YWCA Sojourner's Margaret Taylor Job and Education Readiness Center

Program Overview

The YWCA Sojourner's Margaret Taylor Job Readiness Center is the only homeless-specific program in the area that focuses solely on addressing the education and jobs needs of the community's most vulnerable population. The center is open five days a week with qualified staff to work with individuals of all level and backgrounds. The Readiness Center provides opportunities for homeless individuals, veterans, sober-living residents, and individuals from the community to gain the education and skills needed to secure meaningful employment thus achieving financial and housing security. Services are provided in a fully handicapped-accessible facility with professional staff providing user friendly instruction with up-to-date technology. All services are provided free of charge.

At the Readiness Center individuals can receive Hi-SET prep classes in order to earn a West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma by using the most updated computers and office technology. Participants are given instruction in the most common testing areas such as math, reading, language arts, science, social studies, and writing. While using our office technology, participants also have the option to look into instruction on computer and internet skills, data entry, office skills, Windows, and Microsoft Office. From time to time, tutors are also brought into the Readiness Center. While studying adult basic education and literacy, participants learn basic skills such as math and language arts to help them prepare for employment testing, civil service, vocational and/or college preparation.

A participant can obtain education in career building which is employment-seeking and keeping skills including self-marketing and interview techniques, job leads, referrals, follow-ups, resumes, job application preparations, and how to dress for success in an interview. An individual can also take on day-to-day life skills or health education. Life skills include money management, communication skills, voter registration, and identifying/accessing mainstream resources. Health education services include services for women like pre- and post-natal counseling and referrals. Both men and women can receive services relating to build self-esteem, parenting, nutrition and wellness, assertiveness and health issues. Participants can also receive assistance regarding transportation which is provided only if arranged for interviews or employment and until participants receive their first paycheck.

Cost Info