VOL Comprehensive Employment Program: A Path to Work, Stability, and Dignity After Imprisonment

Prague, August 19, 2025

Since June 2025, we have been implementing a new two-year project, the VOL Comprehensive Employment Program (Reg. No. CZ.03.01.01/00/24_078/0005026), which focuses on supporting individuals during and shortly after imprisonment. The project is funded by the Operational Programme Employment Plus (OPZ+) and is based on a transferable and interconnected system of working with clients at the most vulnerable stage of their lives.

Who is the project for?

The project targets individuals who:

• are currently serving a prison sentence or were recently released,

• need to acquire work habits and qualifications,

• face debts, legal uncertainty, lack of support or housing,

• repeatedly fail due to lack of confidence in their abilities and missing social background.

This target group most often falls into the so-called cycle of recidivism – without work, without support, and without a real chance for change.

What do we offer participants?

The project provides a comprehensive system of support, including:

• Retraining directly in prison – use of the training center in Jiřice Prison or in the “home” prison,

• Workshops – focused on the labor market, legal literacy, communication, and debt counseling,

• Support of mentors and case managers – individual guidance and planning of the client’s pathway,

• Job and housing mediation after release,

• Counseling for employers – how to work with this specific target group.

The project connects the “inside” phase with the “outside” phase and builds on previous experience with the reintegration of clients after imprisonment.

What does the project develop?

VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. builds on the outcomes of previous projects and, in cooperation with expert partners, has developed a comprehensive employment model that:

• reflects the reality of low-qualified persons in prison,

• integrates education, practice, and counseling into one framework,

• works with clients continuously – before and after release,

• integrates professional actors across institutions – prisons, child protection services (OSPOD), labor offices, and employers.

The goal is not only to employ clients but to truly prepare them for life changes and support their stabilization.

Who is behind the project?

The main implementer is VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s., which prepared the project with an emphasis on practical experience and direct cooperation with the target group.

The project is carried out within Call No. 24_078 of the Operational Programme Employment Plus (OPZ+).

Project duration: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2027.

What is our aim?

Employment is not only a source of income – it is also support, daily structure, and an important tool of reintegration.

The project contributes to:

• reducing recidivism,

• increasing qualifications and clients’ orientation in the labor market,

• long-term stabilization and reducing dependence on social assistance,

• creating safe connections between institutions and the target group.

We believe that dignified work and a supportive environment can change life trajectories even where hope is often missing.

Planned project results

During the project implementation, we plan to support at least 300 individuals.

• At least 250 will obtain a retraining certificate.

• At least 200 will take part in debt counseling.

• At least 110 will enter the labor market with our support.