Suriel Martinez (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge]

Even though Life Skills is part of The Next Step Home, which, when it opens in the upcoming weeks, will be limited to women who've been incarcerated or have gone through rehabilitation, the Life Skills program is geared toward both men and women who desire to learn simple skills such as how to search for a job.

"We'll be teaching students how to be a good employee and how to be a better human being," said Suriel Martinez, class leader. "A lot of these people [who'll be taking the class] have been through a lot."

The 13-week program will meet at the Fairlane Church of Christ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. five days a week. In addition to learning how to apply for jobs and work up a resumé, students in the Life Skills class will learn about a work ethic, how to set goals, parenting skills and skills geared toward improving one's spiritual life.

Ideal candidates for the class are men who've been incarcerated and are looking to better their lives, men and women who've completed programs at the Tony Rice Center or Buffalo Valley, welfare recipients and others.

"Also, there will be women who can't come to the [Next Step] home, but we want to have the class open to them," said Geoff Giesemann of Fairlane Church of Christ, a board member.

"We're going to start [the class] by working on self-esteem," said Martinez. "We'll address each student's needs, talk about their past ... but only to learn from the past for a better tomorrow."

Students in the class must be referred by agencies, employers or institutions, such as the Department of Corrections, social services, parole or probation officers, churches and corporations.

The $500 cost for a student to participate is covered through sponsorships and donations. Individuals, agencies and employees may sponsor a particular student if they choose, although monetary donations to the program are also very much appreciated.

"The cost for you [the student] is showing up and doing the work," said Giesemann, who asked Martinez to lead the program. "Because people have sacrificed for you. The class is free but you earn it through your performance."

Martinez, who has a degree in psychology, has taken social work classes, and underwent training for the life skills program recently in Memphis, will be teaching the class but he'll also bring in pastors and other guest speakers to teach certain topics on a weekly basis.

Martinez's training for the Life Skills program took place at Hope Works, a life skills program in Memphis. Hope Works has been successful since its inception 10 years ago with more than 70 percent of class graduates finding and retaining jobs for two-plus years. The Life Skills Program is modeled after Hope Works.

In addition to preparing students for the workforce, the program is also designed to provide students with the framework necessary to go on to get their G.E.D. or even attend vocational schools following the class.

Class field trips will be taken to places like the library where students will learn basic computer skills as well as the Tennessee Technology Center.

Martinez is in the process of coordinating with local corporations and employers, asking for their vote of confidence in students who complete the program. He said specific employers in town have already agreed to give the class members a chance through both internships and employment upon completion of the program.

For more information about this program, or to sponsor a student, refer a student donate to the program, or participate as a mentor contact Martinez at (931) 639-4400 or e-mail him at martinezsuriel@yahoo.com.