FRESH START, a program of PHMC subsidiary Health Promotion Council’s (HPC) Workforce Development division, supports justice-involved youth ages 14-21 years by providing job readiness and professional certification preparation.
The program was created in 2017 when PHMC’s Workforce Development division was awarded funding from STRIVE International and the U.S. Department of Labor to service formerly justice-involved individuals with an employment-focused adult reentry program consisting of job training and career preparation services, case management, legal services to address barriers to housing, employment and education, and job placement. PHMC also partnered with the United Safety Group to provide its construction industry readiness certifications and an employer pipeline for paid work experience or direct hire within the construction industry. In subsequent years, Workforce Development was awarded funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to offer a job readiness and certification program for youth between the ages of 14-21 years.
FRESH START currently provides an insurance billing and coding program geared toward participants ages 18-21 years and offers a six-month training toward a National Certified Insurance Coding Specialist (NCICS) certification. Students are prepared for employment in a hospital setting, physician’s office and third-party billing companies where they can assist with claims processing and billing services.
FRESH START also offers a training in partnership with HPC’s Nutrition and Active Living (NAL) to offer the ServSafe Food Handlers and Food Managers certification program to youth ages 14-21 years. The training is rooted in the latest science and best practices from regulatory agencies, academia, and the food services industry. The program also includes soft skills training, resume and interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
For more information, please contact Veronica Phillips by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 215.667.5580.
