Start Strong Workforce Program
Building Stable Employment Pathways for Individuals in Recovery
Start Strong is All The Way Well’s workforce readiness and employment support program designed for individuals in recovery who are prepared to work but need structured support to successfully transition into and sustain employment.
The program addresses the practical and behavioral barriers that often disrupt early employment in recovery- instability, inconsistent routines, limited work history, and financial pressure.
Program Overview
Start Strong supports participants as they move from recovery into reliable, meaningful work by combining employment readiness, employer partnerships, and transitional financial assistance.
The program is intentionally structured to:
- Reinforce accountability and consistency
- Support successful job placement and retention
- Reduce early employment disruption caused by financial instability
This is not job placement alone. It is employment stabilization.
Who the Program Serves
Start Strong is designed for individuals who:
Are actively engaged in recovery
Are ready and willing to work
Face barriers related to employment gaps, limited work readiness, or financial instability
Benefit from structured accountability and transitional support
Participants are referred through recovery networks, community partners, and aligned service providers.
What Participants Receive
Job Readiness & Work-Ethic Development
Participants receive support focused on the behavioral and practical expectations of sustained employment. This includes reliability, communication, time management, and workplace accountability - skills that are often disrupted during periods of active substance use.
Employment
Transition Support
We support participants through key employment transitions, including:
- Entering the workforce after treatment
- Navigating early job challenges
- Maintaining consistency during schedule, role, or income changes
The focus is on long-term retention, not just job placement.
Employer Partnerships Aligned with Recovery Values
Start Strong partners with employers who understand the value of recovery-ready workplaces. These partnerships prioritize clear expectations, accountability, and supportive supervision—creating environments where individuals in recovery can succeed.
Employers benefit from:
- Motivated, supported employees
- Reduced turnover risk
- Ongoing communication and partnership
Transitional Financial Assistance
Early employment often comes with upfront costs that create instability. Start Strong provides limited, structured financial assistance to support participants as they stabilize income.
Assistance may include:
- Transportation and transit support
- Work-related expenses
- Short-term stability needs tied to employment
- All assistance is intentional, accountable, and connected to recovery and employment progress.
How the Program Works
Referral & Eligibility Review
Participants are referred through recovery and community partners.
Workforce Readiness Assessment
Individual needs, employment goals, and barriers are identified.
Employment Support & Placement
Participants engage in job readiness work and employer connections.
Transitional Support & Accountability
Ongoing check-ins and financial stabilization support early employment.
Progress Toward Independence
Support tapers as participants achieve consistent employment and stability.
Why Start Strong Matters
Employment is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery success – but only when individuals are supported through the transition.
Without structure, accountability, and short-term stabilization, early employment can become another point of failure. Start Strong exists to prevent that.
Partner With Start Strong
We actively seek partnerships with:
Employers committed to recovery-friendly workplaces
Funders invested in economic stability and recovery outcomes
Community organizations aligned with workforce development
If you are interested in partnering, hiring, or supporting the program, we welcome the conversation.