ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Designed for adult participants, this program consists of two levels, Level II and Level III (Level I is not offered at the Murphy Centre). Participants study math, science, communications, career education and general options subjects. Upon completion of Level III, participants earn an Adult Basic Education diploma and are eligible to attend most post secondary institutions.
High School Credit Program
Involves the same courses, texts and graduation requirements as in regular high school. Upon completion of required courses, participants earn their high school diploma granted by the Department of Education.
The philosophy of the Murphy Centre supports participants in making positive changes in their lives. In addition to finishing school or finding employment, these changes can include improvements in lifestyle. To help and encourage participants, the Centre offers courses, seminars and group/individual discussions on a variety of life style topics such as women and violence, parenting, quitting smoking, drug addiction, anger management and coping with stress. Participants are also able to gain assistance in obtaining housing, financial, legal and health services. Specific lifestyle Education programs include Personal Development Courses, Journaling Group, Community Relations, Cooking Program, The Women’s Group, and Individual Support Services.
CAREER/EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
The Murphy Centre offers services that allow participants to develop and improve their job skills and gain work experience. Services include work placement, international experience, community service and career planning. Career Planning/Career Education and Development are available to all participants of the Murphy Centre. Within the Academic program, career development information and guidance are offered through Career Education courses with the assistance of a Career Education Facilitator. Participants are encouraged to work toward identifying career goals and developing a personal career plan. Types of programs offered include the following:
Career Development Services:
- Career Life Assessment
- Participant Services Coordination
- Career Education and Information
- Career Life Planning
- Employment Development
(Various types of funding are available to individuals while participating in most employment programs at the Murphy Centre.)
Specific Career Employment Programs include:
- Community Youth Arts Project* << Visit Website >> offers youth aged 18-30 an opportunity to become members of an arts collective. The project focuses on developing artistic and employability skills through a 34 week studio and community service experience.
- Employment Action helps unemployed individuals of all ages achieve and maintain successful placements and secure employment. Participants of this program are in receipt of income support. Funded by HRE.
- Experience Ireland* provides an opportunity for eight youth, aged 18 to 30, to travel to Ireland for six months to gain work experience in the areas of technology, culture and the environment. These youth are identified as at risk yet demonstrate an ability to overcome barriers in their lives.
- Mentoring Connections* is designed for youth aged 18-30 who are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. The program opportunity to gain employability skills and experience through community service in healthcare.
- Youth Empowerment Strategies (YES!) supports participants aged 16 and over to work towards employment, academic, career, and lifestyle goals through individualized, goal-oriented programs. YES! is funded by HRE.
- Youth Works Well* offers youth an opportunity to develop employability skills through a combination of training and a core work placement. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30.
* Funding for these initiatives is provided under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy administered by Human Resources Development Canada.
OTHER INITIATIVES
Technology
Over the past several years the Murphy Centre has developed a state of the art computer network which has a permanent connection to the internet. We have the capability to do a variety of computer related multi-media activities. These resources have become extremely valuable to all participants.
Research
The Murphy Centre is committed to improving the services to participants. The Murphy Centre has undertaken several significant research initiatives in the following areas:
- Employment barriers in relation to the youth at risk population.
- Stigmatization towards youth and related health issues.
- Co-development of a community model of service to effectively address employment services towards youth.
- Development of a mentoring profile in the St. John’s area and community mentoring strategy.
- Journaling in academic, career and lifestyle education programs.
- Coordination of a conference on research in the practice of adult literacy, in partnership with the Community-Based Literacy Network, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Research in Practice in Adult Literacy (RiPAL) Network, with funding support from the National Literacy Secretariat, HRDC.
ADMISSION INFORMATION:
ABE and High School Credit Programs
Anyone interested in attending the Murphy Centre should fill out an application which can be printed here or pick up one at 95 Water St., St. John’s. A high school transcript or written assessment from last school attended is required. As part of the selection process, potential participants must attend an interview with the Centre’s staff to determine whether they are ready to return to school and whether the Murphy Centre’s services will be of benefit to them. The cost to attend the Murphy Centre is a $10 registration fee each semester. This fee goes toward books and supplies. Participants in the High School Credit Program must purchase textbooks.
Employment Services
Participants in the employment programs usually respond to advertisements placed in the media. They can also be referred by the Murphy Centre or by other community agencies.
Lifestyle Education Services
Once accepted into a program at the Murphy Centre, all participants may avail of the Lifestyle Education Programs. Referrals from outside agencies are also accepted.
