Employment for Adults & Youth
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The Youth Diversion & Workforce Development Program at Centro C.H.A. assists communities that suffer the highest rates of poverty, violence, unemployment, and low levels of educational attainment. Centro C.H.A. has made it their mission to increase opportunities and improve the lives of socially, economically disadvantaged families through advocacy, health education, violence prevention, mentoring, youth workforce development, community service, and civic leadership activities. The organization has made it their initiative to help and assist the underserved population of Long Beach. 
Centro C.H.A. is committed to empowering youth and young adults with knowledge and skills towards becoming healthy, productive, and self-sufficient members in their community. The youth diversion program is for young adults and high school students between 16-24 years old; some program services are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program serves to assist the City of Long Beach community in hopes of reducing violence, by providing recreation programs such as arts and crafts outdoor games, sports, science activities that appeal to youth and families. Furthermore, the programs at CHA offer supportive services to ensure success of all participants enrolled in program activities (e.g. transportation assistance, and weekly incentives of participation/attendance). Centro C.H.A., Inc. is committed to working cooperatively with all youth that come through our doors to continue guiding them on the pathway to success.

Accept your past and don't turn back
FACE FORWARD YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM

Face Forward, our youth diversion program, offers free job training in many different fields! This program targets at-risk youth aged 16-24. Here are some of the development services offered through this program:
  • CA Food Handler Certification
  • Personal Caregiver & CPR/First-Aid Training
  • Forklift Operator Certification
  • Construction/Carpentry Training
  • Refinery Safety Overview (RSO) Certification
  • Customer Service & Retail Certification
  • Guard Card License

​Upon eligibility, enroll and complete- about 80% of the total cost of the Face Forward 2 Youth Community Project will be financed with federal money! 

We also offer a nearly-identical program for juvenile and adult offenders aged 18-24 called WAGEES4U, and another called Workforce Investment Act Opportunity (WIAO) for non-offending youth with demonstrated hardship.
Our workforce development services include:
​For certain services, participants must be between the ages 16 - 24 years old
  • Juvenile record sealing
  • Record expungement
  • Diversion services.
  • Driver license assistance
  • Job placement services
  • Paid work experience
  • Community service
  • Assistance with high school diploma,
    HiSET, and access to college
  • Access to computer lab & internet services
  • National Work Readiness Certification (NWRC)
  • Paid on-the-job training
  • 1-on-1 Case management
  • Career & academic mentoring
  • College enrollment​
  • FAFSA assistance
  • Professional skills training
  • Financial literacy workshops
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Resume development
  • Leadership development​​​

Are you ready to work? Review our document checklist:

ENROLL TODAY!
  • ​CA ID/Driver's License or birth certificates and school ID
  • Social security card
  • Notice of Action for ANY government assistance (ex. SSI, disability, TANF, CalWorks, etc.)
  • Family income (check stubs)
  • Parole/Probation Documents
  • ​Juvenile Record (1st Floor Clerks Office, window 14)
  • Copy of HS diploma/GED or High School Transcripts
Need help getting back into school?
High School Diploma/GED Services
If you are under 18 years old and currently not attending school, Centro CHA can help you get back into school or get enrolled in a alternative education program. Don't wait, before it's to late while you still have a chance to earn you high school Diploma.

If you are interested in getting your GED, Centro CHA is currently offering GED preparation services once week and we can assist paying for the GED Exam. Please visit our office to learn more information on how you can get enrolled.
College & Financial Aid Assistance
​Post Secondary Education assistance is also available for students looking to get enrolled in college. We can assist you with applying, and getting enrolled in a classes at the college of your choice. Case-Managers can also help you to create a goal-oreiented educational plan to guide your progress as you move towards a better life.

Not sure how you will pay for college? Don't worry Free Financial Aid is available if you qualify. Centro CHA is a trusted site and offers Free FAFSA application assistance to help get the financial aid you need to pay for college.