Based in West Jackson, the Refill Jackson Initiative (RJI) is a nonprofit with a mission to empower young adults ages 18 to 24 to be more equipped and motivated to enter the workforce and be self-sufficient. For success in any job, workers need soft and technical skills–and RJI teaches both.
“The Refill Jackson Initiative believes that all youth, regardless of circumstances, deserve the tools to achieve stability, self-sustainability, and prosperity,” shared Caitlin Brooking, RJI’s Executive Director. “We focus on implementing youth-positive programs that provide instruction on life skills, opportunities to practice skills, make mistakes, receive and respond to feedback in real-life settings.”
RJI recognizes that being “job ready” means more than just being able to apply for a job and be hired. To be successful in the workforce, employees must have adequate education, reliable transportation, identity documents, stable physical and mental health, and, if applicable, childcare. Soft skills often overlooked in other job-ready programs include good work ethic, communication and problem-solving skills, time management, anger management, self-confidence, and the ability to accept and learn from criticism.
“We give our “members” the time, space, and guidance to learn and practice the critical job and life skills we teach,” shared Brooking. “We work with members individually to address any unique barrier they have to enter the workforce.”
RJI was intentionally started in West Jackson and strives to serve that community in various ways. Recently, RJI, in partnership with Entergy and Volunteer Mississippi, announced the launch of Refill Jackson Green Corps, a new workforce training AmeriCorps program for young adults. Members will serve on a team for 5 months in Metro Jackson, completing water quality, environmental improvement, and disaster mitigation projects while earning nationally recognized work credentials from Hinds Community College.
“Refill Jackson Initiative seeks to be a good neighbor to our West Jackson community by pursuing projects that directly address the environmental concerns of West Jacksonians,” said Brooking. “Refill Jackson Green Corps will impart skills sought by employers while getting things done for and with Jacksonians.”
Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund has supported the Refill Jackson Green Corp launch by awarding Refill Jackson Initiative $150,000 for the new workforce training AmeriCorps program for young adults.
“We invest in the critical foundations of our communities like Refill Jackson Green Corps, to create thriving places to call home, now and for future generations,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.
Refill Jackson Initiative will be gearing up for new applicants coming in 2025. While serving as a Green Corps AmeriCorps member, members will gain work experience while completing environmental and disaster response projects, earn a $5,000 living stipend while serving, receive a $1,956 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the program, earn credentials such as OSHA-10, Water Quality Monitoring, Tool and Worksite Safety, and First Aid & CPR, and be eligible for student loan deferment and forbearance while serving.
Who is a suitable applicant?
“Young adults 18-24 that want to be here and want to help improve West Jackson,” shared Brooking.
And if you’re looking for help from the Refill Green Corps crew for a community project? Click here for info on how to request a team!
