Richmond employment program helps mental health recovery

Richmond-based Pathways Clubhouse is hoping more employers can join its work program that benefits individuals recovering from mental illnesses.

Pathways started the transitional employment (TE) program 25 years ago to offer members opportunities to rejoin the workforce in a low-barrier setting.

“There are no resumes or interviews, and members are trained by Pathways staff,” explained Pathways program manager Michael Tibbles.

“We also pre-screen members to ensure a good fit with the role.”

Members are paid at least the minimum wage and Pathways staff are available to fill in for the members to ensure all shifts are covered.

Placements typically last six to nine months for no more than 20 hours a week. According to the program brochure, the program is meant to be temporary to help members reach the ultimate goal of getting regular, permanent employment.

“Over the past 25 years, we have had hundreds of members utilize our TE program,” said Tibbles. 

“Many have gone on to permanent employment in the independent job market.”

There are currently six employers involved with the program, including the Richmond Food Bank and the City of Richmond. The program had 22 positions in the past, but most were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Pathways is now aiming to grow the program to include entry-level clerical and retail opportunities.

Hajira Hussain, executive director of the Richmond Food Bank, told the Richmond News the program is a “valuable initiative.”

“We have been very fortunate in having well-matched individuals to support us with our janitorial work which is not always easy given the dynamic nature of our warehouse environment,” she said.

The food bank is Pathways member Monique Friedsam’s third experience with the transitional employment program.

“I love it. I love when I get there. People are so happy, and they go out of their way to say hi to me and everything,” she told the Richmond News.

Friedsam first participated in the program about 10 years ago, and it helped her get back on her feet twice after her layoffs.

The program is important, she said, because it offers much-needed support to individuals like her.

“When you’re having your down days, (the program) cheers you up and makes you get out of bed again and get back into the world and do things that you should be doing,” she explained.

For more information about Pathways Clubhouse’s transitional employment program, click here.

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