Open Hearth Association; Opening the Doors of Opportunity

Helping disadvantaged individuals recover from major setbacks is the goal of the Open Hearth Association. Many are in transition from homelessness, in recovery from addiction, and in some cases, in recovery from incarceration.

"These men are at an extreme disadvantage," said Nancy Herbert, development associate and grant writer for Open Hearth. "The transitional living program makes it feasible to accomplish the work that we long to do. It makes the work possible."

Open Hearth's well-credentialed staff crafts holistic recovery plans on an individual basis. These plans often include vocational training and education in addition to addiction recovery and personal development training.

The staff works to identify men who lack sufficient employment history and life skills to succeed in the working world. In the past, vocational training programs like these have been successful.

Part of the vocational training program includes working for the Open Hearth Wood Product division, where program residents cut firewood to sell to restaurants and individuals in the Greater Hartford area. The experience provides true work experience and the revenue is used to offset program expenses. The land for the timber yard is owned by CL&P and made available to the Open Hearth at no cost.

Northeast Utilities has given the Open Hearth Association a two-year, $14,000 grant to help those who need it most. The money will pay for men to enroll in culinary school or apply for a Commercial Drivers License, two key stepping stones for those seeking employment and an improved quality of life.

"Once the men complete the program we have about a 95 percent rate of getting a job for them," said Joy Chance-Blake, director of education at Open Hearth. "The funds really allow us to make sure the job is complete by allowing us to make follow-up visits and ensure that job retention is successful."

For more information about the Open Hearth Association visit www.theopenhearth.org.