Critical Life Skills classes include topics such as self-esteem building, personal and work ethics, conflict management, behavior modification, and diversity training. Through these classes, participants realize that they can achieve a new life by adopting The Cara Program's "five ways to transform your life", which include: Look with New Eyes, Change Your Behavior, Think Outside the Box, Don't Relax and Know the Deepest Truth of Who You Are. For example, in the conflict management classes, participants learn how to effectively manage conflict by developing critical listening skills, appreciating and accepting others' points and opinions, learning strategies for maintaining self-control, and taking responsibility for their own role in resolving any conflict.

"Motivations" takes place each morning before classes and aids in the process of self-transformation. "Motivations" might include songs, inspirational anecdotes or poems. The activity reinforces self-esteem and enhances participants' focus on achieving positive goals for themselves and their families.

Professional clothing is provided to participants and enables them to present themselves in a confident and professional manner, changes their self-perceptions, and creates a positive first impression with those they meet.

Job readiness skills training prepares participants for the modern workplace. "Interviewing Technique" classes are conducted at least once per week and teach participants how to effectively sell their skills in an interview. Internet training gives them the tools to search and apply for jobs on-line. Job search classes teaches them the fundamentals of uncovering job opportunities by giving them personal coaching and real-life experience.

Specialized skills training gives participants marketable skills so that they can be competitive in the workplace, despite their weak job histories and poor education. Eight weeks of specialized skills training prepares participants for positions in the banking, health care, office services, manufacturing, environmental services and hospitality industries. Training partnerships with companies and other training providers allow The Cara Program to focus on its core competencies and create a wide range of educational and vocations opportunities for Cara participants. Partnerships include:

+ Certified nurses assistant (CNA) training with Resurrection Health Care.

+ Environmental services training with ABM Lakeside, Inc.

+Document handling and hi-speed reprogtraphics training with Pitney Bowes Management Services.

+Shipping and receiving training with Greater West Town Training Partnerships.

+Precision woodworking training with Greater West Town Training Partnerships.

Next:
> Permanent Job Placement
> Critical Support Services
> The Results