How the Program Works •  Program Eligibilty
How to Schedule an Appointment  • Program Location

About the Program:

The Jackson Employment Center (JEC) opened its doors in 1986 to respond to the employment and training needs of homeless men and women seeking to enter the workforce. Primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding, JEC has been a pioneer in developing effective approaches to assist homeless individuals and families seeking to become self-sufficient.

JEC’s clients clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. JEC’s clients consistently obtain and retain fulltime, unsubsidized employment above minimum wage. Almost nine out of ten clients (89%) found jobs as a result of the JEC comprehensive program. More than 70% of clients that obtain employment remain employed. In fact, the average wage at time of employment was $8.38/hr, well above the minimum wage (FY 2002-03).

Program Goals:

          • To increase the skill/income levels of homeless participants
             seeking job opportunities.

          • To provide vocational job training opportunities to homeless
             participants, especially youth and Veterans.

          • To work within the Continuum of Care to provide transitional
             opportunities to working men, women, families and youth.

          • To provide post-placement supportive services or aftercare
             to enhance job retention and career advancement.

Program Funding Sources:

Funding for the Jackson Employment Center is provided by:

          • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development –
            Supportive Housing Programs

          • U.S. Department of Labor - Homeless Veterans Program

          • Pima County Workforce Investment Board (WIA)

          • City of Tucson

          • United Way

          • Targeted Homeless Assistance Grants

Program Outline:

The Jackson Employment Center (JEC) believes that clients must be job ready - have all of their basic needs met – before they can focus on career choices and learn the techniques that will result in employment. In this regard, JEC is unlike other employment and training programs, so clients are enrolled in an Integrated Individual Service Strategy program that results in a Case Plan and an Employability Development Plan.

How the Program Works:

          • Each client is sheltered as the first step of program participation.

          • Using case management practices, additional needs are identified
            and services are provided as needed (usually through linkages
            with other agencies).

          • Once basic needs are met, clients enter a two-week Employability
             Skills training program.

          • Clients dedicate themselves to a structured job search program with
            the assistance and review of case management and job development staff.

          • When employment is obtained, the Jackson Center continues to support
            the client’s transition to independent living.

          • For instance, the program may provide, when needed for employment                tools, uniforms, and specialized footwear.

The Jackson Employment Center also helps clients with an array of supportive services, including educational opportunities, usually provided by partner agencies.

Program Eligibility:

JEC does not target a particular segment of the homeless population. JEC accepts all individuals – men, women, youth and Veterans who meet the basic program requirements:

1. homeless,
2. unemployed,
3. job-willing, and
4. referred by another community-based agency.

How to Schedule an Appointment:

If you are willing to work, if you want to become self-sufficient and increase your employability skills, please call the Jackson Employment Center at (520) 838-3300 for more information, and to schedule an intake appointment with a case manager (sorry, due to scheduled appointments, no intakes are possible on a walk-in basis).

Location/Hours of Operation:

Jackson Employment Center
300 E. 26th Street
Tucson, AZ 85713
520.838.3300

Hours of Operation:
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday

Suntran Bus Route: #23