Work to Learn Center"Supporting youth as they strive toward self-empowerment."About this Program The Elm City Entrepreneurs (ECE), located in New Haven, and the Brass City Entrepreneurs (BCE), located in Waterbury are funded by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). ECE/BCE provides services for youth, ages fourteen to twenty-three years old, who are currently in or transitioning from foster care services. This program provides educational, vocational, employment, financial literacy, life skills, personal and community connections, and other support services. Youth also have the opportunity to take part in onsite youth businesses as well as community internships and receive a modest stipend as compensation for their work.Once a youth has successfully completed an internship, he or she may begin to look for community employment. In order to be referred to this phase of service, the youth must demonstrate the skills and ability to work independently in the community (mastery of life skills, good communication and vocational skills, transportation plan, etc.). The youth will work with the job developer to find employment. The job developer will provide assistance with filling out job applications and going on job interviews. Youth who remain active with DCF and the Work to Learn Center may receive a match of $1,000 per year (not to exceed $3,000 over 3 years) when withdrawing money from their Individual Development Accounts for the purchase of approved assets. Assets can be investments, or purchases made to meet educational, transportation or housing needs. The Youth Coaches that work at the Centers have their bachelor's degrees and are required to complete Marrakech's core in-service training, which includes CPR, First Aid, Abuse and Neglect, and behavior management. Youth coaches have also completed the Ansel Casey Life Skills training as well as other applicable training when made available by DCF. Eligibility To be eligible for the Work/Learn Center, youth must be involved with DCF at the time of referral and be between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one. The DCF worker is responsible for initiating the referral process. Participants must be able to function independently in the community and within peer groups at the Center with minimal supervision. Participants must reside in the towns served by the associated area DCF offices (Waterbury, Metro New Haven, and greater New Haven). For more information, contact: Gerry Zarra - Director of Workforce Development Ronda Martin Mailing Address: Relevant Websites Department of Children and Families (www.ct.gov/dcf)
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