New Beginnings, J-CAP’s teen parenting program, was created to emotionally support young mothers in their new role while giving them the tools they need to live a more independent and functional life.  The program’s primary goal is to encourage pregnant, parenting and at-risk teens to stay in school or, if necessary, pursue their General Equivalency Diploma (GED), go on to college, and to ultimately obtain a job and be able to support themselves.  Services provided include:

• Access to community based GED instruction
• Life skills training
• Social skills training
• Help with school homework
• Nutritional education
• Parenting and homemaking skills
• Career planning

 J-CAP’s New Beginnings staff regularly reaches out to community teens by speaking at local high schools, hospitals, and shelters.

The goals of the J-CAP Vocational/Educational Department are simple:  the staff is here to help enhance the academic grade levels of clients who did not complete high school or obtain a General Equivalency Diploma and to assist them in obtaining the skills and training necessary to secure full time employment.

Within 10 days of entering J-CAP’s Residential Drug Treatment Program or the New Beginnings Teen Parenting Program, the client meets with a Vocational/Educational Department counselor.  At this meeting, the counselor gathers information from the client about his/her educational background, employment history, interests, strengths and weaknesses.  Shortly after evaluating the information provided, the counselor then develops a comprehensive, individualized Vocational Treatment Plan.  This plan contains realistic goals for the client to work towards, spells out what is expected, and gives an estimated time frame for achievement.

J-CAP has access to General Equivalency Diploma instruction by New York City Board of Education teachers and regularly schedules seminars with local vocational training schools.  The Vocational/Educational Department staff also instructs clients how to write a resume, what points to cover when writing a job application letter, interviewing skills, plus how to dress for success.

J-CAP clients have access to an Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) lab which is a computer learning center funded by the New York State Legislature.  The ATTAIN lab exposes individuals to basic computer literacy, and provides occupational, academic and self-development courses.  ATTAIN aids J-CAP clients in making decisions about their educational and career goals during their treatment.

J-CAP partners with the New York State Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).  VESID, an office of the New York State Education Department, provides the opportunity for physically, developmentally or emotionally disabled New Yorkers to become independent through employment.  

J-CAP participates in the Shelter Plus Care Program (S+C), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  This program is designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons dealing with mental health, alcohol and drug issues, and HIV/AIDS or related diseases.  If a J-CAP client is homeless prior to admission to our programs, he/she may be eligible for assistance.