EMPLOYMENT SERVICES The primary purpose of Employment Services is to provide a safe and respectful environment in which individuals who are unemployed and facing challenges such as poverty, lack of basic education, history of abuse and/or neglect, substance addiction, and lack of self-esteem can develop basic job and living skills, secure employment, and establish a stable independent living situation that will support successful employment. In 1997, Preble Street created a culinary arts training program for homeless and low-income individuals. When it became clear that there were still gaps in training opportunities that lead to viable careers for homeless people, Employment Services expanded its scope to address those needs. Students who enroll in training programs are living in emergency shelters and most have not been employed for several years. In addition to specific job skills, during training students: Face and overcome challenges Learn teamwork, conflict resolution, and anger management Build trust and a sense of self-worth Sustain sobriety Develop healthier nutrition JOB DEVELOPMENT: Identifies job openings and maintains connections with employers and provides clients with employer contact information and access to job-related information and resources, including Portland area maps, referrals to caseworkers, job search advice, and triage to appropriate employment services. SUPPORTED TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT: On-the-job training that gives clients an opportunity to test out a new career and gain skills as well as build confidence and earn a stipend. PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING: Job readiness, basic introductions to food preparation, menu planning, budgeting, and time management in the kitchen help to prepare young people for employment opportunities and inspire them to include healthy cooking as well as time and money saving techniques in their daily decisions. SOUP KITCHEN TRAINING: Using the soup kitchens at Preble Street for a job training site that not only offers the challenge of providing meals in a large kitchen but also gives students the satisfaction of helping meet the needs of 200-300 adults and families at the Resource Center and 40-60 youth at the Teen Center and encourages more clients to consider the training program. JOB ACQUISITION AND RETENTION TRAINING: Employment Caseworkers assist with resume writing and interviewing; discuss placement options; work on employment-related goals; model professional behavior and reinforce positive work skills; help clients to ask appropriately for what they need; make weekly job site visits; and guide clients through difficult situations on the job.