Refill Jackson Initiative

Refill Jackson Initiative (rji) engaged 40 disconnected youth (ages 18-24) in its 9-week workforce development training program in 2023. Rji held 4 cohorts (16-19) throughout the year. Cohort 17 held the distinction of the first cohort with 100% retention, even though this cohort faced the same retention challenges as all other cohorts, including unstable housing and physical and mental health challenges. Rji staff has worked hard to develop strong relationships with social services providers to effectively match members with the resources they need to succeed in the program, and to take full advantage of Refill's programming. The logistics of accessing any one of these resources, let alone multiple, while fully participating in rji's short, intensive program make this a notable achievement for the staff, and a significant step toward self-sufficiency for members. Rji's team has become proficient at coaching members on overcoming their barriers to employment, 89% of graduates to date report they have resolved at least one barrier to employment during the program, such as acquiring vital documents, securing access to health care, or obtaining needed eyeglasses. This year has also seen a steady increase in graduates' rates of earning a national career readiness certificate, with an average of 71% earning a bronze-level or higher, a basic requirement for many entry-level jobs in the five high-demand sectors in Mississippi. Rji's graduation rate to date is 68%.