COLUMBUS COMMUNITY
REENTRY CENTER
1991 Bryden Road Columbus, Ohio 43205
Telephone: (614)252-0660 Fax: (614)252-0158
The Alvis House Columbus Community Reentry Center provides employment education, case management, and GED classes. The job readiness training/H.I.R.E. (Help In Reentry Employment Education) program is nationally recognized for its success in helping ex-offenders re-enter the workforce. More than a job readiness program, H.I.R.E. is designed to not only find the participants a job, but a long-term career path.
- Job Readiness Skills
- Resume Development Using the Most Current
- Concepts in Resume Writing
- Electronic Versions of Resumes
- Mock Interview Sessions
- Individualized Career Assessments
- Linkage to Appropriate Job Training/Education
- Referrals to Other Social Services as Needed
- Self Directed Job Search
- Skills to Develop Individual Job Leads
- Clothes Closet for Interview Clothing
- Appearance and Hygiene Expectation
- Ongoing Job Coaching
- Assistance in Obtaining State IDs
- Ohio Benefit Bank Applications
- Referrals to GED Instruction
These services are provided in three phases.
"Most Thursdays throughout the year, we hold an open orientation at the Columbus Reentry Center. No appointment is necessary, but a confirmation phone call is strongly suggested. During this orientation, services available at the community reentry center will be explained; intake information and initial assessments will be conducted; and individuals will have a chance to meet with a staff member to review their current situation. Those looking for other government programs/assistance that may be available can meet with an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor and learn more about how to apply for these services. Individuals should allow a minimum of three hours to complete the orientation.
The H.I.R.E. Education Class is held Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Columbus Reentry Services Center. Individuals will find the unique approach of this program a valuable tool in meeting their immediate job searching needs. In addition to resume development and mock interviewing, all aspects of a job search will be reviewed: from how to identify skills that an employer may want; how to network; incentives available to employers; and how to uncover the 85% of the job openings that are not listed anywhere! Because we only work with ex-offenders, we can concentrate on those issues that are specific to our students. The class becomes a support group for each other in their job search. Additional employment readiness training and linkages to vocational training are available through the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation for eligible clients.
During the program, a case manager will be assigned to work with clients on an ongoing basis. Career options will be reviewed and researched and an individual case plan developed as a “roadmap” to successful reintegration. Ongoing services are available to support job retention and successful reintegration.
Staff members at the Columbus Community Reentry Center have received the Offender Workforce Development Specialist certification through the National Institute of Corrections and the United States Justice Department. This unique training allows the staff to assist clients in job training, apprenticeship and college program selection with a goal of improving skills and potential earnings.
