Program Goals
Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA) is a transitional employment program that gives those who are newly released from prison the opportunity to work and find housing. Ultimately, RWA seeks to provide clients with work and foundational skills so they can obtain a job, secure housing, and become financially independent.
Target Population/Eligibility
To become eligible for RWA services, clients must qualify for a bed with New York’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS). To do so, they must undergo an interview, a psychiatric and brief medical history assessment, and tuberculosis exam. DHS reserves a certain number of beds specifically for those who have had criminal justice involvement, in addition to beds for those experiencing homelessness with no criminal history. Once a client obtains access to a shelter, the shelter is responsible for the client for a year. DHS will send the client to one of RWA’s two New York facilities (Porter and Harlem). While clients can be referred for RWA services, they can also request to participate in RWA. Once at an RWA location, staff will conduct a drug test and an interview to assess potential participants’ mental stability, health, and desire to participate in the program.
Program Components
RWA has two different types of programs that are designed to accommodate people exiting prison: 1) a day transitional employment (RWA-Day) program, which serves both men and women; and 2) a residential program, which only serves men. (However, as the RWA-Day program was temporarily suspended in 2009, the focus of the program description is on the residential program).
Upon admittance into the RWA residential program, participants receive a case manager who meets with them twice a month. The case manager creates an individualized service plan for their clients and regularly assesses their success and participation in the program. Participants are also subject to random drug testing twice a week. During the program, participants stay in dormitory-style rooms of 2 to 10 people.
The RWA residential program is divided into three parts: 1) the first 30 days, 2) transitional employment, and 3) transitioning to independence.
- The First 30 days: During the first 30 days of RWA, participants receive a $15 weekly stipend and may not leave the facility unless they have an important reason such as a doctor’s appointment or meeting with a parole officer. Participants perform work within the facility (e.g., building-maintenance tasks) and attend a daily orientation session that covers various aspects of the program. Participants also take an Adult Basic Education test, which assesses their reading and math skills, to determine the services they will need from RWA.
- Transitional Employment: After the first 30 days of RWA, participants transition to working outside the facility. Most participants are employed by the Community Improvement Project (CIP) to clean city streets. They are paid at an hourly rate ($7.40/hour), which increases after 6 months in the program ($8.15/hour). Case managers help participants learn to budget and save money, while other specialists assist clients in paying off their child support debts (if they are responsible for any). After participating in their field assignment for 3 months, participants have the option to apply for a vocational program in place of the work program. RWA offers a variety of vocational programs that, upon completion, provide participants with certifications that will help them to secure a job after they leave RWA. Participants are also encouraged to participate in educational classes while at RWA so they can obtain their GED and/or learn computer skills.
- Transitioning to Independence: RWA offers many programs that promote life skills so participants can remain successful once they leave RWA. These programs include a relapse prevention course, a financial management course, and two successive career development courses. After their second career development course, participants begin a paid-job search. Participants record their job search activities on daily tracking sheets.
To graduate from the program, clients must obtain full-time employment and secure housing. Clients typically graduate from the program within 1 year of being admitted. After graduation, The Doe Fund provides graduates with $200/month for 5 months, as long as they maintain full-time employment, independent housing, and sobriety.
Program Theory
Although RWA was initially focused on solely helping men experiencing homelessness, it evolved to help those who are leaving prison and re-entering society. The reason for the shift was influenced by the fact that many employers would not hire individuals with a criminal record, especially those who are minorities (Holzer, Raphael, and Stoll 2004; Pager 2003).
