About RJI
At the Refill Jackson Initiative (RJI), we envision a healthier, wealthier Jackson for everyone. To achieve that vision, we empower young adults seeking an improved quality of life, through tailored support and job training.
We recognize that being “job ready” means more than just possessing the ability to apply for a job and be hired. In order to be successful in the workforce, any employee must have:
- Adequate education and financial understanding,
- Reliable transportation,
- Childcare (if applicable),
- Stable physical and mental health,
- Identity documents,
- A network of support, and
- A range of soft skills—good work ethic, communication and problem-solving skills, time management, anger management, self-confidence, the ability to accept and learn from criticism.
Intentionally located in West Jackson, RJI’s training programs give young adults (our “members”) the time, space, and guidance to learn and practice these critical job and life skills. We also work with members individually to address their unique barriers to entering the workforce.
RJI’s Workforce Training Program consists of 2 components: a 4-week Pre-Employment Training, with the option to continue in a 5-month On-The-Job Work Experience. Both components offer a modest living stipend, along with wrap-around social services to addresses barriers to employment such as housing and food insecurity, access to healthcare, transportation, assistance with childcare, and obtaining vital documents such as a Driver’s License, birth certificate, social security card, etc.
Pre-Employment Training (4-weeks)
Our evidence-based program approach focuses on building employment skills in the classroom, along with one-on-one career coaching and wrap-around social services. In the classroom, members explore their interests and how they align with possible careers; practice interviewing and communicating professionally via text, email and phone; create personal budgets; learn about conflict resolution and anger management; and write a resume and cover letter.
By graduation, members can earn a Smart Start certificate or credential (which counts as course credit in Mississippi’s community college system) and a National Career Readiness Certificate. Members can also study for their high school equivalency and driver’s license exam.
On-The-Job Work Experience (5 months)
Refill Jackson Green Corps (AmeriCorps program)
We also offer a longer-term workforce training program, Refill Jackson Green Corps – a team-based AmeriCorps program where members serve for 5 months. The program includes training on basic construction, environmental, and disaster response skills, including earning credentials from Hinds Community College including OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR, courses in worksite safety, basic tool identification, and power tool usage and maintenance, and water quality monitoring from Mississippi State University Extension Services.
Once trained, RJGC teams will complete environmental restoration and disaster mitigation projects on residential and public properties in West Jackson, applying learned skills to improve the safety, livability, and resilience of West Jackson. Projects may include water quality monitoring in the Pearl River watershed, improvement of public parks and waterways, residential cleanup for low-income, elderly, and residents with disabilities, energy efficiency projects, and flood and stormwater mitigation projects.
RJGC members will also receive wrap around support from our social services team, and career coaching and exploration, in addition to benefits of serving as an AmeriCorps member, including a $5,000 living stipend while serving, earning a $1,956 Segal Education Award upon completion of the program, and eligibility for student loan deferment and/or forbearance while serving. Team Leader opportunities are available as well – TLs serve for 10 months, receive a $14,000 living stipend and health insurance, can earn a $5,176.50 Segal Education Award upon completion of service, and eligibility for student loan deferment and/or forbearance while serving.
All of our programs are designed for young people to discover their strengths, receive support and coaching to minimize barriers to employment, and create a realistic plan toward their individual next best steps toward self sufficiency. Refill Jackson Initiative welcomes each member as they are, which makes the path forward different for everyone. 78% of Refill graduates immediately move into employment, internships, or further education, which may include completing a GED, entering a collegiate or credential program, or specialized workforce training.
We believe—and our research holds—that our work not only has an immediate impact on our members but also long-term, positive effects on their children, other family members, peer groups, and the community at large.
See our impact to date here: RJI Impact Report
To learn more about our building and founding, please click here.
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