ReEmployAbility’s Nonprofit Relationship Manager, Lindsey Bressi, visits Nonprofit Partners across the country. This past month, she visited the landmark Center for Employment Opportunities in San Diego, California. The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is dedicated to providing immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services to individuals recently released from incarceration and those on probation and parole. A significant part of the CEO’s success in fulfilling its mission is the invaluable contribution of its volunteers, who assist in person and virtually to support the organization’s impactful services.
The Value of Volunteer Contributions
The Center for Employment Opportunities benefits immensely from the support of its volunteers, who play a crucial role in delivering services and fostering positive change within the community. According to a nonprofit partner of the CEO, “We’ve been very fortunate over the years to have had some great volunteers through ReEmployAbility, some of which have become staff and valued team members.” This endorsement highlights the lasting impact that Transition2Work volunteers can have on the individuals they help and the organization itself.
In addition to providing direct support, volunteers bring their experiences and skills to the table. The partner added, “We’ve also had some volunteers whose injuries had become permanent, and they weren’t able to go back to their jobs, so the skills they built in the time they were with us helped connect them to other jobs. We see incredible value in helping them and encouraging them to learn new skills.”
A Volunteer’s Personal Journey
One volunteer who works at the front desk shared his transformative experience. Initially a pipefitter with no prior reception experience, the Center for Employment Opportunities welcomed him into the role with open arms. “I didn’t know anything about being a receptionist,” he admitted. “But they welcomed me with open arms, and they’ve been such good teachers. They don’t do the work for me – they show me how to do the work, let me make my mistakes, and steer me back in the right direction.” This hands-on approach has not only enhanced his skill set but also deepened his respect for office staff.
This hands-on approach has not only enhanced his skill set but also deepened his respect for office staff. “I’ve gained so much knowledge, and I have such a newfound, deep respect and appreciation for the ladies who work the front office at my job, and I’ve told them so.” This journey of personal growth and empowerment is a testament to the transformative power of the Transition2Work program, which enables injured workers to stay connected to their work skills and community and boost morale while recovering from injuries.
The volunteer also noted the importance of learning new computer skills, emphasizing their relevance to future career advancement. “If I’m going to advance in my job, I have to learn some of this stuff, so being here has helped me with that. This can only benefit me. It’s a great program.”
Gratitude and Lasting Impressions from CEO
The volunteer expressed his gratitude by reflecting on his overall experience: “I’m really happy to be here. I was injured before and out of work for a long time, lost everything. I wish this was an option that was available to me back then. I’m really grateful to ReEmployAbility for this opportunity. I’m very happy that I landed here. I’ve made friends here, expanded my family. I know that when I return to work, we’ll still keep in touch.”
Transition2Work participants have a 98% satisfaction rate with their placement opportunities and learn new skills, reintegrating them into the workforce faster and more efficiently.
Acknowledging the Impact
The Center for Employment Opportunities extends its heartfelt thanks to nonprofit partners and volunteers who have contributed to the program’s success. Their dedication and hard work help participants recover and give them a sense of belonging and purpose. This collaboration has proven to be more than just an opportunity for light-duty work; it has become a vital part of participants’ journeys toward rebuilding their lives.
The experiences shared by volunteers and participants underscore the significant, positive impact that the Transition2Work program has had on their lives. Each story reflects the profound difference that support, education, and community can make in the journey of those seeking a fresh start.
Conclusion
The Center for Employment Opportunities continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals transitioning from incarceration, thanks in no small part to the dedication of its volunteers and nonprofit partners. Their contributions exemplify the power of collective effort and the positive ripple effects of giving back to the community.
For more information on how your organization can become a ReEmployAbility Nonprofit Partner, visit our Nonprofit Partner Page.
About The Center for Employment Opportunities:
“We exclusively serve people who have recently returned home from incarceration, the majority of whom are on probation or parole. Our comprehensive employment and training services help individuals connect to a job and career. CEO exists to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to economic success.”
For further information on CEO and their mission, visit their website.
ReEmployAbility Gives Back to the Community:
- ReEmployAbility Team Members Shine Through Service: Spreading Joy Across Local Nonprofits
- Building Hope: ReEmployAbility Employees Make a Difference at Habitat for Humanity Restore
- ReEmployAbility Participates in Relay for Life in Support of Coworker
- ReEmployAbility Employees Brave the Cold Rain in Support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association