People in recovery often face challenges as they build a new life – including finding housing, steady employment, quality medical insurance and continuing their education.
Some obstacles are a result of discrimination. Fortunately, there are resources that can help.
- Jobs
You may deal with a number of issues when looking for a job – including lack of transportation or childcare, a poor work history, lack of skills, and stigma around addiction.
But work is important and there are many programs to help you with job training, education and finding a new career or a job that matches your talents and interests.
American Job Center (AJC)
Provides employment and training related-services for workers, youth, and businesses. There are 2,400 AJCs nationwide.
Career One Stop
Sponsored by the US Department of Labor, the website can help you learn about different careers, find training, do a job search and find local help. Under Resources there is targeted information for older workers, laid-off workers, veterans, ex-offenders, workers with disabilities and more. Also in Spanish.
Free Government Cell Phones
Community Voice Mail gives a free phone number and free voicemail to help people in crisis and transition link to jobs, housing and stability. The program has 50 sites serving more than 40,000 people in 372 cities across the U.S. Instructions on how to get a free phone number and voicemail and locations by state are given.
My Next Move
This interactive tool for job seekers and students helps you learn more about your career choices. It covers the tasks, skills, salaries and more for over 900 different careers. You can find careers through a simple text word search, by browsing industries that hire different types of workers, or through the Interest Profiler, a tool that offers career suggestions based on your interests and work experience.
National H.I.R.E. Network
The National H.I.R.E. Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-Enter through Employment) covers state agencies and community organizations that offer job-related and legal services, answer questions, and give referrals to other organizations that help people with a criminal record.
The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration
Runs apprenticeship programs to help build successful careers. You will get paid, receive hands-on career training, and national industry certification from partners they work with.
- Relapse Prevention
- Getting Insurance
- Housing
- Education
- Legal
- Advocacy
- Volunteering