Empléate Program
"Develop your talent, build your future"
At Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services (Ponce NHS) we firmly believe in the potential of every person to transform their life and strengthen their community.
The Empléate Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at parents who are heads of households participating in PAN/TANF in the southern and central regions of Puerto Rico. Its purpose is to strengthen their personal, social, and work capacities, promoting economic self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on public assistance.
Our Focus
The service model is based on a comprehensive and participatory approach, which combines:
- Vocational training
- Development of social and work skills
- Individualized support and follow-up
Through this model, we support each participant in their personal and professional growth process, providing them with concrete tools to achieve economic stability and family well-being.
Youth Component
As part of the program, we have a component aimed at young people over 13 years old who are at risk of social and economic vulnerability.
They are offered the course "I Decide My Future," a short course focused on the prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and on making responsible decisions for building a healthy and successful life plan.
Cities of impact
The program provides services in the following cities:
Adjuntas, Aibonito, Coamo, Guayanilla, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Peñuelas, Ponce, Villalba, Yauco, Guánica, Salinas, and Santa Isabel.
Service Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Contact us
Empléate Program:
Promote Self-Sufficiency in Heads of Families with Activities Leading to Employment
This component is aimed at unemployed or underemployed heads of households who wish to improve their job and economic stability.
Our goal is to strengthen their personal, social, and work-related skills to achieve sustainable economic self-sufficiency, while also promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing risk factors associated with stress and economic dependency.
We offer an intensive one-month training cycle (120 hours) designed to prepare participants to obtain employment or start their own business.
Participation Requirements
- Be a beneficiary of TANF or eligible for the TANF-C Program.
- Be the head of a family responsible for minors between 0 and 18 years old.
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or seeking to improve your employment situation.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Reside in one of the program's impact municipalities.
- Have availability and commitment to participate for one month in activities and workshops.
What we offer
Preparation for the workforce
- Resume Writing
- Interview Simulations
- Online Job Search
- Customer Service
Personal and Professional Development
- Self-esteem and Emotional Intelligence
- Stress Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethics and Responsibility
Technological Competencies
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Canva
- Zoom
- Google Apps
Entrepreneurship (PODES Program)
- Business Idea Development
- Canvas Model
- Legal Permits and Requirements
- Budgeting and Financial Planning
Short Vocational Courses - Practical training to quickly generate income, including workshops on:
- Pastry (cakes, cookies, cake pops, puff pastry)
- Charcuterie
- Balloon Bouquets
- Crafts
Additional Benefits
- Active assistance in job searching
- Emotional support and networking opportunities
- Individualized follow-up
- Guidance for continuing education
- Snacks during workshops
- Achievement activity and participation certificate
- Post-training evaluation to measure progress and results
Course "I Decide My Future": Prevent or Reduce Pregnancies Outside of Marriage.
This component is designed for young people between 13 and 18 years old who are active students.
Through a dynamic series of 5 workshops, we aim to strengthen their character and prevent risky behaviors.
Topics of the Course "I Decide My Future":
• Life Project: Setting short- and long-term goals.
• Self-Esteem and Self-Control: "Connecting with myself" and "I have control".
• Healthy Relationships: Prevention of violence in dating and assertive communication ("Loving without harm").
• Decision Making: Tools to evaluate consequences and act responsibly.
Who can participate?
- Young people from 13 to 18 years old.
- Active middle or high school students.
- With authorization from a father, mother, or guardian.
Places to impact
- Public Schools
- Camps
- Community Centers
