Education & Career Development

S.T.E.P.S. Class

Start Today Empowering Personal Success focuses on helping participants begin their journey toward self-sufficiency by examining financial, social, emotional, physical, educational and spiritual needs. Participants create goals, identify obstacles and develop a plan of action that will be utilized with the help of a Life Coach assigned at the completion of the one-day class. Life coach appointments are made on a monthly basis and attendance is required for the continuation of services.

Jobs for Life

Jobs for Life is a life-changing opportunity for men and women to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to experience greater success. As students learn skills needed for the workforce, they are equipped with confidence, dignity and the desire to become self-sufficient. Most importantly, each student has the opportunity to develop a relationship built on trust within themselves, with others and ultimately with God.

Jobs for Life is an 8-week job training program held twice a week in the fall and spring semesters. Surrounded by a community of ongoing support, students are able to identify barriers to employment, explore career goals and strengthen core work readiness skills.

Some examples of what students learn:

• FAITH-BASED TEACHINGS: Biblical understanding of work; Understanding of value and identity; Integrity in the workplace
• LIFE SKILLS: Healthy Relationships; Time Management; Conflict Resolution; Succeeding through adversity; Personal responsibility and self-discipline
• JOB SKILLS: Computer Skills; Work Ethic; Resume Writing; Professional Conduct; Effective communication skills; Interviewing; Networking

Community relationships and strategic business partnerships are crucial to the success of this program. Numerous community, church and professional volunteers assist through activities such as mock job interviews, class instruction, speakers and community/employer roundtables.

Powered for Life

Powered For Life is a 5-week class in the fall and spring semester to help students understand God’s purpose for their life. The Center helps students develop a positive self-image, overcome personal problems, feel accomplished and achieve goals.

Some examples of what students learn:

• FAITH-BASED TEACHINGS: Biblical understanding of value and identity
• LIFE SKILLS: Healthy Relationships; Time Management; Conflict Resolution; Succeeding through adversity; Personal responsibility and self-discipline

Careers Now Construction

Center of Hope has developed a pre-apprenticeship training program designed to help individuals gain valuable knowledge of the construction industry. This class features a five-week training period with four days of instruction per week and connects students to employers ready to hire.

For more information, visit www.careersnowtx.com.

The Hope Chest Job Training Program

For qualifying students, the Center offers a six-month paid job training program through our resale shop, The Hope Chest. Students will have the opportunity to improve on core work readiness skills while staying connected to their Life Coach and classes at the Center.

For more information, visit www.thehopechestresale.com.

Computer Class

Center of Hope offers four computer classes on a rotating basis: Basic Computer and Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. These courses provide basic computer training during the 3-4 week training. Little or no computer experience is needed. Participants can attend any of the classes that meet their needs.

Financial Management

The 5-week Financial Management class focuses on teaching financial literacy to our participants in order to strengthen the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and effective money management decisions. During this 5-week course, participants will study budgeting in-depth including tracking personal income and expenses and creating their own budget based on Biblical principles.

This class is a prerequisite for making an appointment with one of the Financial Management Coaches once a month.

Adult Education Program

Adult education opportunities are offered for three types of students: those students who desire to obtain their certificate of High School Equivalency (HSE); literacy students that need help in basic reading or math skills; and non-English speaking students who want to learn English.

GED Tutoring:

For students who desire to earn their HSE, we offer students one-on-one GED prep tutoring in math, language arts, science and social studies.

Basic Literacy:

Adult Literacy/Reading classes are offered for students of all learning levels to help them navigate everyday life. Students receive one-on-one tutoring. If applicable, students are encouraged to join our book club.

ESL Program:

ESL classes are offered in a 16-week semester in the fall and a 16-week semester in the spring. The classes are available in five levels for beginners to advanced.

All students in the adult education classes can receive free childcare for children under school age.

Keep CALM

Keep CALM is a 5-week class addressing how to have peace in a chaotic world. Based on the book “Anxious for Nothing” by Max Lucado, we help participants Celebrate God’s goodness, Ask God for help, Leave your concerns with God and Meditate on good things.

Life Coaching

Life coaches meet one-on-one with individual participants to gain a deeper relationship and understanding of their needs. Life Coaches will help individuals identify goals, hold them accountable, and provide encouragement throughout their journey.