Hope
Transformation
Stability
and Jobs
that lead to renewed lives
A pathway to self-sufficiency in San Joaquin County
The Ready To Work (RTW) program opens the doors of hope, transformation, and stability to formerly homeless and incarcerated men – rebuilding, restoring and revitalizing their lives. At Ready To Work we seek to address the core of the social, economic, or addiction issues that brought a participant to the program. With shelter, food, and basic safety issues being met, personal development and individual needs can be assessed, and our students can begin the restoration process.
The extensive, one-on-one case management, life-skills programs, and paid employment from Ready To Work job crews, provide an unbroken pathway from homelessness to full-time employment, permanent housing, and careers. Breaking the cycles of their previous lives, participants begin restoring their self-worth and dignity, while securing the blessing of a hopeful future.
“I can see the future,
it looks bright.”
Ready to Work
Seeks to reduce the number of homeless people in San Joaquin County by helping men with a history of homelessness or involvement in the criminal justice system rebuild their lives and the lives of their families.
OUR MISSION
OUR TEAM
MARTIN ROSS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Martin Ross, Executive Director has many successful years working in areas related to transforming communities and in workforce development. He has led and/or designed programs for culinary arts, construction training, and plastics manufacturing, to name a few.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony Barkett, President
Brenna Butler Garcia, Vice President
William Trezza, Chief Financial Officer
David Rishwain, Secretary
Rupert Hall, Director
OUR HISTORY
In 2016, a group of Stockton business leaders came together to form Ready To Work and make a positive change in the lives of the homeless and in the well-being of their community. Their vast professional experience in the community included residential and commercial development, agriculture, banking, insurance, and legal affairs. Each of the partners invested their professional and financial resources to lay the foundation for the Ready To Work program because they believed the program would be an integral part of the community’s response to homelessness.
POWER OF WORK
RTW helps clients achieve self-sufficiency through our programs that incorporate case management, counseling, treatment, financial planning, work training, paid work, job placement and assistance to obtaining permanent housing. The programs enable clients to develop a strong work ethic, commit to personal responsibility and establish financial stability. Our participants are actively engaged in their own success, and put in the effort it takes to get and maintain a job.
The RTW program support, life-skills classes, and stable housing, provide opportunities for those who are sometimes denied access to other rehabilitation programs because they don’t meet the narrow criteria for assistance.
OUR PROGRAM
Taking the First Step
assessment, site visit and orientation
Before making a commitment to the Ready To Work (RTW) program, prospective participants will go through an assessment process with a RTW case manager and tour the RTW campus to confirm that the program is a good fit. After the first 21 days of program, participants are eligible for paid work crew experience at minimum wage and a monthly program stipend soon after.
The Commitment
to change & renewal – Month 1
Making a commitment to enter the Ready To Work program is a decision that has positive, lifechanging results. From the very day participants take this step – their commitment to make change begins with the opportunity to start earning a paycheck through work assignments on campus. As they adjust to the program demands, they receive a 1-on-1orientation from RTW case managers. Together, they assess needs and set goals, such as selecting a training model which includes educational curriculum and occupational training. Evening classes and courses continue throughout the program and include life skills development such as financial management, parenting, and general education. In return, participants commit to getting their lives back on track and utilize their paycheck funds to begin paying any owed child support or fees.
Stepping Out
into the Community – Months 1-4
Reentering the community and stepping back into the workforce – especially after homelessness and incarceration – can be difficult. Working in teams to beautify the streets, sidewalks and throughfares in San Joaquin County, the “Stepping Out” level of RTW introduces off-site work as participants begin earning and saving. Their social and soft-skill deficits are addressed as self-esteem and work ethic values are restored. As their life skills emerge, and their savings grow, so does their outlook on being a productive worker. After hours, to prepare for the modern workplace – our RTW teams engage in computer and educational classes.
Career Building
a path to knowledge – Months 5-8
Moving beyond the street cleaning teams, this third phase offers participants to choose an occupational training track. Based on interests, ambitions, and abilities, these opportunities open up full-time training with RTW partners. Each level of accomplishment results in certification or professional license – providing long-term career placement and advancement. They are also working on understanding the importance of employer trust. During the evenings, important job search skills, such as resume writing, cover letters, and job interview preparation classes, are offered to create professional, confident participants. They are ready for success.
Independence
graduating with confidence and security – Months 9-12
As RTW participants begin to reach the final months of the program, they work closely with the RTW staff to secure full-time employment, as well as find permanent housing. Graduation requirements from the RTW program include supplement grants to ease their transition into permanent housing. Success is measured by sustaining employment, housing, reunification with family, transportation, maintaining sobriety and not returning to homelessness or incarceration. As our alumni thrive and grow, we continue our relationship with them, assisting with career development opportunities, employment and continued educational support for those who need it.
Ready To work
Mailing Address:
119 E. Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA 95202
info@readytoworksjc.org
Call (209) 392-9096 to
schedule an appointment
at the housing campus.
