Program 2

For ATI, Re-Entry Participants and Those At-Risk of Criminal Justice Involvement

Digital Literacy with Certification

AFJ offers Northstar Digital Literacy software with over 70 levels of self-paced study and certification available at each level, supplemented by weekly online group instruction and testing led by our Court Advocates.

OSHA 40-Hour Construction Safety with Certification

New York City requires OSHA 40-Hour certification for every job level in the local construction industry. AFJ offers City-approved AdvanceOnline training software for self-paced instruction, and connects students to Corporate Partners in the construction industry for entry-level employment.

Job Readiness and Financial Literacy Workshops led by Corporate Partners

Launched September 2020, corporate partners provide online job preparation and financial literacy training two times per week, with mock interviews; resume writing; basics of budgeting, bank and credit accounts; dress for success; and mentoring. The program includes monthly guest speakers who are successful in unconventional careers and job structures (work for hire, freelance, project-based work) to expand the idea of what a career can be. Partners since the launch include First Republic Bank, Capital Partners III, Junior League of NY, and the Whitney Museum.

Entrepreneurship

In 2021, Slickdeals led an 8-week workshop series teaching 19 participants to plan, design and implement an online store at Redbubble. Professionals also offer individual online presentations each month of their work in unconventional fields including those who are small business owners, self-employed or freelance consultants.

Education – STEM & STEAM

Avenues for Justice’s Corporate Partners, such as Goldman Sachs, provide periodic STEM workshops for instruction in science, technology, engineering and math. In fall 2021, we added arts programs for a STEAM curriculum that includes gallery visits and art therapy. AFJ also recruits volunteer tutors to work with Participants online or at our Centers while AFJ Court Advocates stay in touch with school staff to ensure participants succeed at their studies and have the tools to advance to college.

Communications Academy

Through support from New York Community Trust, Avenues for Justice coordinates several areas of study to equip Participants to speak on issues that impact them, while learning marketable digital and social media skills. Training includes:

Digital Literacy & Videography
AFJ offers professional videography training and expands Digital Literacy studies to include multiple social media applications.

Civics and legal rights
Participants have weekly workshops on their rights and responsibilities in the legal system, and also sessions on community and justice issues, combined with podcasting instruction.

Mental Health workshops
Participants learn coping skills, anger management, violence and gang-prevention, with access to psychotherapist-led group therapy sessions.

Mentoring

Mentoring is available to all participants and their families 24/7, as well as referrals to other needed services including substance abuse recovery.

PROGRAM 1

PROGRAM 3