Young Adults

This training will help set the stage to empower individuals to discover the hope within them, take control of their lives, and create meaningful connections to themselves and the world around them. We use evidence-based practices to create transformative experiences that achieve high-impact results.

The Difference We Make

95%

rate for our students pursuing higher educational goals.

88%

of graduates engaging in meaningful vocational activities after the training.

2X

Graduates are 2x more likely to obtain employment then similar peers after completing the program.

This training is composed of three parts we call the 3 C’s:

Communication, Core Gift and Career Development

Communication

Communication focuses on teaching how to use the “Engaging Communication Strategy” which is based on the principles of Motivational Interviewing.

The Core Gift Process

The Core Gift process helps participants identify their strengths and how they contribute them to the community.

Career Development

Career Development involves supporting the participants in identifying the ideal employment position for them. Participants create or update their resumes, learn about cover letters, and look at ideal and insufficient interview practices.

Adrian Castro

(He / Him)

GIFT Graduate

"I learned how to affirm others, how to indentify my own strengths and how to best use them"

Rachely Ramos

(She / Her)

GIFT graduate

“GIFT training is not only life changing but also a place of discovery.”

Joseph DeAlmeida

(He / Him)

GIFT Graduate

“The GIFT training has helped me work on my resumes and cover letters, letter of recommendations. I am currently working to be a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and I really owe a lot to the GIFT training”

Rosie Harrington

(She / Her)

GIFT graduate and Core Elements Training graduate / Peer Mentor at Wayside Youth and Family Support Netword

“GIFT helped me get my dream job. Now I’m doing what I wanted to do. Working with young adults and it’s what I always wanted.”

Ali Gold

(She / Her)

Gift Graduate / Core Elements of Young Adult Peer Mentoring Training Graduate

"The [GIFT Training] helped me to further my communications skills, such as how to positively affirm others and share my comeback story"

Upcoming Trainings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the training?

The G.I.F.T. training is a 75-hour training spanned out over 15 sessions, typically two days a week.

What are the hours of the training?

The training runs from 10:00AM-3:00PM

What if I can’t make a session?

It is important to attend all training days, however, life happens and our trainers will schedule to meet with you one-on-one to go over the material missed in class. In the event of more than two absences, you are welcome to restart the training at our next scheduled date.

What age group do you target?

We train young adults from the ages of 16-26, but exceptions can be made in some cases.

How do I qualify for this training?

If you are a young adult who wants to enhance your communication skills, learn more about your strengths and how to contribute them to your community and or move forward in your career development, then this training is for you. Also, this training provides strategies and supports to young adults struggle with mental health or substance use challenges and are seeking to live their best life.

How much does it cost?

The training is at no cost to the participants. The training is available to be sponsored by any organization who is interested. Past sponsors include The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Justice Resource Institute (JRI), Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP) and Vinfen.

Where does this training take place?

Trainings are held in various locations throughout Massachusetts to be determined by sponsoring organization. Due to the Covid-19 crisis we may move the training to a virtual platform on a as-needed basis.

I’m in high school/college. Can I receive credits for taking this training?

Great question! We have collaborated with educational institutions in the past to allow high-school/college students to receive credits for taking our training.