Kintock is pleased to announce a new partnership with Essex County College that will allow residents of our Newark residential program to participate in a federally funded Training to Work 2 – Adult Reentry program, called TEAM (Training to Empower, Advance and Maintain). The pilot program, which commenced in March, offers participants job skills training opportunities in a variety of areas, including automotive, culinary arts, A+ certificates, computer repair, black seal, electrical, and plumbing.

TEAM, which currently serves 13 residents at Kintock’s Newark residential work release program, was made possible through grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to 17 organizations, including Essex County College. The grants, entitled the Training to Work 2 — Adult Reentry program, are designed to help men and women participating in state or local work release programs gain the job skills necessary to succeed in in-demand occupations upon reintegrating back into society.

Greater Work Opportunities

The grants build on the department's commitment to fund sustainable programs through the career pathways initiative, which better coordinates education and training services to enable workers to attain industry-recognized credentials and find jobs.

“Kintock is honored to have been chosen to partner with Essex County College to enhance work opportunities for the resident population we serve. Our case management and educational training, together with the mentoring and training offered through Essex County College, will help former offenders turn their lives around,” said Greg Bartowski, Site Administrator.

Residents are selected for the TEAM Project based on their requests and individual interests.  The residents submit their interest to their primary case manager and employment counselor at Kintock who will first screen them to ensure that they meet the criteria.  To be eligible to participate in the program, residents must have a minimum of nine months or more before their scheduled release date to ensure that they will be able to complete the program. They must also undergo assessment for adult basic education. Residents who do not have their GED are referred for the High School Equivalency training first.

“So many men, because they lack a viable work history and education, have no choice but to accept minimal wage jobs. This is an excellent opportunity for our population to return to the community with a marketable skill that affords them employment opportunities where their skill is in demand.  This is like a chance of a lifetime for many. They have the potential to become entrepreneurs in their new craft in a society where their record hinders them from being hired by others,” said Felicia Conner, Facility Program Director.

Education and Training

Kintock staff work with the Essex County College TEAM Coordinator and Assistant to the Dean, making referrals, prescreening and maintaining frequent and ongoing contact with the school.

The duration of training varies widely based on the individual program requirements.  For example, A+ Certification requires 1,200 hours of training over a period several months while Black Seal certification can be completed in 40 hours over three months.

Residents are currently enrolled in various building trades, automotive, A+ certification and High School Equivalency classes.

In addition to the residents enrolled in the Essex County College work training program, 21 residents of enrolled in other colleges and training programs.

Approximately 91 residents are also employed in the surrounding communities at auto repair shops, the Association of Human Society, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, local supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, warehouses and retail businesses.  Several residents also volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey where they receive training and have the potential to be hired.