The Moving Ahead Program (MAP) is a classroom-based employment readiness program serving individuals, with complex histories, including mental illness, substance abuse and incarceration. MAP prioritizes serving individuals who are currently homeless. MAP utilizes a low barrier approach to admission with minimum requirements of applicants which include; a stated intention to find and maintain employment, and a stated commitment to meeting the expectations of the program.

MAP classes are 14-weeks long and operate regularly throughout the year.  Students participate in the classroom Monday-Friday, for a total of 24-hours per week.  The curriculum includes self-exploration, health and wellness, life skills, workplace readiness and relevant skill building, career exploration, basic computer skills, job search techniques and practices including resumes, cover letters, online databases and applications, interviewing skills and practice, and communicating with employers.  Work in the classroom is supplemented by the Employment Services team, which seeks out and manages existing employer partnerships, and connects students with employers and jobs, and provides case management.    Students also participate in Studio Shine, a career image program component that prioritizes self-image and professional image and provides students with clothing they need for interviews and the workplace.   Finally, each student receives case management support and works individually with a designated Workforce Development staff member, who helps them to identify and reduce barriers to their success in the job market or workplace and helps them to ensure stability in their recovery and or other areas of their lives.

The classroom and individual work are supplemented by a variety of other program supports designed to reduce barriers to success and ensure the likelihood of participant completion and job placement.  All participants receive 16 weeks of emergency housing if needed, a weekly stipend to pay for essential items, and an MBTA pass to remove any barriers to daily attendance. Students can also access breakfast and lunch daily in our dining room.