JOB TRAINING PROGRAM
Creating Economic Empowerment
Based in Greeley, Colorado, our Job Training Program provides immediate employment for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking, while teaching entrepreneurship by involving program participants in all areas of program operations. Designed with the utmost flexibility, the program can meet each participant where they are, and works to address and process triggers common for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation when they re-enter the workforce at-large.
Job Training Program History
From 2017-2018, we piloted the first year of our Economic Empowerment Program, employing a total of nine qualifying individuals. Upon completion of the pilot, an in-depth analysis was conducted to consider the feedback and observations of program participants and supervising staff to further improve the program. The program launched its first official cohort beginning October 2018 and is now a 12- to 18-month educational employment opportunity that requires a maximum of 20 hours work per week.
The first cohort concluded in the spring of 2020 with a 100% graduation rate!
With internally-generated revenue creating a sustainable program model, the program pays participants a living wage while equipping them with job skills, paying living wages, building work history, education, financial literacy, and hope for a more stable future and to end poverty much sooner.
Job Training Program Structure
Survivor staff work from 20 to 40 hours per week. Part time positions are paid an hourly wage and full time positions are paid a salary.
Trauma-Informed Environment
Since we serve survivors of complex and severe traumas, the Job Training Program is built on trauma-informed practices and fully integrates survivor-centered care. The program is supervised by a qualified professional. Volunteer guest educators are carefully screened, adequately trained, and their interactions with program participants are designed to not only economically empower them, but to increase their social supports within the community.
Our Commitment to Designing Self-Funded Programs
It is vital for the holistic safety of the participants that the environment, staff, and routines remain as predictable and consistent as possible for the duration of the participant’s time in the program. We’re continually working to develop diverse funding and support so that no program, service, or initiative is dependent on a single grant or donor.
Our Job Training Program is funded by proceeds from Sparrow's Landing Boutique. This provides economic stability to the survivors we walk alongside, allowing them to reclaim greater control over their own lives.
When you partner with The Avery Center with an ongoing or one-time donation, you help us expand our impact, further stabilize our existing programs, and accelerate the speed we can launch new initiatives.
Opportunities to Support the Job Training Program
Donate Directly
Create a secure one-time or repeating monthly donation using the PayPay button below or send funds with Venmo. Contributions support our Job Training Program, Care Package Program, ongoing administrative costs, and new program development.