Serving Ourselves

Serving Ourselves is a vocational training and employment program for homeless individuals. The program provides participants with the skills, support and self-esteem necessary to re-enter the community as competitive workers able to live independently.

Vocational Training & Placement

Participants receive paid vocational training in a number of marketable trades.

Working with case managers, clients set goals and take the steps to reach them. Through their vocational training, people also begin to discover key competencies that will carry them into independent employment in the community.

Since its inception in 1995, Serving Ourselves continues to exceed its program goals and graduates 72% of participants into permanent competitive employment and permanent housing in the community. 100% increase their job readiness and income, and receive classroom training in literacy, math, computer, and other job related skills while in the program.

If you would like to speak with someone about entering the program or for eligibility or application information please contact (617) 534-6133.

Work Experience

The Work Experience Program provides over 75 homeless women and men every year with paid, basic job experience and hands-on training, and a stable living environment while addressing the issues that may have contributed to their homelessness. The program prepares participants for community employment by imparting structure, a work history, and a good basic work ethic. In conjunction with the Career Center and Employment Services Program, graduates of the Work Experience Program also receive assistance with job placement, resume writing and interviewing skills.

Recent graduates have gone on to full-time, gainful employment at such companies as Meredith Management, Ideal Engine, Stop & Shop, and MIT, and are living independently in the community.

If you would like to speak with someone about entering the program or for eligibility or application information please contact (617) 534-6133.

Employment Services

The Employment Services Program assists homeless individuals in securing and maintaining gainful employment in the community. Most participants are preparing to graduate from the Serving Ourselves Job Training Program or Work Experience Program. After evaluating an individual’s employment history and assessing their work skills, an employment plan is developed. Job counselors provide individual assistance in professional resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies, networking, conflict resolution in the work place, proper business attire, and job retention.

The Employment Services Program establishes relationships with businesses and organizations in the Boston area that hire program graduates such as, Sodexho Marriott, State Street Bank, Aramark, Pitney Bowes, Boston College, and University of Massachusetts.

If your business or organization is interested in hiring graduates of our programs, please contact Marianna Bucina at (617) 942-8671.