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 workforce training and supportive community 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 Pre-Employment Training program is a 4-week paid program that combines classroom learning and practice of crucial workforce-ready skills 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.
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 National Career Readiness Certificate, an industry-recognized work credential. Members can also study for their high school equivalency and driver’s license exam.
RJI also offers Opportunity Hours – a drop-in “third space” for young adults ages 18 – 26 entering the workforce. Our cafe space is open from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for young adults to socialize, learn and practice new personal and professional skills, participate in workshops, and access social services to overcome barriers to employment. Opportunity Hours is the platform for a community of emerging young Jacksonians to connect with and support each other in their professional development, and to interact with staff and community members who are committed to growing Jackson’s future.
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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