EDUCATING MEN FOR A HOPE-FILLED FUTURE

The SHIELD Ministries Work Ready / Career Ready Program equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to achieve meaningful employment, strengthen their families, and successfully reintegrate into the community. Through workforce preparation, career exploration, employment connections, and community partnerships, the program helps participants overcome barriers to employment while addressing criminogenic needs that contribute to recidivism. Work Ready: Building the Skills Employers Want The Work Ready course is based on cognitive learning principles and teaches the soft skills, workplace behaviors, and character traits that employers consistently identify as essential for success. Students learn how thoughts, attitudes, decision-making, and behavior affect job performance, relationships, and long-term career growth. The curriculum focuses on the most in-demand workplace skills identified by employers, including: Effective Communication Adaptability and Flexibility Critical Thinking Problem-Solving Teamwork and Collaboration Emotional Intelligence Conflict Resolution Leadership and Personal Responsibility Professionalism and Work Ethic Time Management and Reliability Customer Service Creativity and Innovation Stress Management and Resilience Accountability and Integrity Continuous Learning and Growth Mindset Through practical exercises, workplace scenarios, and cognitive restructuring activities, students develop the habits and behaviors necessary to obtain employment, maintain employment, and advance in their careers. The course also helps participants strengthen personal responsibility, self-awareness, and emotional regulation—skills that contribute to long-term personal transformation. Career Ready: Finding the Right Career Path The Career Ready course helps students identify career pathways that align with their interests, abilities, and goals. Participants complete career assessments and explore occupations that match their strengths while learning about employment opportunities, training requirements, and earning potential. Students learn to: Research career fields and labor market opportunities Compare wages and earning potential Identify education and training pathways Develop individualized career plans Set realistic employment and advancement goals The goal is to help participants move toward gainful employment that can support themselves and their families while creating opportunities for long-term career growth and economic stability. Addressing Criminogenic Needs Through Employment Research consistently shows that stable employment is one of the most important factors in reducing recidivism. The Work Ready / Career Ready Program addresses criminogenic needs—dynamic risk factors that contribute to criminal behavior—including unemployment, financial instability, antisocial thinking patterns, poor problem-solving skills, and lack of positive support systems. By developing workplace competencies, career direction, and personal responsibility, participants build the foundation for lasting behavioral change and successful community reintegration. Employment Services and Job Placement Support SHIELD Ministries provides more than classroom instruction. Students receive employment support services that connect them to real workforce opportunities. Participants are often referred to temporary employment agencies as an important first step in workforce reentry. Temporary employment allows students to strengthen their Work Ready skills, establish consistent work habits, and become comfortable with workplace expectations. Many participants successfully transition from temporary assignments into permanent positions with employers. To date, nearly 60 employers have hired SHIELD Ministries students, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program and the value students bring to the workforce. Community Partnerships and Workforce Connections SHIELD Ministries collaborates with community organizations, workforce development agencies, and educational partners to expand opportunities for participants. Through these partnerships, students gain access to internships, technical training, workforce development programs, hiring events, and additional employment resources. Partner and referral opportunities may include: Goodwill's I-CAN Program Big Wheel Workforce Development Programs Technical College workforce initiatives Community-based employment and training programs Local job fairs and hiring events Internship and apprenticeship opportunities Additional work readiness and skills training programs These collaborative efforts help students develop both the soft skills and technical skills needed to compete in today's workforce and build productive, self-sufficient lives. Through education, employment preparation, career planning, and strategic community partnerships, the SHIELD Ministries Work Ready / Career Ready Program empowers individuals to achieve meaningful employment, strengthen their families, reduce recidivism, and create a brighter future.