Individuals face many obstacles in their transition back from prison. Supporting them as they reenter society benefits them, their families, their communities and all of us.
The obstacles that ex-offenders face include significant gaps in computer skills and job and apartment hunting skills. For many ex-offenders, technology looks very different now from when they went in, and they need support bridging the gap.
Here’s a big place where you can help!
Peaceprints Guides work with ex-offenders to help them learn computer skills, including
• how to look for apartments and jobs online;
• how to use Gmail and Google Drive;
• how to fill out online forms and save/upload document;
• how to use Microsoft Word for resumes;
• and how to manage basic social networking (Facebook, especially).
Guides also support ex-offenders as they
• build and format resumes;
• and make the next steps in housing and job searches (phone calls, applications, etc.).
If you are looking at this posting, you already have many of the skills needed to be a Peaceprints Guide! If you use Word and have sent a resume by email, you have even more! Resources are also available to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
All volunteering will take place in Peaceprint’s resource room in its Bissonette House (335 Grider, 14215). The resource room has two computers with Microsoft Office and internet access for you to use while tutoring. A head tutor will be present while you tutor, ready to answer questions and help with resources and tutoring. The head tutor has over a decade of experience teaching and tutoring, and has trained and supervised tutors following CRLA guidelines. Most importantly, the staff at the Bissonette House takes seriously the need for our space to be safe, comfortable and friendly for all.
Peaceprints Guides will get an amazing experience, working for a wonderful cause. You will be engaged in a supportive, team-based environment where you are sure to learn and grow even as you make a real difference in people’s lives.
Hours are available 7:30 AM-9:30 AM Monday through Thursday. You must be able to make one session a week for a period of 4-6 months. You must be also available for an orientation and monthly meetings, but these can be scheduled flexibly.
Qualifications:
• You must have a college degree or be in the process of earning your degree
• You must have very strong computer and writing skills
• You must be knowledgeable about the following programs: Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft Word
• You must be skilled at doing online searches (for jobs, apartment, etc.) and applications
• You must have excellent communication skills, and be excited to serve our population (ex-offenders)
Tutors are also expected to be: • Reliable, committed and punctual • Honest and willing to learn • Patient, considerate, and self-aware • Observant and attentive to individuals’ responses to tutoring approaches and how they learn • Good at listening • Encouraging and enthusiastic • Creative and dedicated to promoting an active, enjoyable learning experience • Respectful of to individual’s privacy and difference of ethnicity and opinions • Open-minded and non-judgmental • Supportive of an individual's efforts
Ready to make a difference?
Reply to this post or contact us at the Bissonette House by emailing ssullivan@peaceprintswny.org or calling 716-892-8224
Volunteers will be interviewed by the Housing Coordinator, and will be asked to provide a reference who can speak to their abilities and character.
