JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS
Meaningful work and the satisfaction gleaned from employment are critical
components of our rehabilitation programs. In our society, where one is often
viewed and judged by what he or she does, developing the ability to work and
gain employment becomes a valuable tool toward independence. Employment builds
confidence and a sense of self-worth.
Friendship House’s supportive and highly flexible work
settings create a valuable treatment environment. Our job training programs
provide structure to a member’s day, increase confidence and self-esteem,
facilitate social interaction, and offer opportunities to learn appropriate
behavior when experiencing stress and frustration. Work is a tool used to help
members gain self-sufficiency and satisfaction.
Friendship House’s various
vocational programs include:
Applied Production: Through employment partnerships with 60
leading area corporations, members earn money by performing production and
clerical work functions in Friendship House’s on-site workshop. Assignments
include product assembly, packaging, shrink-wrapping, labeling, shipping,
stocking, basic office skills, work processing, and data entry. Members learn
marketable skills in the company of their peers, within a supportive workplace
environment.
Maintenance: Functions include office cleaning and grounds
keeping, enabling members to develop work skills and the ability to work in
teams.
Food Service: Members receive training in all areas of the
commercial food industry, including food preparation, cooking and baking,
serving, and catering. Each day members prepare and serve 100 meals at the
center’s dining room. Members who work in the Treatery, Friendship House’s
on-site bakery and catering division, sell food and baked goods to the public
and cater lunches and special events for clients such as Staples, the Bergen
County Workforce, and the 200 Club.
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Transitional
Employment Program (Supported)
Members who are
“job-ready” gradually progress to a job in the community. Recognizing that this
can be a difficult step, full and part time jobs are obtained with employers who
have been educated about mental illness and disabilities. Members begin working
at a job one or two days a week and gradually build up their ability to work
full time.
About two dozen northern New Jersey businesses employ
Friendship House members. Each day, Friendship House provides members with
transportation to and from work sites. A staff member accompanies the members
and may remain at the site to provide support and encouragement.
Supported
Employment Program (Job Coaching)
Some members respond more positively to an individualized
employment approach. The Supportive employment Program’s staff finds an
appropriate job site for the person. A job coach works with the member at the
work site, teaching hands-on-skills needed to succeed. The job coach also
addresses any behaviors, socialization, and communication issues affecting the
member’s overall performance.
Independent Job Placement
Some members progress from transitional employment to
independent jobs while others advance directly to independent jobs. A
Friendship House job placement specialist reviews appropriate job possibilities
with each member, helping complete application forms and advising him or her how
to succeed at the job interview. Each year, more than one-third of Friendship
House’s members begin jobs in the community. | 
