Who are we?
In 2011, the United Methodist Children’s Home was awarded a grant through the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The DOL made available grant funds authorized by the Workforce Investment Act for Civic Justice Corps Grants to serve juvenile offenders ages 18 to 24 who have been involved with the juvenile justice system within 12 months before entry into the program.
United Methodist Children’s Home was one of 15 sites nationally that received the grant award.
What we do
CiviCorps will provide young offenders in the Marion, Jefferson and Franklin Co. areas the opportunity to give something back to their communities through community service to make up for past transgressions. Such projects hold promise for reducing the recidivism rate of juvenile offenders by improving their vocational and educational skills and long-term prospects in the labor market and by increasing their attachment to their community and their sense of community responsibility.
It is the goal of CiviCorps to serve the communities we are in by performing a variety of activities linking us with other community organizations. One of the main goals of CiviCorps is to instill the concept of civic mindedness and responsibility in the corps members. Throughout the year; opportunities will be given to corps members to become involved in community service.
Individuals may download and print an application
or be referred through the probation or court systems.
Some of the Service Learning/Community Service opportunities will include:
- Maintenance of city property
- Removal of gang graffiti
- Landscaping
- Participation in community events
- Improvements in local sports venues
- Assistance in health clinics, hospitals and food banks
- Land management/teaching on the effects of pollution and soil erosion
- Painting of park pavilions and benches
- Planting trees and beautification projects
CiviCorps is aimed at creating a positive, challenging and dynamic learning environment that allows corps members to obtain important academic, practical and thinking skills in an applied (learning by doing) atmosphere. Recognizing that many CiviCorps members may have been away from the classroom for some period of time, applied academics offers instruction in key academic areas such as:
- English
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Constitution
This and other challenging material is designed to bring corps members skills up to date with the attainment of a GED seen as a natural byproduct rather than an isolated goal of this program. Corps members will receive an individualized education plan (IEP) geared to their own skills, needs and interests. Tutoring may be available to supplement classroom instruction. Each corps member is expected to take the GED test sometime during the first 6 months of the program, but only after a pre-test and approval of the GED instructor.
Other supportive services
Case Management and Support Services
Some of the supportive services each CiviCorps member can expect to receive to address potential barriers:
- Substance abuse evaluation/counseling
- help with Childcare
- Transportation
- Financial management education
- Housing resources
- Legal issues
- Family conflict
Employability Training may include:
- Career preparation
- Job-seeking skills
- Supportive Services
- Corp. Member work experience allowance
- Job shadowing
- On Job Training
The desired outcome of employability training is to equip CiviCorps members with the necessary skills to locate, secure and maintain employment, as well as provide corps members with realistic expectations of the world of work. This component will be addressed through the Career Counselors office.
Service Learning opportunities:
- Opportunities for corps members to utilize their own unique skills
- Foster long-lasting pro-social skills
- Build healthy relationships
- Create networks of trust and support
- Promote civic responsibility
For referals, applications, or more information
contact Jeff Campbell at 618-533-5288 ext. 223 or email