EDGE Program to Help Overcome Barriers to Job Readiness
The City of Columbus, in
coordination with Alvis and Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio,
launched the EDGE Program this afternoon. Formerly known as Restoration
Academy, the EDGE (Empower Development by Gaining Employment) Program is an intensive,
five-month program designed to help individuals with involvement in the
criminal justice system overcome barriers to skilled employment
opportunities.
“What someone does on their worst
day does not have to define them forever. Former Mayor Michael B. Coleman
believed in second chances and launched Restoration Academy. EDGE is the next
chapter for this important program,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
More than a job readiness program,
EDGE is designed to holistically address the challenges and barriers specific
to an individual’s involvement with the criminal justice system through both
personal and professional development.
Program participants will explore careers and attend resume workshops
and mock interview sessions. The EDGE
Program offers training for industry-recognized credentials in some of today’s
in-demand career paths.
"The Alvis mission is to
innovate and deliver evidence-based human service programs that empower those
we serve to build successful, productive lives,” said Doug Patrick, Associate
Managing Director of Reentry Services at Alvis. “With EDGE, we will not only
utilize some of the most relevant cognitive behavioral curricula, but will
marry it with vocational training to prepare our Central Ohio citizens for
today's workforce."
This class of EDGE comprises 24
men and women who meet the following requirements:
- Currently on community supervision (such as
parole or probation)
- Reside in the Franklin County area
- Be at least 18 years of age have a valid State
of Ohio identification card
- No violent offenses or outstanding warrants
- High School Diploma or GED
- Pass a substance abuse screening and be willing
to participate in additional screenings and assessments that will determine program
eligibility
There is no cost to participants.
“Alvis is so fortunate to live in
a city that believes in and supports programs to help all of its citizens to
succeed in the workforce,” said Denise M. Robinson, President and CEO of Alvis.
“This type of program benefits the whole community: employers gain access to a
new pool of qualified and motivated job candidates and being employed in a
living wage job dramatically reduces the risk that an individual will return to
the criminal justice system."
The city plans to offer a second
cohort starting in June. For more information, call Alvis at 614-252-0660 or
send an email to [email protected].