L.I.N.C.S. (Learning Independence & Networking to Create Self-sufficiency) LINCS is a training program that provides guidance and direction in job readiness, personal organization and life enrichment for individuals who are survivors of domestic abuse. LINCS mission is to end the cycle of violence by providing continued support and the tools necessary for economic and emotional self-reliance. LINCS provides critically important training to our clients. Many victims who come to the Retreat lack the basic financial, vocational and educational skills needed to live independently. Many clients have not been permitted to work or learn, thus creating a dominant environment where the women become completely dependent on their abusers. For victims in all socioeconomic brackets, financial education is essential to breaking the cycle of violence.
L I N C S
Learning Independence and Networking to Create Self-Sufficiency
Module Name |
Module Description |
Duration |
Office Technical Skills and Financial Empowerment |
Improve individual keyboard skills through 20 minute Mavis Beacon practice drills at the beginning of each class session Overview of computer systems and basic Windows operations including organizing files, manipulating files and manage the Windows the desktop. Produce Word documents while practicing editing techniques; build embedded tables and work with wizards and templates to generate resumes, business letters and other standard business correspondence. Create promotional fliers with images. Produce Excel spreadsheets using functions and formulas. Examine design considerations for producing reports. Practice editing techniques; generate graphical charts Apply spreadsheet techniques to basic personal financial planning concepts. Hands on workshops during each class session |
56 – 64 Hours |
Career Counseling |
Utilize the Internet to prepare for a job search including: skills assessment, interest inventory, contacts inventory. Identify ideal job(s), learn to research positions and narrow the gap, narrow the identification of target position. |
8 Hours and ongoing |
GED Preparation Course |
Improving reading and thinking skills in five main subjects, including language Arts Writing, Language Arts Reading, Social Studies, Science and Math. |
3-6 months |
Literacy |
Build confidence while gaining reading skills |
3 months |
Job Search Techniques Resume Writing Interviewing |
Identify job leads. Examine resume types and identify appropriate type for each participant. Discuss standard sections of the resume Apply resume, cover letter and follow up techniques. Examine Do’s and Don’ts of resume writing. Interviewing techniques, Research organization, appropriate attire. Do’s and Don’ts of interviewing; Answering and asking questions. Thank you/follow up. |
16 Hours |
Daytime computer sessions meet three times a week for 2 hours each. Daytime GED sessions meet four times a week for 2 hours each.
LINCS results
- Financial empowerment.
- Building office technical skills, examining different job search techniques.
- Participating in career counseling and training.
- Working to improve effective interview and resume writing skills.
"I learned to stop telling myself that I was too old to go back to school...It wasn't too late to become everything I wanted to become."
Lorraine, 2008 GED student.
"I was elated to have the opportunity to learn computer skills, and see it as a stepping stone to my future."
Karen, 2007 LINCS graduate