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STRIVE

STRIVE Boston is dedicated to empowering individuals with barriers to employment by providing comprehensive job training, coaching, and employment services. We believe in a future where everyone can achieve economic self-sufficiency, dignity, and personal growth.

STRIVE Boston supports young adults entering the workforce, individuals reentering the job market after incarceration, and those looking to change careers or return to work after raising children.

Two people talking at a desk with a laptop
At a Glance
STRIVE Boston helps people with barriers to employment realize their potential to find and keep jobs that promise sustainable livelihoods and personal growth.

Age

18+

Gender

All

Referrals

Open
About

Our services, offered primarily online and free of charge, help participants find and maintain jobs that provide sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for advancement. In-person services are available by appointment at our JRI Health office in Jamaica Plain.


STRIVE START Program

The START program, designed for adults and young adults aged 18 and up, is a five-week virtual training course where participants engage in daily 1.5-hour online sessions. The curriculum covers professional development, resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, financial literacy, and more.

Participants also complete vocabulary work, writing assignments, and mock interviews, with additional GED/Hi-SET coursework available through our partner, X-Cel Education. After finishing the course, graduates join the Jobs Club and receive job search support from an employment specialist until they secure a job. The program offers up to $500 in stipends, incentives, case management, job placement, and follow-up services. Enrollment is ongoing.

Complete the START program inquiry form.

Rapid Reentry Program

The Rapid Reentry Program is tailored for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, offering an accelerated job readiness course and connections to employers with CORI-friendly positions.

For more information, please contact Hewitt Joyner at [email protected] or (774) 994-7283.

Career Pathways

Career Pathways is a program by STRIVE Boston that begins with a 3-week pre-employment training, followed by hands-on career training and job placement in fields like healthcare, education, food service, and more.

Participants can choose a 90-day paid internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital or a 6–12 week hard-skills training in roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Central Sterile Technician, or Pharmacy Technician, all with starting pay between $17–$23 per hour.

To be eligible, applicants must be 18+, reside in the Boston area, be authorized to work in the U.S., have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to commit to the full training schedule.

Our Team
Hewitt Joyner III headshot

Hewitt Joyner III

Re-Entry Facilitator/Case Manager

Hewitt Joyner III headshot
Hewitt Joyner has an extensive background in community work, serving as a Streetworker, Program Manager, COO of the Aquarius Project, and Director of the New Bedford Shannon/SSYI. Currently, he is a Facilitator and Case Manager for STRIVE Boston. Hewitt is the creator of the Three C’s, an impulsivity reduction training aimed at transforming impulsive thinkers into critical thinkers. This program has been implemented and evaluated in various locations, including California and Massachusetts, and is rooted in Boston's successful 1990s Streetworker Program and Operation Cease-Fire initiative.
Jacob Lisa headshot

Jacob Lisa

Rapid Re-Entry Case Manager

Jacob Lisa headshot
Jacob Lisa is the Rapid Re-Entry Case Manager at STRIVE Boston, where he supports individuals transitioning out of incarceration by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy as they rebuild their lives. Before joining STRIVE, Jacob earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. His academic focus included minors in criminal justice, behavioral neuroscience, and health psychology, reflecting a deep commitment to understanding the full context of his clients' experiences. What drives Jacob's work is a genuine connection to the individuals he serves and a belief in their potential. Witnessing clients take meaningful steps forward inspires him to continue growing personally and professionally so he can support them in the best way possible.
Evelyn Velasquez headshot

Evelyn Velasquez

Case Manager

Evelyn Velasquez headshot
Evelyn Velasquez is a Case Manager/Employment Specialist; more importantly, she is a STRIVE START graduate. She has been with STRIVE for over a year and is passionate about seeing our clients succeed and keeping our programs running. She believes in our mission and creating a space where people can be vulnerable in order to grow. Her own success has brought her to be a part of the same team that was always available and reached out to her when they saw an opportunity that she would flourish in. We are thrilled that she is now a part of the STRIVE Team.
Devon N. Hill headshot

Devon Hill

Case Manager

Devon N. Hill headshot
Devon Hill graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a bachelor's of science in Counseling Psychology and has worked as the Career Pathways Case Manager since August 2024. Throughout his time with STRIVE, he has worked to provide job placement opportunities for all Career Pathways participants and believes that the soft skills are just as important as the hard skills when it comes to stepping back into the workforce. His experience working with diverse populations gives him the scope to provide support and resources to all individuals that seek them.
Yadhira Tapia-Velazquez headshot

Yadhira Tapia-Velasquez

Administrative Assistant

Yadhira Tapia-Velazquez headshot
Yadhira Tapia is thrilled to be part of an organization dedicated to giving back to the community and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. With a background in healthcare, she brings compassion to her role as an administrative assistant. Holding an Associate's Degree in Human Services she is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of others.

In 2019, I lost my job in the insurance industry.  I knew about STRIVE Boston and decided to check it out.  The day that I walked into their location happened to be the first day of orientation for the START program so I decided to enroll.  I didn’t realize how valuable the program would be.  On the last week of the program, employers visited STRIVE and we had the chance to talk with them about career opportunities.  I submitted my resume for a Residential Counselor position at Pelham Academy, which is a school of JRI.  I was hired for an Assistant Supervisor position and was recently promoted to Supervisor at PATH!  I always wanted to work in the human services field and I really enjoy working with the residents,  staff, and administration at Pelham Academy and PATH as we collectively help prepare them to go back out into the world.

Adrienne Mitchell, STRIVE Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

A referral is not needed to access the services at STRIVE.

Let's Connect

Yadhira Tapia-Velasquez

Administrative Assistant

(617) 825-1800

[email protected]

555 Amory Street, Suite 2, Boston MA, 02130

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

STRIVE Boston Inquiry Form











Privacy Policy

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

STRIVE Boston Inquiry Form











Privacy Policy

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