STRIDE

stride_logoSkills, Transitional Support, Respect, Integrity, Direction, Employment – The STRIDE program is a statewide workforce development program that provides transitional support to non-custodial parents both pre and post release in CT correctional facilities that they operate out of. STRIDE offers a holistic approach to employment and reunification with families in their perspective communities.

STRIDE is a unique, state funded transitional support workforce development program operating within the Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Administrative Services Division . This program serves a targeted group of incarcerated  women, both pre- and post-release, from York Correctional Institution, Niantic, CT.

STRIDE is designed to provide participants with job readiness, job search, job placement, and job retention skills and support that will promote access to higher paying, personally relevant jobs.

Participants receive one-on-one counseling and group support as well as pre and post-release case management services. In addition, community transition plans address barriers and needs regarding housing, transportation, clothing and family reunification.

STRIDE is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Connecticut’s visionary state legislators and the CT Departments of Correction, Labor, and Social Services Welfare to Work Initiative.

Criteria

To participate in the STRIDE program, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be currently incarcerated at  the participating STRIDE correctional facilities
  • Must be committed to becoming employed and plan to remain in the state of Connecticut
  • Must be able to make and keep scheduled appointments with STRIDE staff, both on a pre and post-release basis

Class Modules

Over the course of ten weeks, participants will learn the following:

  1. Attitude → Motivation → Change
  2. Identify Your Skills
  3. What Do Employers Want & Expect
  4. Job Search Strategies
  5. Applications, Resumes & Cover Letters
  6. Interview Skills
  7.  Success on the Outside

Partners

DOLLogoConnecticut Department of Labor

The Department is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy.  We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them.  We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.

dasn_dss_logoConnecticut Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services (DSS) administers and delivers a wide variety of services to children, families, adults, people with disabilities and elders, including health care coverage, child support, long-term care and supports, energy assistance, food and nutrition aid, and program grants.

1-0Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC)

Since 1968 the Connecticut Department of Correction has proudly served and protected the citizens of the State of Connecticut, by daily ensuring the safety, security and order of our 18-correctional facilities in a manner which is widely viewed as a national model. The Department endeavors to provide the programming, education and treatment which willing inmates may utilize to improve themselves and the success of their eventual reintegration into society. Our staff of dedicated correctional professionals takes great PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dignity, Excellence) in the daily performance of their duty to our state.

BlueLogo
Quinebaug Valley Community CollegeQuinebaug Valley Community College provides innovative educational, social, and cultural opportunities in a welcoming and supportive environment. We improve the quality of life in Northeastern Connecticut by engaging learners in the classroom, developing leaders in the workplace, and creating partners in the community.
JudLogo2Support Enforcement Services
Support Enforcement Services (SES) is part of the Judicial Branch, Court Operations Division. We work closely with state and federal agencies to operate the Connecticut Child Support Enforcement Program. Our primary job is to help parents enforce and modify their child support orders. SES is committed to providing accurate information and appropriate services in a prompt, courteous and professional manner.