Very Important Process (VIP)

PAC

Purpose - Authority - Character

The Very Important Process Program (V.I.P) is a curriculum based program that provides the resources and tools needed to transform our peace ambassadors’ lives through a life-altering curriculum called the P.A.C.

It is our belief that a positive identity develops through an ongoing process of discovering one’s life mission (Purpose), igniting your power to make decisions aligned to your mission (Authority) and operating in alignment with your truth (Character). 

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“Since coming here, my attitude has shifted. The Firehouse helped me see things differently—especially with how I control my temper and handle situations.”

Emanuel Steeves

V.I.P Phases

We take the journey with 3 groups of 15 individuals each year. Over a 12 – 18 month period, we pair 5 peace ambassadors to 1 navigator, and provide various training to ensure the success of their transformation.

Peace Ambassador

A high-risk young individual making the decision to become a model for their peers to show the transformation of change.

Navigator

A professional mentor who guides peace ambassadors through their entire transformation, celebrates their success, and supports them to stay on track to reach their target goals.

Phase 1: Outreach – 4 months

2 months: Recruiting & onboarding

  • Our outreach team walks the North Lawndale, K-Town, and Cicero streets everyday connecting with individuals who are looking for change in their life, and introducing them to the VIP program.

2 months: Relationship Building

  • After recruitment, interested individuals meet with our navigators and outreach team twice a week to build relationships through outings and exercises. 
Phase 1: Outreach – 4 months
Phase 2: Transformation – 6 months, 20 hours per week

2 months: Head and Heart – Mental Health & Mission Statement

  • New participants are trained to understand the importance of mental health, finding one’s purpose in life, and becoming a true Peace Ambassador. This is the beginning of our P.A.C curriculum.

2 Months: Hands – Workforce Development

  • After our peace ambassadors have created their mission statements and found their passions. It’s time to prepare for the workforce. We expose our Peace Ambassadors to a number of fields with high placement rates, providing intensive training to ensure they are prepared to compete for high paying jobs. 

2 Months: Feet – Job placement

  • After 4 months of preparing their mind, heart, and body. It’s time to place them in the workforce. We partner with over ## businesses to provide ample options for our peace ambassadors.

We have a 70% job placement rate for both men and women who were formerly incarcerated, on probation or parole, or come from other hard-to-employ backgrounds.

See our Workforce Placements below. 

Phase 2: Transformation – 6 months, 20 hours per week
Phase 3: Alumni – Follow Up

After placing them, we consistently track the employment status and mental health of each peace ambassador, providing ongoing support services to enhance their chances of long-term success.

Phase 3: Alumni – Follow Up