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CPO's Outreach
Christian School offers ex-offenders vocational training in
the form of a 14 week carpentry training program scheduled
to run three sessions a year. Each session includes math and
"hands on" carpentry work. Students are prepared to either
enter the carpentry apprentice program or obtain an entry
level job. We have recently added a 12 week welding program.
It, too, includes classroom training as well as “hands on”
training. We are just finishing our pilot class and are well
pleased with the results. Every class includes a mandatory
Bible study. We are also developing a network of potential
employers who are willing to hire ex offenders and have
already placed several students in jobs. We are excited that
students from this program have an excellent opportunity for
gainful employment and right living. We have a career
counselor come in regularly to coach our vocational students
in job interviewing, how to dress for an interview, filling
out applications, preparing a resume’, career assessment,
etc. Additionally, on site is our new "Commitment Project."
Started as a 1 week program this has grown into a 2 week
program with workshops on civil, community, and physical
health awareness, food sanitation, parenting/budgeting,
entrepreneurship, job readiness, etc. Participation in the
"Commitment Project" is recognized with a certificate from
the University of Illinois.
Our special events included cookouts, bowling, and
basketball tournaments and, of course, Bible study and
fellowship.
In summary, the aftercare ministry to those who have been
released serves primarily to provide mentoring and
accountability. Assisting them in finding fellowship in a
local church, networking with the local Christian community
to seek employment and housing or to receive rehab and
recovery for alcoholism and drug addiction are also included
in this area of the ministry. Opportunities to learn
specific jobs skills; job readiness and, most importantly,
training in the Word of God are offered as well.
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