Our Training Program
Training
Hope CDA’s job training program offers full time employment for 12 months in one of our small businesses.
– Construction – We buy deteriorated houses, refurbish and sell them to low-to-moderate income families. Through our efforts, Cedar Rapids’ older neighborhoods are improving house by house.
– Woodcrafts – We make a variety of furniture, charcuterie boards and other woodcrafts for customers to enjoy.
– Landscaping – We help our clients care for their properties through mowing, trimming, planting and cleaning as well as enhancing the function and look of their properties through retaining walls, mulching/rocks, etc.
Participants learn the dignity of work as part of a team. They learn to take pride in a job well done. They learn to respect authority and to work well with others. They learn to show up on time, maintain a positive attitude and work hard. In short, they learn how to be a great employee.
Program House
One of the challenges many men with felony records face is being able to find decent, affordable housing. Many end up living with friends or family, usually in situations that make success at work more difficult. To address this issue, Hope CDA offers a safe, stable place to live while in our program.
As with any group living situation, certain expectations are needed to make sure that all residents can be successful. A minimum of rules helps men enjoy freedom without harming themselves or others.
Equipping Men
The most important aspect of Hope CDA’s job training program is training in how to live successfully by developing valuable life skills. How we live our lives outside of work almost always affects how well we do at work.
Hope CDA’s life skills training includes:
– Classes which emphasize the value of each person and the benefits of letting Jesus Christ be Lord of our lives
– Biblically based lessons on honesty, integrity, faithfulness, forgiveness, love, relationships and much more
– “33 the Series” video series on how to be an authentic man from a Biblical perspective
– A foundation for managing money, including Faith and Finances classes
– A matched savings program to help build the habit of saving
– “Work Life” classes which teach principles and practical steps to be successful in the workplace
– Learning to set goals with action steps so dreams can become realities
– A coach (mentor) that walks along side each man on his journey to becoming a new man
– A “band of brothers” culture where peer accountability is motivated by, “I love you too much to watch you make bad choices”
– Guidance and help in successfully moving to a good job after graduation from our program
Hope CDA's impact is best seen in the men who have been in our program. Here are some of their comments:
"I never had nobody who believed in me like you, Russ and Chad has!"
"This job helped me realize what my self-worth was, what my value was."
"The mentorship is the thing that has deeply impacted my life the most."
"...it gave me a reason for why I'm created, what I'm for...we are created for work."
Interested in our training program? Apply below!
