Second Chance Society

Programs: Second Chance Society's Hand Up Program provides the things that make a difference between getting a job or staying in a shelter for those who are homeless, struggling veterans, abused women and men, recovering alcoholics and addicts following treatment, re-integrating x-offenders, and otherwise struggling or chronically unemployed individuals. Second Chance's clients are typically referred to SCS by their case manager at one of the many organizations and agencies in the community, with which Second Chance works closely. Quite often, for someone in this type of situation the need is quite simple; basic tools, a uniform or work shoes, or an up-to-date certification before they can start or hold a job, a job that will allow them to make that giant step to independent living. After a prompt and thorough application and interview process to determine that the client and his or her needs are a fit for the focused mission of the Second Chance Society Hand Up Program, including verification that the client has a viable job or job offer, the Second Chance program volunteer goes with the cleint and purchses the specific items they need to enable them to start working. In other situations SCS pays for the books and supplies so the client can take one or more vocational training courses. Money is never given directly to clients. Second Chance seeks to help homeless and struggling men and women that have no other way to obtain the essential items they need to secure a job and to ultimately become self-sufficient. SCS has targeted to help 200 such individuals in the local community to see their way to economic self-sufficency through employment in FY 2007-2008. Second Chance is excited by the prospect of the launch of a new program called Carrers 4 Success in FY 2007-2008. Under this program, selected homeless and struggling clients will receive an accelerated course of training in medical billing and coding, along with post training job placement guidance, enabling these clients to work in what's recognized as a high demand field, and one that offers income potential at a level for the successful clients to attain economic self-sufficiency. When clients do not meet the criteria to qualify for help from Second Chance, SCS seeks to refer them to a more appropriate agency, so that they may still receive some level of service. The SCS staff and volunteers are often able to succeed with such referrals due to the many partnerships and links that SCS maintins with other agencies in the continuum of care for the homeless.