Starting Over - Prisoner Re-entry 

 

Applying for Government Benefits

 

GovBenefits.gov: Your Benefits Connection

http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal 

Find out what government benefits you are eligible to apply for by filling out an online questionnaire. Website also offers browsing of benefits by category or state.

 

Government Benefits, Grants and Financial Aid

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml

Browse the alphabetical subject index to find out what government benefits, grants, and financial aid options are available to you.

 

Housing for Ex-Offender Re-entry / New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

http://www.state.nj.us/dca/hmfa/biz/devel/specneed/programs.html 

Provides low-interest financing of affordable transitional, trans-permanent and permanent, supported, shared and independent living rental residences. 

 

Computer Training

 

Computer Tutorials Online / Newark Public Library

http://nplwebguides.pbwiki.com/Computer+Tutorials

Links to free online self-paced classes on using a mouse, searching the Internet, email, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

 

Free Computer Classes / Newark Public Library

http://www.huntcal.com/cgi/calview.cgi/npl/ttc 

Beginning and intermediate classes in mouse, typing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Email, Internet, and more. Some classes offered in Spanish.  While no fee or registration is involved, anyone wishing to attend a class is advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of class so as to assure a seat in the Technology Training Center at the Main Library, 5 Washington Street.

 

Cover Letters and Résumés

 

Cover Letters, Résumés, and Interviews

http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/catalog-databases/resume.shtml 

Step-by-step guide on how to create a résumé, with links to templates and "wizards" to help you through the process.

 

Job Resume Templates

http://mnl.mclinc.org/ComputerLab/resumes.htm 

Résumé templates according to your qualifications (number of jobs, type of education, certification, etc).

 

Résumé Clinic / Newark Public Library

http://www.huntcal.com/cgi/calview.cgi/npl/ttc 

Sign up and receive hands-on assistance in improving your résumé. Class size is limited to five.  Microsoft Word skills are required. Please bring your résumé in draft form. 

 

Jobs and Job Assistance

 

America's Job Bank

http://www.jobbankinfo.org

Job portal affiliated with the Department of Labor. Search for jobs by category, keyword, job title, military occupational code, and location.

 

American Friends Service Committee / Criminal Justice Program

http://www.afsc.org/criminalJustice/ht/d/ContentDetails/i/35541

Provides a full range of casework services including employability skills workshops, peer support counseling, support groups for ex-offenders and families, and referrals.

Address:  89 Market Street, 6th floor, Newark, NJ 07102

Contact:  Patricia Clark, (973) 643-3191 or pclark@afsc.org

 

Employment Information / State of New Jersey

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/findjob/findjobindex.html

Web portal for Employment Information from the State of New Jersey. Links to finding a job, job search tools, job fairs, and other resources.

 

Ex-Offenders CAN Overcome Barriers to Employment / ExOffenderReentry.com

http://www.exoffenderreentry.com/emp_barriers.html

Outlines potential barriers and how to overcome them. Adapted from The Ex-Offender's Job Hunting Guide / Ron and Caryl Krannich.

 

Ex-Offender's Job Hunting Guide: 10 Steps to a New Life in the World of Work / Ron and Caryl Krannich

http://www.impactpublications.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=483 

Comprehensive book for ex-offenders re-entering the working world. Companion website advertises other books for sale, but also provides free information via right-side menu bar.

 

National H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment) Network

http://www.hirenetwork.org/resource.html

A clearinghouse of local government agencies working to improve employment opportunities for ex-offenders. Also provides resources and assistance with criminal records issues, legal, and practical information.

 

Occupational Information Network: O*NET OnLine

http://online.onetcenter.org 

Assess your skills and find information on occupations that match your skills at this site affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

Offender Aid and Restoration of Essex Co., Inc. (OAR)

Offers a variety of re-entry services including shelter placement and rental assistance; employment referrals; emergency food vouchers and bus tickets; clothing for job interviews. Patch program provides services to the children of the incarcerated prisoners; transportation to visit parents; support groups; recreational activities.

Address:  164 Clinton Ave., St. 170, Irvington, NJ 07111

Contact:  (973) 373-0100

 

One Stop Career Center / State of New Jersey

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/findjob/onestop/services.html 

Links to each county's One Stop Career Centers, which provide a range of job-related services such as skills assessment, employment counseling, job training, Welfare to Work program, and unemployment insurance assistance.

 

One Stop Job Search / Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/wnjpin_index.html

Search for jobs in New Jersey and within 50 miles of state borders by skills/qualifications, job title, and location.

 

Prisoners Resource Center / American Friends Service Committee

http://www.afsc.org/newark/ht/d/ContentDetails/i/4625

Provides counseling and referrals to post-release prisoners in need of services including personal and family support, emergency provision of basic needs, employment counseling, and substance abuse assistance. 

 

The Riley Guide: Employment Opportunities and Job Resources on the Internet

http://www.rileyguide.com

Extensive directory of sites dealing with how to find and apply for a job.

 

WISE Women's Center / Essex County College, Community and Continuing Education

http://www.essex.edu/continuinged/wise

Free employment seminars every Monday from 10-12 a.m. Must arrive promptly at 10 a.m.; no pre-registration required.

Address:  Room 3276 - 3rd Level, Yellow Area, Essex County College, 303 University Ave. Newark, NJ 07102

Contact:  Ingrid Fisher at (973) 877-3457

 

Unemployment Assistance

 

Unemployment Insurance Office / Department of Labor & Workforce Development, State of New Jersey

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/ui_index.html

Information about unemployment benefits and how to apply online or by phone.

 

Work First New Jersey / Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF)

http://nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/workfirstnj/

Temporary cash assistance and other support services to families transitioning to self-sufficiency.  

 

Go back to the Prisoner Re-entry Web guide main page. 

 

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