Coordinator: Denise Wilson       387-7136

Offender education, job training and employment, are recognized by researchers and practitioners as critical factors linked with positive offender outcomes. OCC provides LST classes on Employment Searches, Interviewing Skills, How to Address Criminal History in an Interview, How to Keep a Job, Budgeting and Stress Management. A resume creation class is also offered, which includes basic instruction on the use of "Windows" based software. LST classes are available to OCC clients, Probationers, Parolees and Drug Court participants. This programming is provided at no cost to the participant.

The following life skill classes are available:

"From Parole to Payroll" - key aspects of employment searches are covered with specific emphasis placed on discussing criminal history with prospective employers.

"Healing the Heart" - participants learn how anger and the inability to forgive can create barriers to healthy living and relationships.

"One Mother to Another" - five women with young children share how single parenthood created hardships and the education was the key to positive change.

"Intelligent Money Management" - participants learn how to make the most of their income and how to avoid budgeting pitfalls.

"Self Assessment I & II" - participants learn to define their skills and how to transfer those skills to the job market.

"Stress Management" - examines how to understand the impact of stress and techniques to manage stress.

"Job Survival Skills" - explores the reasons people lose jobs such as absenteeism and the inability to get along with co-workers.

"Resume Creation" - provides access to a computer to create and print a resume on site.

Target Population & Eligibility Criteria:
Sentenced and Unsentenced misdemeanor and felony Defendants and Friend of the Court violators.