Who We Are
Ascent Assistance Booklet
The Ascent Employment Program is a non-profit agency.
Working in a safe and supportive environment, our team of trained
and committed volunteers provides practical assistance and training
to those wishing to find employment. Begun by Fr. Jim Mifsud,
the Ascent Employment Program has been serving our community
for 25 years without discrimination.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide assistance to those in our community
needing meaningful employment especially those with troubled
backgrounds.
What We Do
We provide:
Access to resources informing those individuals coming
from alcohol/substance abuse programs, those returning
from the criminal justice system, and others in need of
employment opportunities.
Assistance in clarifying career and employment objectives
through interviews and coaching.
Coaching to determine an individual’s strengths and skills.
Education in the methods of pursuing a successful job
search including basic computer training, resume writing
and interviewing skills.
Resources are available with employment listings, career
information and other community resources.
PO Box 9604, San Jose, CA 95175.
We are located upstairs in the back of the
Queen of Apostles Church on the corner of
Moorpark Ave and Mitty Way in San Jose, CA
95129
E-Mail: ascent@ascent-jobs.org
(408)-257-8302
Fax: (408)257-4600
www.ascent-jobs.org
Employment Resources
Employment Services Northern California Service League Parole
Employment Program
28 Boardman Place, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415)863-2323/Fax (415)863-1882
Ask Parole Agent for referral (Form 1502) EDD (Employment Dev. Dept. 2450
Bascom Avenue, Campbell, CA 95011
Northern California Service League
40 Boardman Place, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 863-2323
Fax (415) 863-1882/ e-mail NCSL@NorCaIServiceLeague.org Worldwide
Web: JVww.NorCalServiceLeague.org
E-mail: SantaClara@NorCaIServiceLeague.org
Offers: Intern and volunteer opportunities, pre-social services, life skills
training, job placement and job fairs, post-release social services, drug
counseling, Cameo House Transitional Housing, Financial Support
Employment Development Department (EDD)
To file claims for unemployment call: (800)300-5616
To file claims for disability insurance call: (800)480-3287
Offers: full service employment center, professional assistance with employment
search (fax, internet/computer access), resume critiquing, interview techniques,
classes and resource library including CALJOBS access codes and Workforce
Investment Act (WIA) funds. Also, One Stop programs (rehabilitation, displaced
workers, disabled and transportation).
Goodwill Industries Silicon Valley/Institute for Career Development 1080
N. 7th St., San Jose, CA 95112 . (408)998-5787
www.goodwillsv.org/vocational.html
Fees: $3.00 per day
Offers: Employment programs, telephone, fax, clothing, workshops
TRAINING
Continued
Mission College
3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054
www.missioncollege.org
Fee: Financial aid and/or fee waiver available
Offers: A wide range of lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities
including courses that lead to meaningful careers.
San Jose Job Corps
3485 East Hills Dr., San Jose, CA 95127 - (408)254-5627
http://sanjose.jobcorps.gov
Fee: Free
Eligibility: Young adults, age 16 to 24, U.S. citizen or legal resident, meet
income guidelines, motivated and committed, pledge to support Job
Corps’ Zero Tolerance Policy, drug-free and alcohol free
Offers: Training in accounting, automotive repair, auto body repair,
business technology, carpentry, computer technology, culinary arts,
dental assistant, drafting, electrical, facilities maintenance, HVAC,
landscaping, machinist, medical technology
Catholic Charities
2625 Zanker Rd., Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95134 - (408)325-525
www.ccsj.org
Fee: Free
Offers: Vocational assessment; training clients to search for work by
using computers
Santa Clara Unified School District Adult Education
1840 Benton St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 - (408)423-3500
TRAINING
(CREST), logistics or office technology, job preparation and job search
activities, placement, subsidized trial employment and/or on-the-job
training, placement follow-up services.
Heald College
San Jose Campus, 341 Great Mal Pkwy, San Jose 1-800-88 HEALD
www.heald.edu
Fees: Vary, some financial aid available if qualified
Offers: Business administration and accounting, criminal justice, office
skills, electronics technology, information technology (network security),
medical assisting, medical office administration, medical billing and
coding, construction, management, paralegal.
Everest College (formerly Bryman College)
San Jose Campus, 1245 S. Winchester, Ste 102, San Jose - 866-786-2769
or (408)246-4171.
www.everest.edu
Fee: Yes
Offers: Training in dental assisting, message therapy, medical
administrative assistant, medical insurance billing/coding
Silicon Valley Technical Institute
1762 Technology Dr., Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95110 (408)573-0100
www.svtii.com
Fee: Yes
Employment Resources
Work2Future
Main Number: (408)794-1100
420 Pastoria Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408)774-2365
1290 Parkmoor, San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 277-2727 (One-Stop Center)
2450 S. Bascom, Campbell, CA 95008 . (408)369-3606 (Campbell EDD)
www.work2future.biz
Fees: None
Offers: job search assistance, labor market information, career exploration and
planning, community resource information, job recruitments, workshops.
St. Joseph Cathedral/Office of Social Ministry/Job Search Program
80 South Market St., San Jose, CA 95113 . (408)283-8118
www.stjosephcathedral.org/Home
Services include free voicemail, fax, referrals to agencies that provide career
and clothing. Some eligibility for day tokens and monthly bus passes.
Center for Employment Training
701 Vine St., San Jose, CA . (408)287-7924
www.cetweb.org
Fees: Varies depending on income
Offers: job counseling, computers, fax, workshops
Nova/Job Seeker Service
420 S. Pastoria Ave., Sunnyvale, CA (408)774-2365
www.novaworks.org
Fees: None
Offers: job counseling, workshops, computers, fax, copy machines, support for
job seekers with special needs (including disabilities).
Employment Resources Continued
TRAINING
ProMatch
420 S. Pastoria Ave., Sunnyvale, CA (408)736-2391
www.promatch.org
Fees: 16 hours of service per month required
Offers: Professional networking opportunities, targeted job search
workshops, ProMatch alumni opportunities to increase networking, guest
speakers, career coaching.
Center for Employment Training (CET)
Sobrato CET Center, 701 Vine St., San Jose, CA 95110 - (408)287-7924
www.cetweb.org
Fees: Varies depending on income (financial aid if qualified)
Offers: Training in the following: accounting clerk, automotive specialist,
diesel maintenance mechanic, building maintenance, early childhood
teacher assistant, culinary arts, business office technology, medical
administrative assistant, medical assistant, and electrician.
Project Hired
1401 Parkmoor Ave., Suite 125, San Jose, CA 95126
(408)557-0880/Fax (408)557-0710
E-mail: info@projecthired.org
Offers: access to job leads through Project Hired Yahoo user group and
job search volunteers to assist in employment search.
JobLink at Sacred Heart Community Services
1381 S. First St., San Jose, CA 95110 (408)278-2172 or (408)916-5044
www.shcstheheart.org
Fees: Free
Offers: workshops. resume preparation, job searching, personalized
voicemail, email set up, use of internet for job search, use of phones
copiers, fax, computers, job referrals, interview preparation, clothing for
interviews, on-site recruiting
Cupertino Rotary Job Search Support Group
Monta Vista High School Cafeteria
21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 (408)735-0663
jimgi@aol.com
Continued
Center for Employment Training (CET)
7800 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy, CA 95020 - (408)842-6484
www.cetweb.org
Fees: Varies depending on courses and income (aid available)
Offers: Training in the following: accounting clerk, building
maintenance, medical clerk, truck driving
Institute for Career Development (ICD)
1080 North Seventh St., San Jose, CA 9112 - (408)869-9215
E-mail: admissions@goodwillsv.org
Further Information: Kevin Tuttle, Outreach Coordination. at
(408)869-9215
Eligibility: Homeless veterans who have served in the active U.S. military
who have been discharged or released under conditions other than
dishonorable.
Offers: Vocational and psychological counseling, classroom training in
accounting/Customer Relations and Employability Skills Training
FOOD/MEALS Continued
St. Joseph’s Family Center
7950 Church St., Gilroy, CA 95020 - (408)842-6662
Offers: Monday - Friday
breakfast at 9:00 p.m.
dinner at 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast with Friends
1425 Springer Rd., Mountain View, CA 94040 - (650)967-2189
Offers: Sundaybrunch at 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast with Friends at 7th Day Advent Church
1425 Springer Rd., Mountain View, CA 94040 - (650)967-2189
Offers: Sunday brunch at 8:30 a.m.
Offers: Mon. - Wed. and Fri
breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
Thurs. and Sat.
breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday
lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Employment Resources Continued
San Jose Job Corps Center
3485 E. Hills Dr., San Jose, CA 95127 (408)254-5627
www.sanjose.jobcorps.gov
Fees: Free
Offers: GED, vocational training, counseling, stipend, clothing, basic
medical and dental care, drivers license, work-based learning
opportunities linking jobs and classroom experiences, career preparation,
links to the One-Stop Career Center system, up to two years of training,
residential, on-site child care. Individuals 16-24 years old ONLY.
Labor Ready
562 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95126 (408)266-3120
1423 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95118 (408)264-0136
1062 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94040 (650)691-9275
www.laborready.com
Fees: None
Offers: Temporary employment opportunities in jobs related to
construction, manufacturing, warehousing, retail, events and hospitality,
waste and recycling, transportation, and agriculture.
Northern California Service League (NCSL)
Annual Job Fair for the Formerly Incarcerated is held annually in January.
State Building in downtown San Francisco. For more information call:
(415)863-2323 or E-mail: NCSL@NorCalServiceLeague.org
Employment Resources Continued
FOOD/MEALS
Our Daily Bread at St. Thomas Episcopal Church
231 S. Sunset Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 - (408) 736-4108
Offers: Mon., Wed., and Fri.
lunch at 11:15 a.m.
Proven People (A NOVA Program)
505 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA (408)730-7232
www.novapic.org
Fees: None
Offers: Job referral services for individuals 50 and older to employment
opportunities in the local area. Employers who call in job openings are
looking for mature candidates for part time and full time positions that
include a variety of skill services.
Institute for Career Development (ICD)
1080 North Seventh St., San Jose, CA 91120, (408)869-9215
E-mail: admissions@goodwillsv.org
Further Information: Kevin Tuttle, Outreach Coordinators. (408)869-9215
Eligibility: Homeless veterans who have served in the active U.S. military
who have been discharged or released under conditions other than
dishonorable.
Offers: Job preparation and job search activities, placement, subsidized
trial employment and/or on-the-job training, placement follow-up
services.
Produce Market at Georgia Travis Center
297 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112
Pre-registration required. Call 408-453-3124.
Offers: Free produce market available once a month in collaboration
with Second Harvest Food Bank.
St. Isabel Kitchen at Five Wounds Church
1375 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95116 - (408)292-2123
Offers: Sunday - Saturday
lunch sandwiches at 11:00 a.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Dining Room
3500 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Offers: Mon - Sat.
lunch at 11:00 a.m.
Some clothing is also available
Beth-El Baptist Church
Tenant Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037 - (408)779-2300
Offers: Voucher for a meal. Individuals must call first for appointment
FOOD/MEALS Continued
HOUSING & SHELTERS
First Christian Church of San Jose
8o S Fifth St, San CA 95112
United Way Shelter Hotline
1-800-774-3583
Salvation Army Hospitality House Soup Line – 8784
405 N 4th St San Jose, CA 95112
Offers: Monday-Saturday
lunch at 12:15 p.m.
Monday-Saturday
dinner at 5:15 p.m.
Emergency Bed Hotline
1-800-7-SHELTER 1-800-7-743-5837
Homeless Care Force at First United Methodist Church
24 N Fifth St, San Jose CA 95112 (408)294-7254
Offers: Mon, Wed and Fri
Hot meal at 10:30 a.m.
InnVision at Georgia Travis Center
297 Commercial St, San Jose CA 95112 (408)453-3124
www.innvision.org
Offers: Monday – Friday
breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
Monday – Friday
lunch at 11.30 a.m.
InnVision at Cecil White Center
358 N Montgomery St, San Jose CA 95112 (408)271-5160
www.innvision.org
Offers: Sunday – Saturday
lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday – Saturday
dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Casa de Clara
Call for location 408-297-8330
Offers: Temporary shelter for women and women with children. (Closed
each August)
EHC LifeBuilders Boccardo Reception Center
2011 Little Orchard Street - (408)294-2100 press 4,
Offers: Emergency shelter, food, medical services, case management and
3 monthly bus passes, if qualified.
InnVision/Julian Street Inn
546 West Julian St., San Jose - (408)271-0820
Offers: Housing for the mentally disabled single men and women.
Hours: 9:30-4:00 Monday through Sunday
Montgomery Street Shelter
358 North Montgomery Street, San Jose - (408)271-5160
Offers: Housing for men, call at 8:00 a.m. for reservations
HOUSING & SHELTERS Continued
FOOD/MEALS
Montgomery Street Shelter
358 North Montgomery Street, San Jose - (408)271-5160
Offers: Housing for men, call at 8:00 a.m. for reservations
Curtner Road, San Jose CA - (800)984-FOOD
Offers: a monthly allotment of 20-25 pounds of groceries to low-income
families with dependent minor children. Several languages are spoken at
this location.
Rescue Mission Shelter
1174 Old Bayshore Highway, San Jose - (408)288-2153
Offers: Bed sign-in on first come first served basis, dinner at 5:30 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Dining Room
3500 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025 - (650)365-9664
Offers: Monday - Saturday lunch at 11:00 a.m.
InnVision
66 E. Rosemary St., San Jose - (408)453-3124
Offers: Women and children (boys under 10 years), night shelter after
4:30 p.m, for reservations call after 9:30 a.m.
Salvation Army at Gilroy Community Center)
200 W. 5th St., Gilroy, CA 95020 - (408)848-5373
Offers: Monday - Friday
lunch at 12:00 p.m.
InnVision/Commercial Street Inn
260 Commercial Street - (408)271-1630 (until
Offers: Shared housing for women and women with children (boys
under 12), 30 days free, 60 days maximum, monthly bus passes.
Salvation Army Hospitality House
359 North 4th St., San Jose, CA (408)282-1165
Offers: Temporary housing for men. Sign up lottery for beds between
1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Mission Shelter
1174 Old Bayshore Highway, San Jose - (408)288-2153
Offers: Bed sign-in on first come first served basis, dinner at 5:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Church - St. Vincent de Paul
582 Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041 - (650)967-3831
Offers: Tues. - Fri.
1:30-7:00 p.m.
bag lunches as long as supply lasts
African American Community Center
304 N. 6th St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)292-3157
Offers: Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. the first, second and last Sundays of each
month
81 N. 8th St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)286-0348
Offers: 3rd Saturday of each month lunch at 12:00 p.m.
80 S. Fifth St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)294-2944
FOOD/MEALS
Continued
Martha’s Kitchen
311 Willow St., San Jose, CA 95110 - (408)293-6111
Offers: Tuesday and Wednesday
dinner at 4:00 p.m.
Our Daily Bread at St. Thomas Episcopal
231 S. Sunset Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 95086 - (408)736-4108
Offers: Mon., Wed., Fri,
lunch at 11:00 a.m.
Salvation Army
405 N. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)282-1175
Offers: Open 24 hours
Monday - Saturday
lunch at 12:15 p.m.
dinner at 5:15 p.m.
Family Harvest @ Opportunity Service Center
33 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto 94301 - (650)853-8672 (to register)
Offers: Monthly grocery distribution to registered very low-income
families. Open 2nd Wed, 5 - 7 pm
Food Closet
425 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto 94301 - (650)325-3663
Offers: Canned goods, fresh produce, dairy products and bread distributed
to very low-income residents of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
Open Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 3:30pm
Second Harvest Food Bank
HOUSING & SHELTERS
Sacred Heart Community Service
1381 South First St., San Jose, CA 95110 - (408)278-2160
www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org
Offers: Financial assistance with obtaining and keeping permanent
housing if you live in one of these zip codes 95008, 95110, 95111, 95113,
95117, 95118, 95124, 95125. Help with past due rent, deposit, PG%E,
San Jose Family Shelter/Family Supportive Housing
mortgage
1590 Las Plumas Ave., San Jose, CA 95133 - (408)926-8885
www.sjfamilyshelter.org
Offers: temporary housing for single and two-parent families. The
Shelter provides up to 35 families with a private room and support
services for a stay of up to 90 days.
Catholic Charities Housing Search and Stabilization
2625 Zanker Road, Suite 201, San Jose, CA (408)325-5277
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00. Call for app procedures and appt.
times
Offers: Matching program for single parents with children less than
12 years. Housing search for below market rate apartments and
affordable housing
Next Door
234 E. Gish Road, Suite 200, San Jose, CA - (408)501-7550 (main #)
24 hour hotline: (408)279-2962
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00-8:00, Friday 9:00-5:00
Offers: Confidential shelter, advocacy, ten and children’s programs,
counseling for women and children (including boys up to 18. Battered
women accepted 24 hours a day.
HOUSING & SHELTERS Continued
Bill Wilson Center Transitional Housing Program
693 South 2nd St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)243-0222
E-Mail: bwcmail@billwilsoncenter.org
www.billwilsoncenter.org
Offers: Homeless youth, ages 18-24 years, with a place to live while
they receive counseling, independent living skills, and other support
services
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
2202 N. 1st St. , San Jose, CA 95131
408-894-9041
Offers: Housing referral and placement, Individual and systems
advocacy, independent living skills, employment services, assistive
technology, peer counseling, personal assistant services, benefits
information and referral.
Seasons of Sharing
Santa Clara County Social Services
Please call Frank Motta at 408-491-6722
Offers: Assistance with one time critical need, grant paid directly to
supplier (such as a landlord. Assistance provided through food banks
or brown bag programs.
SCCGOV – CalWorks Santa Clara County Program
http://www.sccgov.org
Social Services Assistance 408.271.5600
Adult Protective Services 408.975.4900
Or 800.414.2002
Veteran Services 408.553.6000
Meals on Wheels 408.975.4860
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
408.885.5000
FOOD/MEALS
InnVision: Montgomery Meals at the Cecil White Center
358 Montgomery St., San Jose - (408)271-5160
Offers: Breakfast
Weekends
Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Dinner
4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
City Team Mission
580 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95113 - (408)288-2185
Offers: Monday - Friday
Breakfast at 6:30 a.m.
Mon. - Fri., Sat. and Sun.
Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Sat. and Sun.
Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
City Team Rescue Mission
1174 Old Bayshore, San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)288-2153
Offers: Sunday
Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
Chapel at 10:30 a.m.
Dinner at 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Breakfast at 6:30 a.m.
Dinner at 5:00 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes at St. Patrick’s
389 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95112 - (408)934-4990
Offers: Monday - Thursday
Dinner at 4:00 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes at St. Maria Goretti
2980 Senter Rd., San Jose, CA 95111 - (408)363-2300
Offers: Wednesday and Friday
dinner at 4:00 p.m.
General Assistance
St. Vincent de Paul
For assistance call the Queen of Apostles rectory
at (408) 253-7560 ext 150. If it is a voicemail box
leave your Name and telephone number and
a representative will return your call to help you.
PG&E ASSISTANCE
1-800-743-5000
(ASK FOR A SENIOR SUPERVISOR)
HOME ENERGY ASST. PROGRAM
1-888-728-3627
ASCENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM OFFICE
HOTLINES
Aging and Adult Services 800-675-8437
Aid
408-373-0873
Alzheimer’s Ass’n
800-660-1993
Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA World Services)
212-870-3400
American Cancer Society
408-871-1062
American Diabetes Assoc. 800-342-2383
Children & Family Svcs.
800-6323-4615
Medicare
800-633-4227
Nat. Domestic Violence
800-799-7233
Social Security Admin.
800-772-1213