| Program Prepares Homeless Students for Employment |
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Program Prepares Homeless Students for Employment October 19, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Dr. Denatra Green-Stroman, Project STRIVE Coordinator (804) 783-0678 ext. 246 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Dr. Denatra Green-Stroman, Project STRIVE Coordinator (804) 783-0678 ext. 246 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The Daily Planet - Project STRIVE Graduation Program Prepares Homeless Students for Employment RICHMOND, Va -October 23,2007- - The Daily Planet proudly announces the Fall 2007 Commencement ceremony, which will recognize students for their successful completion of Project STRIVE’s employment readiness training program. State Senator Henry L. Marsh, III of the 16th District will be the keynote speaker for the event, which will be held from 6:30 -8:30 pm at the downtown YWCA of Richmond, at 6 N. 5th Street. - The Daily Planet proudly announces the Fall 2007 Commencement ceremony, which will recognize students for their successful completion of Project STRIVE’s employment readiness training program. State Senator Henry L. Marsh, III of the 16th District will be the keynote speaker for the event, which will be held from 6:30 -8:30 pm at the downtown YWCA of Richmond, at 6 N. 5th Street."Many of our students have had to overcome numerous personal obstacles and faced tremendous challenges," said Dr. Denatra Green-Stroman, Project STRIVE Coordinator. "This graduation ceremony is a public acknowledgement of their accomplishment and celebration of their triumph." Mary, a Project STRIVE student who will graduate with her class on October 23 says, "I can’t thank those involved enough for their guidance, support, and encouragement, through their faith in me, I gradually regained faith in my self. I got a job and I am getting back my self confidence. I wish I’d known about all the services The Daily Planet provides – medical and case management – while I was still in my apartment. Things might have been different. But thanks to Project STRIVE staff I’m back on track." Project STRIVE, which stands for Strengthening Teamwork, Responsibility and Independence via Employment, was developed as part of the Daily Planet’s commitment to providing the homeless population an opportunity and assistance in becoming self-sufficient. The purpose of the program is to empower homeless individuals to successfully obtain education and employment. In 2006, STRIVE served 101 individuals. Of the 83 who exited the program during the project year, 72 completed it. Seventy-six percent of those who completed the program were employed at exit. 100% of STRIVE graduates who obtained employment have moved into housing. 76% obtained permanent housing after securing employment and have not re-entered the homeless continuum system. Project STRIVE’s curriculum provides a comprehensive range of services to meet the varied needs and problems faced by homeless persons. The STRIVE program offers direct job search and occupational training services; and helps to address issues of transportation and housing assistance, which create the barriers most likely to prevent homeless individuals from maintaining steady employment. Project STRIVE also addresses barriers such as mental illness and substance abuse through the Daily Planet’s comprehensive services including primary health, mental health, dental, and vision care as well as substance abuse counseling. Case managers work with participants to access other supportive services as well as permanent or transitional housing. For additional information on Project STRIVE, contact Dr. Denatra Green-Stroman at (804) 783-0678 ext. 246. ### |
