TRANFORMATION STORIES
Perry - Project Paycheck
“Everyone had given up on me and I had almost given up on me,” claims Perry. “Project Paycheck took me in with no resources except my potential.”
Project Paycheck
Project Paycheck is a life-changing program that assists homeless men and women with a history of substance abuse in maintaining their sobriety, becoming gainfully employed, and successfully returning to independent housing.
Project Paycheck deals with dependencies and develops job marketability through its employment-based program with a strong emphasis on substance abuse recovery. This unique model addresses each individual’s level of sobriety and employability then develops customized case plans. Participants receive assistance for up to two years with an average length of stay of 12 months. Through Project Paycheck, participants achieve success by leaving the streets, securing life necessities, tackling substance dependencies, acquiring the skills necessary to enter today’s job market, and obtaining permanent housing.
Project Paycheck assists 42 individuals at a time and provides the following:
- Transitional housing
- Mental health services
- Substance Abuse treatment
- Education
- Job preparedness & placement
- Clothing assistance
- Relapse prevention groups
- Mail drop & voice mail
- Credit repair/money management
- Transportation assistance
- Life skills & re-entry groups
- Case management
- On-site savings program
- Referrals for services such as vision, medical & dental, NA/AA/CA meetings, etc.
- Long-term case management
- Transitional planning
- Nutritious Meals
- And more…
Project Paycheck’s program core revolves around:
Basic Necessities
We provide basic necessities — transitional housing, meals, clothing, laundry and toiletries, and even voicemail and mail drop — so our participants can transform their lives and focus on their future goals.
Sobriety
Participants with chronic substance abuse histories come to Project Paycheck with 90 days of sobriety and an intense desire to turn their lives around. We help them maintain their sobriety with sober-living principles, substance abuse recovery counseling, self-help recovery groups and relapse prevention classes. Participants also receive random drug and alcohol testing.
Case Management
Case managers are the heart of the Project Paycheck program, working with participants to develop individualized action plans, and providing referrals and on-going support.
In addition to these services, our caring staff also helps participants resolve bad credit and anger management issues, handle child support, and prepare for permanent housing and home ownership opportunities.
Education
Project Paycheck provides participants with access to basic education classes as well as group discussions on social and independent living skills.
Workforce Development
Workforce development plays an integral role in preparing participants to live self-sufficiently. Project Paycheck conducts employment and vocational assessments, and offers a job preparedness curriculum that includes resume building and mock interviews. Participants also receive employment counseling, current labor market information, and job leads.
As part of the program’s comprehensive approach, participants select attire from our on-site boutique so they feel confident when going on interviews and starting work.
On-Site Savings Plan
Participants are required to save 75% of their income for use when transitioning into permanent housing and living on their own.
Social Activities, Graduations and Long-Term Support
The Project Paycheck program also coordinates community and cultural event outings, and hosts holiday celebrations. In addition, graduation ceremonies allow participants to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate their profound individual accomplishments and success within the program. Project Paycheck also provides long-term case management to graduates of the program.
