Twin Cities R!SE’s Empowerment Institute(EI) partners with businesses, schools, universities and other non-profit organizations to help them create an empowered culture, have more productive employees, and provide their clients or students with the skills they need to make transformative changes. Recently, the Empowerment Institute partnered with 180 Degrees at their Clifton House residence. Clifton House provides short-term affordable housing, structured programming, and case management to men that have recently been released from incarceration. Clients are supported to secure stable employment, maintain sobriety, and establish new living arrangements within 60 days of being released from incarceration.
Through a grant provided by the State of Minnesota, the EI team has trained over 30 residents in emotional intelligence and 21st century job skills. Empowerment Institute Training Manager, Rick Thomas, meets with cohorts almost daily for seven weeks of the eight weeks that residents are allowed to stay at Clifton House. The outcomes of this pilot program have been incredible, with 44% of the residents gaining and retaining employment. The goals for this program include increased confidence, reduced recidivism, and increased knowledge of employment skills.
Here are just a few of the quotes that we received from residents attending the emotional intelligence training.
“When I came to 180 Degrees, I had no hope. I didn’t want to work and didn’t want to visit my family. After attending this [emotional intelligence] class, I now see myself and the world differently.”
“I was mad at everyone. I blamed everyone because of my experience in prison. What I failed to do was look at myself and question why I made the decisions I did that lead me to prison. My heart is a lot lighter now that I have released that anger.”
“I never thought in a million years that my previous employer would rehire me. I went in and was honest with him. I told him that I am not the same person and that I’m attending an Emotional Intelligence class to learn more about me. He said he would give me a chance. I was rehired and now make more money an hour than I ever have in my life.”
Our goal is to work together with 180 Degrees to acquire the funding necessary to extend this program for three to five years. If you would like learn more about how the Empowerment Institute can work with your business or organization, contact Jacquelyn Carpenter at [email protected] or 612-666-8026.
