In 2010, Turnabout served 5327 individuals including intensive program participants, drop-in service center participants, and soon to be released inmates. This year, we expect to increase the number of services for drop-in and orientation clients and serve over 6000 individuals in all.
Drop-in Orientation
Turnabout's Drop-in Orientations are the best entry point for most services offered post-release. Orientations are open to anyone with a criminal background. They are scheduled twice a week, (Tuesday @ 2pm and Thursday @ 9:30am) and are a great way to learn about available services, and apply for intensive programs. No appointment is necessary.
At Orientation, participants are given information about accessing Turnabout and community resources including transportation, job leads, applications, resume preparation, search strategies, training, education, medical care, tax credits, bonding, and discussing criminal background. Every effort is made to address external and internal barriers to success, and individuals are encouraged to empower themselves, utilize resources and ask for help when needed. We assess interested participants to determine if the individual can meet more intensive services criteria to help them fully re-integrate.
General Drop-In Supportive Services
“Drop-in” services are available to former offenders with a criminal background who are career and work-oriented. Opportunities available include:
- a 12-station computer lab
- updated daily job leads
- college and technical school information
- assistance applying for student loans and grants
- subsidized hard skills training (Forklift, OSHA, Lead Paint and Highway Flagging)
- help with basic benefits acquisition
- limited bicycles and bus tokens
- job search support including resumes, applications, and job matching
- referrals to wrap-around services and community resources
- answers to jobseeker questions
Outreach Services
In addition to in-house services, Turnabout also provides career and reintegration services with outreach at major events in the community including participation in 9News Health Fairs, Project Homeless Connect, the Freedom Conference, correctional facilities and jails, and Community Corrections.
Intensive services are grant-funded programs with limited space, and clearly defined services and eligibility criteria. Those interested in participating in these programs are invited to attend Drop-In Orientation (described at left).
Intensive Program Services Include:
- Monthly intensive Employment Search Program (ESP) (313 ex-offenders in 2010) trains participants enrolled in various federal, state, city grants (current grants continuing: Stop the Revolving Door, Community Corrections and Veterans Services for 4th Quarter Partners and a new grant this year with Denver Department of Human Services Homeless Housing (Colorado Division of Local Affairs). Many ex-offenders who complete the program and demonstrate their readiness will be supplied hard skills training, transportation, work boots, tools, long term case management, job matching/retention services and mentoring/support groups.
- Hard skills training including Forklift, OSHA, Lead Paint and Highway Flagging (600 total in 2010)
- Transportation Assistance including bus passes
- Assistance purchasing work basics such as boots, tools, ID, etc.
- Long term case management for career-oriented individuals is a key part of our intensive services. Case management includes Individualized Employment Plans, assistance with benefits acquisition and retention (e.g. food stamps, VA benefits, UIB), help accessing other services including health (general medical, mental health, dental, vision, etc.), clothing, food and child care, as well as work readiness, job matching and retention. Case managers also work with participants to develop skills and resources needed to identify and implement long-term self-sufficiency plans. Case Managers employ Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques and use the Crossroads Cognitive Behavior Change Curricula to provide the support necessary for clients to succeed and thrive.
- Vocational/employment assistance (employer mediation, job placement, help with job search, support maintaining position)
- Support groups and monthly mentoring to prepare participants to make healthy decisions
- Limited housing assistance
- Intensive support services for homeless veterans in collaboration with Fourth Quarter Partners
Family Talent Show for clients in our mentoring program was a big hit! Sixteen all-star acts performed for a packed house.
Turnabout Sunday gave clients an opportunity to volunteer and tell their story to members of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Contact us today to post a job order, find out about our candidates or learn how our job screening and matching process works. It's easy to find a great match for your workplace and skillset needs!
Working together with businesses, community & faith based organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and private citizens, Turnabout delivers better, more sustainable outcomes.