Pathways To Recovery 

A transformative initiative funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development that provides comprehensive workforce development and recovery support services for individuals and families directly or indirectly impacted by the opioid epidemic.

Through this program, the AACCNJ Training & Development Institute (TDI) delivers trauma-informed career services designed to help participants stabilize their lives, rebuild confidence, and successfully reenter the workforce. Participants receive individualized career coaching, workforce readiness training, credential-based training opportunities, and supportive services that address barriers to employment.

The program also connects participants to community-based resources including recovery support, behavioral health services, and case management to ensure a holistic approach to long-term stability and employment success.

Pathways to Recovery serves residents across New Jersey’s Central Region, including Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties, helping individuals move from crisis to career while strengthening the region’s workforce.

Attention Employers in partnership with the NJ Department of Labor:

Learn How to Become a Recovery Friendly Workplace

Employers play an important role in creating workplaces that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of individuals in recovery. By providing opportunities for employment and fostering a supportive work environment, businesses can help individuals rebuild stability while strengthening their workforce.

To assist employers in this effort, NJ DOL provides resources, guidance, and practical strategies that support the successful employment of individuals in recovery. These tools outline best practices for recruitment, workplace support, and retention, helping organizations build recovery-friendly policies and cultures.

https://pathways2recovery.nj.gov/employers/ 

The NJDOL SNAP STEPS (Skills and Training to Enhance Participation and Success)

Program offers SNAP recipients free employment and training services designed to help individuals build skills, secure meaningful employment, and move toward long-term financial stability.

As a subcontractor to Blessed Ministries, Inc., the AACCNJ Training & Development Institute (TDI) provides participants with personalized career coaching, job readiness training, digital literacy support, and access to occupational training aligned with in-demand industries.

Participants also benefit from wraparound support services, including assistance with transportation, career navigation, and connections to community resources that help remove barriers to employment and support sustained workforce participation.

Through this initiative, TDI serves SNAP participants across the Northern Region of New Jersey (Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Warren, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties), empowering individuals and families to strengthen their economic mobility while supporting employers with a prepared and motivated workforce.

Pathways from Justice Involvement to Workforce Opportunity

Workforce Development Programs:

Job Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS)

The Job Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS) Program is a collaborative initiative between the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Courts designed to support individuals with justice involvement as they pursue sustainable employment and long-term career pathways.

Through the AACCNJ Training & Development Institute, participants receive comprehensive workforce development  services that address both employment preparation and the unique barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals.

Program participants benefit from:

• Career readiness and workforce preparation training

• Individualized career coaching and case management

• Access to occupational skills training in high-demand industries

• Paid internship opportunities that provide real-world work experience

• Supportive services to remove barriers to employment

• Job placement assistance and employment retention support

By combining structured workforce development with paid work experience and individualized coaching, the JOBS program helps participants build skills, restore confidence, and transition successfully into the labor market.

The program also works closely with employers to create pathways for participants to secure stable employment while helping businesses access a motivated and often overlooked talent pool.

NJLEAD (New Jersey Local Education and Assistance for the Disadvantaged)

The NJLEAD Program, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) and funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce  Development, provides workforce reparation and reintegration services for individuals who are currently incarcerated or recently released from correctional facilities.

Through this initiative, the AACCNJ Training & Development Institute (TDI) delivers structured workforce development programming designed to prepare participants for successful reentry into the workforce and their communities.

The program focuses on building the skills, confidence, and career pathways necessary for individuals to transition from incarceration to employment and long-term economic stability.

Participants receive comprehensive services that may include:

• Workforce readiness and career exploration training

• Digital literacy and essential workplace skills development

• Career coaching and individualized reintegration planning

• Connections to occupational training opportunities upon release

• Employment placement support and job retention coaching

• Coordination with community-based service providers to support successful

reintegration

By engaging individuals prior to release and continuing support during reentry, NJLEAD helps ensure that participants are prepared to enter the workforce with the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed.

Join the Conversation on Second Chance Hiring

Across New Jersey, thousands of capable and motivated individuals are ready to work but face barriers due to past justice involvement. Second chance hiring offers employers the opportunity to tap into a dedicated workforce while helping strengthen communities and local economies.

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey invites employers to join the conversation and become leaders in expanding workforce opportunity through second chance hiring.

By partnering with AACCNJ and the Training & Development Institute, employers can:

• Connect with qualified job candidates prepared through workforce training and coaching

• Access paid internship programs and workforce pipelines

• Receive guidance on best practices for second chance hiring

• Participate in statewide conversations with business leaders, workforce organizations, and policymakers

• Help shape more inclusive hiring practices that expand economic opportunity

Employers who engage in this work are not only strengthening their workforce — they are helping build safer, more stable communities.

Join the Chamber and our statewide partners in advancing second chance employment and unlocking the potential of a powerful, untapped workforce.

Connect with AACCNJ to learn how your organization can participate in second chance hiring initiatives.

AACCNJ’s Training & Development Institute (TDI) provides free and confidential SNAP Navigator services to help individuals and families access the food assistance benefits they may be eligible for through New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Our trained Navigators offer one-on-one guidance throughout the entire process, helping clients understand eligibility requirements, complete applications, submit documentation, and maintain their benefits. We work closely with community members to ensure that the application process is simple, supportive, and stress-free.

Whether you are applying for the first time or need help maintaining your benefits, our team is here to help you access the resources you need to support your household and maintain stability.

Our SNAP Navigator services include:

• Free and confidential eligibility screening

• Assistance completing and submitting SNAP applications

• Help with required documentation

• Support with renewals and benefit maintenance