In 2008, Friendship House expanded its job readiness services to include on site technology centers in both its day centers and its housing programs. The new technology centers are one more tool in Friendship House's ongoing effort to help its homeless clients regain their independence. The homeless are not merely persons without shelter. They are displaced persons who have suffered physical, economic and emotional loss. They are persons in need of skills, opportunity and communal support.

  The technology centers are forums where all three social needs--skills, opportunity, and communal support--may be met. First, they are the means of teaching motivated homeless clients the computer skills needed to navigate the Internet and apply for jobs on line. Second, they provide these clients with the opportunity to hone computer skills in a supportive and affirming environment. For many clients, the starting point will simply be basic computer training. Last, this job and resource search experience becomes a positive experience where clients learn the rewards of perseverance, patience and asking for help.

 The encouragement and guidance of trained volunteer mentors is crucial to this process. Volunteer mentors can also guide clients to job opportunities that they might otherwise have missed.  

NEEDED Friendship House Job Readiness Volunteers: 

Volunteer Opportunities available for computer literacy tutors, Math & English tutors, Job coaches and Computer Lab monitors.  Volunteers do not need to be experts, but must have some experience and competency in basic computer or employment skills. 

Flexible hours.  Time commitment as little as two hours twice monthly.