THRIFT SHOP JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

RMYA’s TurningPoint Independent Living Program provides transitional living services for up to 20 young people. These youth are often ill-prepared to face the challenges of living independently. The purpose of the program is to prepare them to live on their own as independent and productive citizens, and, equally important, to prevent or reduce their future involvement with social service or judicial systems as adults. TurningPoint consists of four houses and provides a safe, secure and home-like program with supervision by experienced staff and counseling by Masters Level therapists. We provide the youth with assistance in obtaining financial aid for educational needs and “hands on” educational activities, as well as resources for medical and dental services. The program emphasizes on personal responsibility, which enables young adults to learn to make decisions and to accept the results and consequences for those decisions. The most significant aspect of the program is preparation for job interviews and life skills classes to assist them in obtaining employment. The Youth Alternatives Thrift Shop is located on the San Antonio Campus and is adjacent to the TurningPoint program.

The purpose of the program is not for the youth to have a full-time job at the Thrift Shop, but to prepare them with skills that will enhance their ability to be hired successfully in the community. They will gain work experience and the opportunity to provide a positive reference to prospective employers. Interviewing techniques will be improved, and the youth will learn to recognize the importance of appearance, interpersonal skills, time management and responsibility in the job market. When completing the program, the youth will be provided a Thrift Shop voucher to purchase clothing, shoes or accessories to help them with job interviews. Upon successful completion of the program, they will be provided a reference letter reflecting their attitude while working, and skills and commitment to the position that they held at the Thrift Shop. The objective of the RMYA Thrift Shop Job Skills Program is to give homeless youth the opportunity to improve interpersonal skills and to learn skills that will improve their employment opportunitiesin the future in a friendly, non-threatening environment.