Meet JRI's Service Navigator

Our Navigator personally answers questions and talks with you about resources that may be available in the community to meet your individualized needs. If you have any questions about our programs or services, or aren't sure what you need, contact our Service Navigator, Rachel Arruda, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

(508) 468-6042
navigator@jri.org
Rachel Arruda

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.

JRI Leader in Social Justice
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Services

STRIVE Boston

STRIVE Boston envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency, dignity, and a promising future. STRIVE Boston helps chronically unemployed men and women realize their potential to find and keep jobs that promise sustainable livelihoods and personal growth.

STRIVE FORWARD Juvenile Justice Initiative (SFJJI) is a job-readiness program to recruit and enroll proven-risk young adults, ages 16 to 24. This program allows young adults the opportunity to receive lifechanging workforce development training as well as an opportunity to benefit from an array of necessary services.

STRIVE logo
At a Glance
This service is for
Focus: To help individuals -- particularly those with multiple barriers to employment -- not only find jobs, but also be successful and achieve a lifetime of employability.
Age: STRIVE BOSTON 18+ & STRIVE FOWARD 16-24
Gender: male, female, transgender, non-conforming
Capacity: 55
STRIVE Future Leaders Referral Form
Let's Connect
Ed Powell
Vice President of Community Engagement
651 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
(617) 825-1800
STRIVE Boston Approach

STRIVE envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency, dignity, and a promising future for themselves and their families. The STRIVE employment model is rooted in the belief that every individual has the power to change and often simply needs the tools and supports to do so. We ensure that every client is not only ready to find a job, but also to keep it. We do this through the following five components:

1. Attitudinal and Job Readiness (an intensive five-week CORE "soft skills" training on workplace readiness, responsibility and professionalism), 2. Skills Training (CORE graduates choose from among five vocational pathways), 3. Support Services (intensive case management helps participants address obstacles to development and success), 4. Job Placement (Placement Specialists foster employer relationships, and help graduates secure positions that match skills and interests) and 5. Follow-up (Graduates receive two years of retention services and formal follow-up, but are always welcome to return to STRIVE).

STRIVE serves adults 18+ who come from the most under-served communities, those who have been disconnected from the workforce – whether through layoffs or incarceration, military service, or personal troubles. We serve individuals with significant barriers to employment, but who want to work.

 

 

Training

CORE Attitudinal and Job Readiness Training: STRIVE’s signature program is our CORE workshop, an intensive five-week “soft skills” training in workplace readiness, responsibility, and professionalism.

Occupational Skills Training: Graduates of CORE training progress to vocational training in one of several career pathways aligned with local labor market demand and employer needs. Training results in the acquisition of one or more industry-recognized credentials.

 

Services

Case Management: Beginning in CORE training, all STRIVE participants receive intensive case management to address obstacles that stand in the way of each client’s development and success.

 

Jobs

Job Placement: STRIVE’s Job Placement Specialist forges relationships with employers and assists our graduates in securing jobs that match well with their skills and interests.

Job Retention, Advancement & Ongoing Follow-up: STRIVE graduates receive formal follow-up and retention services for two years following graduation. However, our commitment to our clients lasts a lifetime. Many STRIVE alumni return for second and third placements as they pursue higher wages and career advancement.

Malik public speaking
When STRIVE candidates first come to the program...we're all looking for help. You guys help us not only with our professional problems, but sometimes problems at home or at school. STRIVE's stucture forces us to look within ourselves and fight the battles no one can see. As a result, we come out a different, better form of ourselves...
Malik
Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above.

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

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