Workforce Development
Life Employment and Advancement Program (LEAP)
Mission
To provide community based employment and support to eligible individuals involved in the criminal justice system, to meet the objectives of employment, stabilized personal circumstances, successfully complete court ordered conditions of release and to provide assistance in creating capacity for long term life change.
Populations Served:
Residents of Albany County either on Albany County Probation or New York State Parole, referred by parole or probation officer.
Eligibility:
Meet 200% of TANF guidelines; custodial or non-custodial parent, assigned to the program as a condition of probation, or by the parole officer, non-violent offender (special exceptions with agency approval).
Referral Process:
Submission of qualifying referral through ACDP or NYSDP agency liaison, or directly by parole or probation officer.
Program Site:
Trinity Center, 15 Trinity Place
Hours:
9am-5pm, M-F. Phase one five week daily engagement; Phase two daily job search, six month retention services.
Description of Program:
The program design is focused on the goals of the funding agency, first, providing services to custodial or non custodial parents, or adult relative primary caretakers of minor children, so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives, and, second, on ending the dependence of these parents on governmental benefits by promoting job preparation and work. Participants are over 18, and meet 200% of poverty TANF income guidelines. The comprehensive nature of the program services contributes to long term strengthening of families and individuals served.
Enrollees are referred by either Albany County Probation or New York State Parole, and are expected to attend programming four days a week for five weeks, and are provided case management services and advocacy support. At the completion of the five weeks, if employment has not been attained, they enter an employment search phase that provides daily assistance in job search, and attention to employment barriers which may still remain, such as housing, child care or substance abuse.
Participants are offered incentives for achieving program goals as well as help with transportation, daily living needs, work uniforms and other supports to assist with the attainment and retention of employment. Program staff works closely with both probation and parole in accomplishing objectives.
Expected Outcomes:
Completion of Job Readiness Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, parenting, and financial literacy courses over a five week period; Creation of resume and job search strategy, employment or training as full program completion, retention for up to 6 months; improved family stability and resolution of child support issues.
Staff:
John Lee, case manager. Leantine Cornelius, employment specialist. Tanya Owens, parenting and financial literacy programs. Carol June-Washington, liaison to funding agency, contract reporting.
Contact:
449-5515 x 102 John Lee, case manager, Gregory Bellcourt, employment specialist x 120.