LESC Vocational Training Supports Resilient Recovery

Building a Sense of Purpose

Substance use disorder often leaves individuals feeling lost, directionless, and without a sense of purpose. At LESC, we understand that education, vocational training, and job placement help provide a crucial sense of financial security and stability that is often lacking in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder. LESC Education, Job Training and Placement Assistance helps clients discover their passions and interests and provides a sense of meaning and purpose that is vital to maintaining recovery.

Clients work alongside LESC peer support specialists who have been successful in the recovery process and dedicated to supporting others through similar circumstances. “The peer support specialists actually accompany clients to their appointments,” explained Despina Vougioukas, LESC Director of Vocational Services. “Then, I’ll follow up with them and have our support groups talk about what are some issues that they’re going through. It’s not uncommon for them to feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with their peer support specialist than with the counselor.”

Building Skills and Knowledge

Education and building vocational skills can open up exciting new opportunities for clients in recovery – providing a sense of financial stability and independence. For some it may begin with classes to obtain their GED. LESC Residential Programs offers GED Assistance Classes run by a teacher from the New York Department of Education who works with each client to determine a course of study to help them achieve certification.

“Clients may have an ideal job in mind or an ideal type of training they’d like to pursue. But they may not have a plan of action to help achieve their goals,” Despina added. “We try to help them understand the steps they may need to take in order to achieve their goals.”

Ultimately education and vocational training can provide LESC clients with the skills and knowledge they need to enter or re-enter the workforce. For many clients, work starts right at LESC – supporting on-site maintenance, food service and simple administration needs like answering the phones.

Improving Employability

LESC Education, Job Training and Placement Assistance programs provide job search assistance, resume preparation, and interview skills training, that help individuals improve their employability and stand out to potential employers. And LESC connects clients with job opportunities in their communities, which can provide financial stability and a sense of purpose. “We work with community partners like NADAP and ADAPT Community Network that get state funding, and we go into the community and develop relationships with employers – letting them know that the candidates we are going to recommend for their positions may have a gap in their work history, but they’re here to work,” Despina offered.

Beyond the support clients need to guide them in finding a job, LESC case managers follow up and help make sure that clients have chosen the right kind of employment – checking in on a regular basis to see how the workplace experience is going. “We try to help clients understand that it’s a process,” Despina added. “Once they get the opportunity, it’s amazing how very excited they are. And then sometimes they may still need guidance. We’re always here to help them throughout the entire process.”

Supporting Healthy Self-Esteem

Substance use disorder is a traumatic experience that typically leaves individuals with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Job training and placement, along with vocational training, can provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment, and a belief in their own abilities and potential.

Money management can add to a sense of accomplishment, too. “Money can be a trigger for some clients,” Despina noted. “Congratulations! They get their first paycheck, and they want to buy the most expensive sneakers because it makes a statement. We support them with financial management skills and encourage them to save and plan before they splurge. Maybe it’s still cold outside and they really could use a better coat more than they need those fancy sneakers. We help clients with budgeting because we want them to see what they realistically earn, what they need to spend, and what’s important to save for.”

Reduce the Risk of Relapse

Financial stability that a job can provide adds to an important sense of security. Beyond providing clients with a sense of routine, structure, and purpose – all essential to maintaining recovery – employment can also provide a sense of accomplishment, social support, and connection, which can be a protective factor against relapse.

Begin Your Recovery Here

At LESC, vocational training is an important tool in all of our substance use recovery programs – providing clients with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to build a stable and fulfilling life in recovery. By bolstering a sense of purpose and accomplishment, increasing self-esteem, and helping to reduce the risk of relapse, vocational training can help individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

Coverage areas include:

• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• Manhattan
• Staten Island
• Nassau and Suffolk Counties
• Out of State