Bridge Bread Bakery provides restorative employment to people experiencing homelessness.
What is Restorative Employment?
Focus: A broad range of individuals, including those who may have been incarcerated, addicted, or experiencing homelessness.
Goal: To help individuals rebuild their lives through work, providing opportunities for skills development, job training, and employment placement.
Services:
- Supportive Work Environment
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate other needs (housing searches, medical appointments, etc.)
- Understanding supervision that recognizes potential challenges
- Clear communication and expectations
- Peer support
- Wraparound Services
- Job skills training
- Life skills development
- Case management
- Connection to other community resources
- Progressive Responsibility
- Gradual increase in job responsibilities
- Opportunities for skill development
- Career advancement pathways
- Leadership development when appropriate
- Focus on Dignity
- Fair wages
- Meaningful work
- Recognition of individual worth
- Emphasis on capabilities rather than past challenges
- Sustainable Integration
- Tools for long-term success
- Financial literacy support
- Professional development
- Building references and work history
The goal is to create sustainable pathways to stable employment while addressing barriers and providing necessary support systems for success.
How is Restorative Employment different from Supportive Employment?
Key Differences:
| Feature | Supportive Employment | Restorative Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Target Population | Individuals with disabilities | Broader population, including those with criminal records, addiction issues, or homelessness |
| Focus | Competitive employment in integrated work settings | Employment as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration into society |
| Support Intensity | Often requires ongoing, intensive support | May require less intensive support, depending on individual needs |