Programs at SEM

Below is the list of our programs:

AMEN Program

AMEN GED Program

AMEN Job Readiness Program

Ex-Offender Support Group

Books For A Brighter Future

AMEN - Anacostia Mentoring & Employment Network

AMEN is a comprehensive three week job readiness program for both men and women that is anchored in African American history and culture, stresses life skills, and prepares clients for employment. Since 1998, AMEN has been known for its success in job placement that pays a living wage.

• Classes are held daily for three weeks, 1-4pm.
• Curriculum is comprehensive:
  - Self Development Skills concentrates on African Americanhistory and culture and their affect on contemporary life;
  - Life Skills includes basic finances, preventative health, HIV/AIDS, anger management, fatherhood, and legal advice.
  - Vocational Skills uses a traditional assessment tool andidentifies vocational clusters, interviews are videotaped, self-marketing is emphasized, writing a resume and how to interview with a prison record are important;
  - Employment Component follows graduation as each client with staff guidance finds employment, goes on to further education, or specialized training.

A Happy GED Graduate

A Successful AMEN Graduate

• Legal issues for ex-offenders are discussed as are employee rights and responsibilities. Re-entrants are taught how to honestly handle their prison record in a constructive manner.
• AMEN assists graduates to find employment that offers a living wage and career ladder.
• Graduates who do not have a GED are referred to the GED program that is housed in the same building as AMEN job readiness.
• Clients receive a weekly stipend for regular attendance, bus tokens, and assistance with employment related items, as well as wrap-around services after graduation.
• AMEN has a clothing closet so clients can find appropriate interview attire to wear.

AMEN GED Program

AMEN is a GED program open to both men and women who are interested in obtaining their high school equivalency. Classes are held daily, 9am-12:30 pm, in eight week long sessions. When students are ready to take the official GED test at SEM, we will assist with payment of the registration fee and act as an advocate.

• Session begin September - October; November-December; January - February; March - April; and May - June. Sessions may be repeated.
• Each session begins and ends with academic testing to determine strengthens and weaknesses.
• Math, writing skills, science, social studies, and interpretive arts are taught in classroom sessions, small groups, and individual tutoring is available.
• Regular attendance is required.
• No tuition fee, classroom support such as dictionaries and calculators, and some transportation assistance are given for serious students. Serious students also are eligible for an incentive program.
• After scoring sufficiently high on the practice test to take the official GED students are escorted through the registration process and to the actual test
• Upon receiving their GED, students are assisted in achieving their next step in self sufficiency such as finding employment, attending AMEN job readiness, going to further education or specialized training.

GED Class Schedule for 2008

• January 2, 2008 - February 29, 2008
• March 4, 2008 - April 25, 2008
• May 5, 2008 - June 27, 2008
• September 2, 2008 - October 24, 2008
• November 4, 2008 - December 19, 2008

Job Readiness Sessions:

• December 3, 2007 - December 21, 2007
• December 31, 2007 - January 18, 2008
• January 28, 2008 - February 15, 2008
• February 25, 2008 - March 14, 2008
• March 24, 2008 - April 11, 2008
• April 21, 2008 - May 16, 2008
• May 26, 2008 - June 13, 2008
• June 23, 2008 - July 11, 2008
• July 21, 2008 - August 8, 2008

Ex-Offender Support Group

• Since AMEN targets ex-offenders there is a special support group to assist them to integrate back into the community.
• There is an open house setting, once weekly, 7-9pm.
• There is lively and relevant discussion where any and all emotions are encouraged as attendees are confronted or supported.
• Referrals are given and guidance offered as appropriate as reentrants are assisted with the re-socialization process.
• Camaraderie and good food are important aspects of the evening

Books For A Brighter Future

Is designed to provide on-site reading and home work instruction. The goal of the program is to enhance reading skills of each participant, improve children's literacy and social skills necessary for success in school and life. Our program provides individual tutorial services and group reading with the focus to encourage family reading.