Adult and Family Services

AMERICORP PROGRAM
Virginia Community Corps is an Americorp state program funded through the Virginia Governor's Commission on National and Community Service and managed by staff at the Virginia Department of Social Services. The program facilitates training and placement of hard-to-emply youth, community outreach for clients' health care and housing challenges, mobilization of volunteers, food distribution and English as a second language classes, among other tasks.

CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM
STOP intervenes in crisis situations by aiding individuals and families with securing or maintaining adequate shelter through the provision of short-term financial assistance, i.e., first month’s rent, hotel, motel costs or rent/mortgage payment. STOP also provides emergency assistance for eligible clients who need food, clothing, furniture distribution, bus tickets for transportation to and from work and medical appointments; payment for utility bills and relocation assistance. For more information, call the Community Services Component at (757) 858-1368.

EMPLOYMENT COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE
STOP maintains a Job Bank Information System on seasonal, temporary, part-time and full-time employment opportunities for adults. STOP also maintains one of the four Norfolk Works neighborhood on-site counselors, who provide clients with employment assistance. Participants may receive any one or a combination of employment counseling and orientation, job and readiness training, job referral and/or placement; and/or bus tickets for transportation to and from work sites. Contact Management Information and Employment Resources at (757) 858-1381 or 858-1360, ext. 103.

CET (CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING)/ONE STOP CENTER
The STOP Organization operates a replica of the San Jose, California-based program which has been duplicated nationwide. The center, which is located in Suffolk, serves Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. The program’s mission is to provide specialized job training to low-income residents that will aid them in obtaining careers that will pay “living wages.” Current training areas will include nurse aide, medical transcription, cashier, and automated office systems. For more information, call the STOP Organization Vocational School at (757) 539-8081.

VIRGINIA COMMUNITY ACTION RE-ENTRY SYSTEM (VIRGINIA C.A.R.E.S.) PRE-RELEASE AND POST RELEASE SERVICES
A Post-release program designed to assist ex-offenders and their families with supportive services after their release from incarceration. Services include employment counseling, job search, limited transportation for employment interviews, and assistance with the "restoration of rights" application. We provide basic assistance with emergency food, clothing and housing needs. Virginia CARES is a statewide Community Action Program located throughout the state of Virginia. Contact Virginia C.A.R.E.S. at (757) 858-1370.

SECOND CHANCES
This program operates under the “umbrella” of The STOP Organization. Along with the City of Norfolk as its chief sponsor, the program is designed to provide comprehensive support services that lead to full-time employment and social stability for those individuals impacted by the stigma of being labeled “ex-offender.” The program has several partners to help achieve this mission including the Urban League, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and the Advocates for Second Chances. Call the Second Chances Program at (757) 664-4281.

OAKMONT NORTH FAMILY INVESTMENT CENTER
This program offers a wide variety of services to support, motivate and empower the community by providing infinite growth opportunities through stimulating educational activities. The Family Investment Center is a united effort among the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Lawson Realty, The STOP Organization and the residents of the Oakmont Community, Oakmont Community Development Corporation and area churches. For more information, call the center at (757) 853-8469.

VIRGINIA INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS PROGRAM (V.I.D.A.)
The Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) Program is a special savings program that helps eligible individuals gain financial literacy skills and build assets. For every dollar the participant saves in a designated account, VIDA will match it with two dollars. The combined savings can be used to purchase a home, start a business, go to school (post-secondary education). For further information, please contact Shaun Scott at (757)858-1371.

KLEAN SLATE
Klean Slate is the social business venture division of Second Chances. This Division supports the Second Chances Program both as a source of revenue and creation of training and employment opportunites for Second Chance participants. Klean Slate Enterprises comprises of two business initiatives; a grounds maintenance company and a moving company, with a business manager overseeing both entities. For more information, contact (757)664-4281.

RIGHT TRACK PROGRAM
The Right Track Program is a new service for non-custodial parents who owe child support to help them get on the track to making payments. A specially trained Right Track Case Manager will work one-on-one with the client to help them work out problems they may have in making those payments. The client can receive community services, free of charge, to help the finding employment, job training, money managment, family counseling and parenting skills. For more information, contact (757)858-1381.

STRATEGIES FOR JOB SUCCESS EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROCESS
The STOP Organization operates a comprehensive Employment Training Process (ETO) entitled "Strategies for Job Success". The process provides a complete package in seeking and keeping a job which offers success in acquiring techniques necessary for job preparation, job interview and job retention. STOP ensures that all participants in the "Strategies for Job Success" Employment Training Process are actively seeking employment and are willing to pursue educational opportunities necessary to enhance options. Participants may receive any one or a combination of employment counseling and orientation, job readiness training, job referral and/or placement; and/or bus tickets for transportation to and from interviews and work sites. For further informatioin, contact (757)858-1381.