RESUME WRITING

• Why Do I Need a Resume?
• Tips For Writing Your Resume
• Sample Resumes
• Employment Information Worksheet
• Resume Practice
• Professional & Personal References
• The “T” Cover Letter
• The Importance of Thank You Notes and Follow-up
• Additional Resources

NOTE: Individual resume consultation is available by appointment once the workshop has been completed. Participant must complete the “Employment Information Worksheet” before an appointment may be scheduled.

BARRIERS

• What You Need to Know Before Applying For A Job
• Internal and External Barriers
• Barriers To Employment Worksheet
• Job Survival Skills / Keys to Retention
• Why Ex-Offenders Often Lose Their Jobs

INTERVIEWING

• The Importance of Creating a Good First Impression
• Be Prepared / Questions You May Be Asked During An Interview
• What Is Behavioural Interviewing?
• Responding to the Felony Question
• Compensation & Appropriate Questions To Ask During An Interview
• Mock Interviews

PROJECT H.O.P.E. consists of four 2-3/4 hour workshops delivered by business professionals in an interactive classroom format.  This eleven hour program is designed for individuals who have been incarcerated, or for their immediate family members who are now transitioning into the job market.  Any person who has attended a GPF orientation within the past twelve months is eligible to participate.  If you haven’t attended a GPF orientation please call (913) 342-1707 to register; by attending you will then be qualified for PROJECT H.O.P.E.

A “Certificate of Completion” will be presented to those who successfully complete all four PROJECT H.O.P.E. workshops.  Graduates are also eligible to meet one-on-one with a GPF Employment Case Manager for additional assistance in identifying further employment opportunities.

PROJECT H.O.P.E. is an outreach ministry of the Gracious Promise Foundation

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