Some of the injured workers in our Transition2Work program are mentally ready to return-to-work but physically their doctor wants them to stay home or refrain from driving. At ReEmployAbility, we believe that anyone who is capable of something, can make an impact in the community where they live.
ReEmployAbility offers home-bound injured workers a unique opportunity through the Transition2Work program to work for a not-for-profit from the comfort of their homes. This allows them to gradually acclimate back into a work routine while recovering. Further, by providing meaningful work they can avoid “disability syndrome” from being confined to their home.
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is just one of our partners participating in the Onsite/At-Home Transition2Work program, allowing participants to work from home or at their employer’s worksite through access to a computer, internet, and phone.
CEO provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to individuals who have recently returned home from incarceration. An independent not-for-profit since 1996, CEO operates in 21 cities across eight states and has helped over 30,000 people who were formerly incarcerated find full-time employment.
To learn more about how CEO helps individuals in building career capital and a pathway to financial stability, we spoke to Program Development Associate Gabriela Peralta.
Briefly describe your organization’s goals for the community you serve.
The Center for Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to individuals who have recently returned home from incarceration. Our vision and goal is that anyone with a criminal record who wants to work has the preparation and support needed to find a job and stay connected to the labor force.
How has your experience been with ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work participants?
CEO’s experience with ReEmployAbility volunteers has been extremely rewarding. The individuals who have been referred to CEO from this program have been some of the most hardworking and humble volunteers we’ve had. Their experiences and skill sets are a great asset to advancing the work CEO does on a day to day basis. We are very grateful to work with ReEmployAbility participants and are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the program and the volunteers.
In your opinion, how does the injured worker benefit from participating in T2W or volunteering in their community?
The amount of learning and personal growth that goes into volunteering with the community/non-profits is fantastic. Not only does CEO work face-to-face with formerly incarcerated individuals, but we also work diligently behind the scenes to make sure we have the resources available for this population to succeed. Having a volunteer that is willing to work with a difficult population often results in a learning curve where the volunteer can learn about patience, interpersonal interaction, business pitches and more. In addition, each injured worker that is referred to CEO has a specific skill set that allows them to engage with the community beyond the tactical operations of the workplace. In this way, they can have a meaningful impact in their community and it benefits the volunteer by helping them learn new core skills to prosper in their future as well.
What is the most important message that you would like to relay to the readers about your organization?
The most important message we would like readers to take away from our organization is that at CEO we believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their family, and their communities. And, we have actually hired two prior volunteers onto our team in San Diego!
What is the best way readers can sign up to volunteer?
If readers would like to sign up to volunteer with CEO, they can email rsmith@ceoworks.org or call (619) 684-4810. Readers can also visit ceoworks.org to learn more about our national organization. We appreciate any kind of support we get from the community!
