Step Up Recovery

Step Up Recovery is built in partnership with recovery, reentry, and community-based organizations.

While partner organizations focus on recovery and support, WV Women Work delivers free career training, industry credentials, and workforce preparation that help individuals move into stable, in-demand careers.

A Pathway from Recovery to Career

Recovery is about rebuilding a life.

Step Up Recovery works with organizations to help individuals move forward through training, coaching, and real-world experience that lead to stable careers.

For organizations, referral partners, and workforce programs.

How It Works

Step Up Recovery connects individuals in recovery to training, support, and employment pathways. 
Through a structured process, participants build skills, gain experience, and move toward stable, long-term work.

Recovery

Training

Credentials

Employment or Apprenticeship

Stability

The result: a clear path from recovery to stable, long-term employment.

Three Steps Toward a Career

Step Up Recovery combines three program elements that help participants move from recovery to employment.

STEP 1: Career Readiness Training

Building the Foundation

Participants build the skills needed to succeed in the workplace through WV Women Work’s SkillUp program.

Topics include:

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Professional communication
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Resume and cover letter development
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Digital literacy and online job searching

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Financial literacy and budgeting
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Goal setting and career exploration
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Training can be delivered in person or virtually and prepares participants to move forward into employment.

STEP 2: Skilled Trades Exploration

Discovering New Career Paths

Participants explore careers in the skilled trades through virtual training and interactive platforms that simulate real workplace tasks.

Fields may include:

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Electrical
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Plumbing
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Carpentry
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HVAC
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Equipment operation
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Construction safety
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Facilities maintenance
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Participants gain exposure to different career paths, earn introductory credentials, and identify options that match their interests and strengths.

For many, this is their first opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades.

STEP 3: Hands-On Training & Workforce Preparation

Preparing for Real Work

Participants gain hands-on experience through training opportunities and workforce bootcamps that introduce real tools, equipment, and jobsite expectations.

Training may include:

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OSHA-10 Construction Safety
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Forklift Operator Certification
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First Aid / CPR / AED
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Hands-on carpentry and electrical projects

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Equipment operation simulators
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Participants build real-world skills and earn industry-recognized credentials that strengthen their resumes and prepare them for employment.

Removing Barriers to Employment

Getting started isn’t just about training. 
It’s about removing the obstacles that can stop someone before they begin.

Starting a new job comes with real costs. Even with training and support, those upfront expenses can still be a barrier. That’s why WV Women Work offers the Ready to Work Fund to help participants get started.

The fund helps cover essential costs like tools, boots, and transportation so participants can move forward with confidence.

Personalized Career Coaching

Every Step Up Recovery participant receives individualized career coaching to prepare for employment and take the next step.

Coaching includes:

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Career pathway planning
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Job search preparation
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Interview coaching
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Addressing employment barriers
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Connections to employers and training programs

This support ensures each This support helps each participant move forward with a clear, practical plan.

From Recovery to Opportunity

Participants move directly into real opportunities:

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Skilled trades employment
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Registered Apprenticeship Programs
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Additional workforce training
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Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship

The goal is not just employment. It is long-term stability, confidence, and economic independence.

Why It Matters

Stable employment is one of the most reliable factors in long-term recovery.

It provides:

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Financial stability
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Structure and routine
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Opportunities for growth
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A path toward independence
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Step Up Recovery helps individuals move forward into steady work while strengthening West Virginia’s workforce.

Partner With Step Up Recovery

We actively partner with recovery programs, reentry organizations, and workforce agencies across West Virginia.

If you serve individuals in recovery, we bring career training directly to your program.

• On-site or virtual delivery
• Flexible scheduling
• No cost to partner organizations

Refer participants or start a partnership today. Contact us to get started.

Program Coordinator:

Primary point of contact for program partnerships and participant referrals

Pri Patel: ppatel@wvwomenwork.org

Skilled Trades Instructor:

Questions about training, hands-on learning, and program delivery

Jonathan Hopkins: jhopkins@wvwomenwork.org

Career Coach:

Support services, career readiness, and participant guidance

Marlynda Arnett: marnett@wvwomenwork.org