PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANTS
How is program eligibility determined? If you are 18+ AND female AND within a year of your release from prison AND capable of utilizing employment and training resources in Boston, you can enroll in WORC at The Work Place.
What's the difference between WORC and The Work Place? Women Offender Reentry Collaborative (WORC) is a categorical program at The Work Place, a One-Stop Career Center in Boston. Essentially our work is work. The Work Place helps thousands of people find training and employment opportunities each year - among them ex-offenders. Our categorical programs, including WORC, provide one-on-one support to targeted populations in need of extra special help. When you come here, please be sure to identify that you're looking for the women's reentry program (rather than "work") to insure you make your way to the right people.
Is there a cost to participate? No cost.
Do my charges matter? No. We serve women with minor, one-time, non-violent convictions as well as those with a history of more serious offenses.
What's the catch? None - unless you consider hard work a catch. We're not recruiters. This isn't a staffing agency. Ergo, we expect you to keep on top of your game, follow up appropriately. Your job search doesn't stop at the close of our meetings!
How many times do I have to meet with my counselor/job developer? That's up to you, however we find that the women who derive the most benefit from the program are those who meet with us once a week when they're actively job-hunting.
What are some other benefits to participating? We may be able to cover your transportation costs to interviews, pay for training and education or reinburse you for expenses accrued, write reference letters, refer you directly to employers in our network...
What if I join and decide it isn't for me after all? Simple. Tell us. We might be able to suggest another program. We respect your decision.
CURRENT PARTICIPANTS
I want to attend a workshop offered by the career center. Can I? Sure, so long as you have a membership card, you can attend any of the center's workshops, on-site interviews and job fairs. If you need a Work Place membership card, talk to your counselor.
What happens if I don't like my counselor (or I just like someone else better)? If you have concerns, you're more than welcome to voice them. While we can't guarantee we'll be able to move your case to another counselor, we'll try to see to it that you feel comfortable here. We often work together to provide services to our customers, so chances are you'll encounter each of us at some point during your job search anyway. You'll get to know all of us, and we should all be able to guide you.
I got a job. Now what? First, make sure to alert your counselor or job developer. (Or, better still, alert both! We know you're excited, and we're excited for you!) Just because you've secured employment does not mean you have to leave the program or bid us good-bye. We're here for you so long as you need us - and even if you don't.
I heard you can help pay for training. True? Yes, but be forewarned. You first need to apply to a program and be accepted, secure financial aid to the extent that you're able and present proof that you're taking and passing the course or program. (We need to see your report card!) After that, we'll take a look at your bills and help reinburse you for books for fees or make payments on your loans. Talk with your counselor for more information.
I'm not receiving the weekly "hot jobs" e-mail blast (or, I don't want to receive it). Help! For all e-mail blast questions, e-mail Andrea Jiraud at: AJiraud@detma.org. If you're not receiving the blast, it could be due to our not having your most current address information or your junk mail filter mistaking our messages for spam. On the flipside, if you're receiving the e-mail alerts and don't want to be, let us know. We'll remove your address from our list.
I like to write/free-style/draw. How can I get more involved in the WORC newsletter? Again, e-mail Andrea Jiraud at: AJiraud@detma.org.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS
Am I ever really "done" with WORC? No, not really. Even if you haven't been in touch with us in ages, or even when you've made the decision to leave the program, we keep files on anyone and everyone who's ever been a part of WORC. This way, should you decide to return, you need only make a meeting with one of our counselors. You don't have to start from scratch with an orientation. We get right to business.
The counselor I was seeing is no longer working at the career center. So... We'll assign you a new one. Call the program coordinator, Andrea Jiraud at (617)737-0093, ext. 3060.
I'm training/working/doing just fine, but I liked WORC and want to stay connected to the program. What are my options? See "Services for alumnae."
