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Next Step Internship Program March 2016 Graduates
New York, N.Y.—The Next Step Internship Program (NSIP), a groundbreaking program launched in 2014 by Project Renewal, hosted a graduation ceremony for 12 students on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Project Renewal’s Next Step Program, 200 Varick Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY10014. Through an innovative model of classroom learning and paid on-the-job training, NSIP prepares homeless, formerly homeless, and at-risk individuals for entry-level positions in the social service sector, including homeless shelters.
In its first two years, NSIP has had twice the success rate of similar programs nationwide — 76 percent of NSIP graduates found job placement within six months of graduating (vs. 36 percent nationwide) and over 70 percent are still employed after a year. Project Renewal has over 20 years of experience managing workforce programs for homeless individuals, and attributes NSIP’s success to two key factors: small class sizes and internships.
“A large part of why our program is successful is that our extensive training prepares students for the real world through practical experience. Most of our students were once homeless themselves — this makes them uniquely qualified to work in shelters,” said Project Renewal’s President and CEO Mitchell Netburn.
The program is turning around the lives of New Yorkers like Secilly Aviles, a 26-year-old formerly homeless mother of three, who graduated last month. Through NSIP, Aviles interned at Project Renewal’s Third Street Men’s Shelter in Manhattan, where her experience readied her for a full-time position with opportunities for advancement.
NSIP builds students’ skills in crisis prevention, computer use, conflict management, and dealing with individuals suffering from addiction or mental health issues, and provides life skills — like financial management and effective communication. The program also provides participants with certifications in F-02 Fire Guard for Shelters, Nalaxone Administration, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training. All graduates receive job placement support.
Fore more information about Project Renewal’s Next Step Internship Program, visit https://www.projectrenewal.org/jobs
About Project Renewal
Project Renewal is a New York City-based nonprofit organization that works to end the cycle of homelessness by empowering men, women and children to renew their lives with health, homes and jobs. Project Renewal’s innovative programs are designed to end the revolving door of emergency rooms, jails, shelters and the streets. For over 45 years, Project Renewal’s pioneering approach has created uniquely integrated and comprehensive solutions. Its programs are replicated around the nation, helping even beyond the 16,000 homeless New Yorkers Project Renewal serves every year. For more information, visit https://www.projectrenewal.org/