EMPOWER: Justice-Involved CHW Support Team Group

Overview: This support group is designed specifically for community health workers (CHWs) with justice involvement experience, providing a safe space to share challenges, receive support, and enhance skills. Meetings will occur twice a month and will focus on topics related to professional development, self-care, and navigating reentry into the workforce.

The Justice-Involved Community Health Worker Support Group curriculum aims to provide CHWs with justice involvement experience a supportive environment to enhance their skills, build resilience, and navigate the reentry process successfully. Through interactive sessions, peer support, and access to resources, participants will gain valuable tools and insights to thrive in their professional roles and contribute positively to their communities’ health and well-being.

Meetings will be focused on topics including:

• Setting Goals
• Navigating Reentry Challenges
• Building resiliance and coping skills
• Effective communication and conflict resolution
• Professional Development and Skill Enhancement
• Advocacy and Community Engagement
• Legal Rights & Resources
• Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

Meeting Frequency: Twice a month. The initial schedule will be every other Thursday at 7pm: April 25th, May 9th, May 23rd, June 6th.

Meeting Duration: 1 hour per session

This support group is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and organized by CHWARI, part of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.