‘Pathfinders’ Program teaches job readiness, life skills

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The recent homeless camp clean-up in Luzerne County highlights a growing issue of services for men and women experiencing homelessness.

On Tuesday, one faith-based non-profit has a plan to help change helping people get off the streets and secure jobs.

Wearing a blue apron, Reginald Johnson prepared lunch at Keystone Mission in Scranton. He’s an ambassador of the organization’s Pathfinders Program which focuses on job-readiness and life skills.

“It’s everything. I love helping these people because I was homeless at one time, It’s a good way to give back,” Johnson said.

Participants are given job-like responsibilities, learn how to interview, build a resume, and interact in a professional setting.

“Overall, the goal is that we would like individuals to obtain gainful employment through this program, but at the core of it it’s for community fellowship and support,” said Keystone Mission Program Director Lasha Wyman-Klein.

Nearly 20 people are currently involved in the program that was created about two years ago. It’s designed to address the vocational gap so they can become economically self-sufficient and improve their quality of life through a career they enjoy.

“This program does a lot for individuals. There’s skill building, employability, but at the core of it, we’re transforming lives by raising people’s self-confidence, raising people’s sense of self-worth,” Wyman-Klein explained.

“They have all kinds of resources here. The people have a lot they could take advantage of if you need ID, or assistance looking for housing. Even if you’re not homeless or anything, I would come and just see what we do,” Johnson added.

Keystone Mission has locations in both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

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