Reflections: Education & Employment Department

Assisting individuals in achieving self-sufficiency through individualized academic instruction and tutoring, GED preparation, job placement and much more.

Check out our new and inspiring video, "Changing Your Outlook" to learn more about the Reflections Program and how it will benefit you. If you have troubles viewing the video please try this alternate version of "Changing Your Outlook"

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Reflections provides participants the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become active participants in their children's education and to achieve personal and economic independence though individualized Basic Skills Instruction and Tutorial Sessions, GED preparation classes, Life Skills (including civic duties and community activism), Parent Education and Job Readiness & Placement services.

As a part of a community-based organization, Reflections serves youth who are 16-21 years of age, low income or living in poverty, and are deficient in basic literacy skills. Additionally, Reflections is a full-time day program which operates year-round with open enrollment. These distinctive features enable Reflections to meet the changing and varied needs of program participants.

Program Features

Individualized Academic Instruction & Tutoring
Basic Skills Instruction & GED Preparation
Work Readiness & Job Placement Services
Computer & Financial Literacy Services
Parenting/Child Development Classes
Parent & Child Together (PACT) Activities
Mentoring/Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
Support Services (Childcare, Transportation, Work Attire & Educational/Job Training Fee Assistance)
Case Management (guidance counseling, crisis prevention and alleviation, goal setting/monitoring)

Program History

In 1992, recognizing the increased need for literacy services for youth, West End initiated the Reflections Teen Family Literacy Program, which was designed to empower youth to become self-sufficient members of society. In 2004, West End obtained a new contract from the Department of Labor, Workforce Investment Board, and combined the employment and training services with the educational services to create the Reflections Education and Employment Department. For the past 14 years, Reflections has been committed to providing youth with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and the skills necessary to achieve economic and personal independence and an enhanced quality of life for themselves and their children.

The program enables these youth to better provide for their families' needs by focusing on the skills and attitudes necessary to increase literacy, enhance employability, promote personal and family growth, and encourage community involvement. Participants of Reflections achieve self-sufficiency through activities that allow the practical application of newly acquired competencies. Reflections' holistic and comprehensive approach to adult education, family literacy, and employment and training services has repeatedly been proven effective as evidenced by numerous positive outcomes.

For volunteer opportunities, please see our How to Help page.

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