The Program

Metro United Methodist Urban Ministry’s Pathways is a comprehensive intervention, reentry, education, job readiness, and skills development program.  It is designed to serve the workforce and personal needs of a targeted sub-group of gang members that are classified by San Diego County Probation department as habitual offenders.  The initiative will build upon the efforts of the neighborhood residents, the faith-based community, and the law enforcement organization to provide intervention, reentry, education, and job training and skill development services.  PATHWAYS will utilize a one-stop service system to provide workforce development opportunities and social and community supports needed to enhance the long-term economic outlook and behavior of the targeted populations.

 Goals

To expand economic opportunities through job readiness training, job placement, enrollment in pre-apprenticeship programs, job coaching, and mentoring

All clients will receive a 3-day work readiness training that will prepare them for various local industries.  This training will demonstrate to employers that the participant has achieved competencies in 24 required skills including: communication, worksite behavior, teamwork, academics and customer service. Training also covers concrete job search skills such as completing applications accurately, effective resume writing, interviewing skills, pre-job search issues such as grooming, attitudes, problem solving, time management, positive attitude, goal setting, and stress management.

To encourage behavior change through behavior modification and leadership development

All participants will complete a 10-hour behavior modification program entitled “Thinking for Change” that uses a cognitive/behavior model and includes anger management and conflict resolution.

Participants will also engage in a 6-hour life skills module.

Participants will participant in a two-day training using the nationally recognized Amer-I-Can personal empowerment program. This program is designed to restore confidence in the participant’s ability to successfully identify and overcome challenges including those around job interviews; self determination techniques; goal development; and how to describe the offense for which they were convicted.

To develop a strong system of support from peers, family, and community; that these “supporters” all work together to enable gang members to avoid further involvement in the justice system; and develop and implement a long-range plan for success

PATHWAYS is built around a Resource Management system that is based upon an intensive contact model.  The Resource Manager will coordinate a system of support for each individual as detailed in his or her service plan. This team of support will ensure that participants receive the most effective services to meet their need and that services are coordinated between partners.