Organization Overview:  Riverside Community Care is a non-profit organization that offers a broad range of health and human services, including mental health care, developmental disability and traumatic brain injury programs, substance abuse treatment and early childhood services.  Riverside Career Services is a program of Riverside Community Care that offers a comprehensive career placement program designed to meet the needs of adults and adolescents, 16 or older, whose education or careers have been interrupted by mental health problems. 

College Access Program Overview:  Since education is often vital to re-entering the workforce and meeting the current needs of employers, Riverside Career Services offers a variety of education access services, from individualized education counseling and planning, assistance with enrolling in college or other programs, assistance with applications and financial aid requests, and ongoing support.

Best Practices:

Clients are guided through the following education preparation steps.

 EXPLORATION and PLANNING - Getting to know one’s interests, values, skills and career goals as well finding out what education programs would be a “good fit” for the individual. 

APPLYING for FINANCIAL AID - Informing the students of their financial aid options and then applying for appropriate resources, from federal, state and private agencies. 

APPLYING to SCHOOL, COLLEGE or TRAINING PROGRAM - Breaking down the admissions process, gathering needed materials, such as transcripts and diplomas, and filling out applications.

ORIENTATION – Attending required school orientations, meeting school advisors and support staff, arranging transportation, and getting school supplies.

GOING TO SCHOOL – Developing a Support Plan, maintaining regular contact with staff to get assistance with problem resolution, time management, study skills, stress, etc.

Areas of College Access it addresses:

Academic Readiness – By assisting students in accessing appropriate supports through their school and the community, such as tutoring, computer training, reading/writing skills training, etc.

Financial Awareness – By assisting students in researching and applying for various financial aid options, such as FAFSA, MA Rehabilitation Commission and private scholarships.

Social Readiness – By providing opportunities for clients to meet other students and college/school faculty and staff.

College Information Awareness – By exploring different schools through websites, literature and visiting campuses.