Berks Connections/Pretrial Services (BCPS) offers a variety of programs for reentrants, including Workforce Development, Mentoring and Rebuilding Reentrants and Reading (R3). It currently serves 22 Wernersville CCC reentrants in Workforce Development, and the latest R3 class graduated on Dec. 9 with one from Wernersville.
Reentrants are active in the Workforce Development program for six months. They receive one-on-one case management and participate in various employment preparedness groups. These groups cover: job searching, applications, interviews, follow up, job retention strategies and personal finance. Facilitators also work with reentrants to help them create a professional resume and prepare them for interviews. Case managers sit down with each reentrant to create an individualized employment plan to help them find a career that fits their interests and skills, including helping with applications as needed. They also help with obtaining IDs and birth certificates as well as transportation assistance with bus passes. Individuals that are active in Workforce Development can utilize a Computer Based Learning Center located in their office and have access to their Employment Development Specialist team.
BCPS also has a mentoring program where reentrants would work with a DOC mentor and certified peer specialist.
R3 is a pre-apprenticeship program in the construction trade. R3 normally holds between 14-16 participants over an eight-week period. Reentrants participating in Workforce Development and Mentoring may qualify for the program if they meet all requirements of those programs and are referred by their case manager. During the eight weeks, they participate in various classes at different job sites. Classes include Cognitive Behavioral Intervention at the BCPS office, Welding Training at the Berks Career and Technology Center and training on various trades such as carpentry, masonry, electrical and plumbing at the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center. Participants also complete an OSHA 10 course, flagger training and classes on the WIN system. There are other groups as part of R3 as well such as personal finance, mock interviews, resume writing etc. If a reentrant completes the program and wants to pursue an apprenticeship, the R3 program counts as six months’ worth of apprenticeship time. They will also receive a year of case management services by their R3 case managers.