How is Endeavors different from other job training programs?
Although other programs exist in Chattanooga to provide employment related services, criminal offenders make up a special niche population with very specific needs. Services are differentiated at CEI in the following ways: (1) There is a heavy emphasis on responsibility and creating beneficial relationships with authority; (2) Staff members who have been incarcerated themselves provide coaching to students around complicated reentry issues (the staff is, in fact, a mix of industry professionals and former offenders); (3) training & support activities address reciprocal-relapse – i.e., where criminal behavior co-occurs with other personal problems (e.g., unemployment, substance abuse & homelessness); and (4) individual case-management plans are created by Students with staff assistance covering 5 critical areas of success for offenders (progressive employment, substance abuse management, supportive relationships, stable housing, and education enhancement).
