Services:
Job Readiness Training (JRT)
The Job Readiness Class is delivered through the Moodle platform, accessible by computer, tablet, or phone. It covers multiple career preparation topics and includes testing to ensure knowledge retention. Participants remain active on Moodle for 90 days after completion to review materials. Graduates receive a certificate, assessments, resume, cover letter (in PDF and Word), and a completion summary.
The class is available in both virtual and hybrid formats, allowing flexibility for clients with barriers such as transportation, childcare, or social comfort. Instructor support is available via email, text, phone, or Zoom. The program accommodates different learning needs, including free downloadable readers for those with reading difficulties.
JRT class is by referrals from agencies.
Available in the following counties.
Lee, Smyth, Grayson, Galax, Tazewell, Washington, and Bristol City.
Amanda Compton
[email protected]
276-254-1794
The class is available in both virtual and hybrid formats, allowing flexibility for clients with barriers such as transportation, childcare, or social comfort. Instructor support is available via email, text, phone, or Zoom. The program accommodates different learning needs, including free downloadable readers for those with reading difficulties.
JRT class is by referrals from agencies.
Available in the following counties.
Lee, Smyth, Grayson, Galax, Tazewell, Washington, and Bristol City.
Amanda Compton
[email protected]
276-254-1794
Together We Can-OEI
From January 2022 to June 2023, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) reported 33,679 cases of child abuse or neglect, involving 52,480 children, including 854 substance-exposed infants and 173 suspected child deaths.
To address these challenges, OEI’s Together We Can (TWC) Program partners closely with DSS, Foster Care, CPS, FAPT Teams, CSA, and other community organizations to strengthen families through prevention and reunification efforts. Most cases involve families affected by substance abuse and addiction, and TWC focuses on helping parents achieve recovery and stability.
Through intensive case management and wraparound support, TWC’s team of client advocates helps families set and achieve goals that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. This collaborative approach not only keeps families together but also reduces the financial burden on local governments—saving an estimated $25,000 per month per jurisdiction in foster care costs.
The TWC Program has a proven track record of supporting long-term recovery, family reunification, and stronger, healthier communities.
The TWC program is by referral from agencies.
Contact:
Lee County
Hillary Hamilton
[email protected]
276-254-0337
Smyth County
David Bryant
[email protected]
276-344-9160
Tazewell County
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Carroll County
Abigail Hamm
[email protected]
276-623-6842
Washington County/Bristol City
276-889-0290
[email protected]
To address these challenges, OEI’s Together We Can (TWC) Program partners closely with DSS, Foster Care, CPS, FAPT Teams, CSA, and other community organizations to strengthen families through prevention and reunification efforts. Most cases involve families affected by substance abuse and addiction, and TWC focuses on helping parents achieve recovery and stability.
Through intensive case management and wraparound support, TWC’s team of client advocates helps families set and achieve goals that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. This collaborative approach not only keeps families together but also reduces the financial burden on local governments—saving an estimated $25,000 per month per jurisdiction in foster care costs.
The TWC Program has a proven track record of supporting long-term recovery, family reunification, and stronger, healthier communities.
The TWC program is by referral from agencies.
Contact:
Lee County
Hillary Hamilton
[email protected]
276-254-0337
Smyth County
David Bryant
[email protected]
276-344-9160
Tazewell County
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Carroll County
Abigail Hamm
[email protected]
276-623-6842
Washington County/Bristol City
276-889-0290
[email protected]
Cars for Work-OE
Since 1998, Occupational Enterprises, Inc. (OEI) has helped individuals in Southwest Virginia overcome barriers to self-sufficiency through holistic, participant-centered programs built on trust, teamwork, flexibility, and partnership.
One of the most common barriers to independence is transportation—with statistics showing that about 85% of low-income Virginians lack access to a vehicle. This limitation affects employment opportunities, healthcare access, grocery shopping, and children’s participation in school and community activities.
The Cars for Work Program helps address this barrier by providing reliable vehicles to qualified individuals at a minimal cost. Each vehicle is road-ready and distributed based on need, not preference. The participant’s fee helps sustain the program by covering future vehicle purchases, repairs, and maintenance. OEI is not a used car lot—vehicles are awarded as they become available.
Program Qualifications:
Participants also receive financial literacy and car ownership training. Each participant prepares a budget and is educated on and encouraged to start a savings plan and/or open a savings account.
Referrals from partnering agencies are required for all participants.
Contact: Heather Austin
[email protected]
276-608-2733
One of the most common barriers to independence is transportation—with statistics showing that about 85% of low-income Virginians lack access to a vehicle. This limitation affects employment opportunities, healthcare access, grocery shopping, and children’s participation in school and community activities.
The Cars for Work Program helps address this barrier by providing reliable vehicles to qualified individuals at a minimal cost. Each vehicle is road-ready and distributed based on need, not preference. The participant’s fee helps sustain the program by covering future vehicle purchases, repairs, and maintenance. OEI is not a used car lot—vehicles are awarded as they become available.
Program Qualifications:
- Must receive a referral from your local Department of Social Services or a partner agency
- Have a dependent child (18 or under) — does not have to live with you
- Meet income guidelines (under 200% of the poverty level
Participants also receive financial literacy and car ownership training. Each participant prepares a budget and is educated on and encouraged to start a savings plan and/or open a savings account.
Referrals from partnering agencies are required for all participants.
Contact: Heather Austin
[email protected]
276-608-2733
Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary federal program for Social Security disability beneficiaries (ages 18-64) who want to return to work. It provides support services from either a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency or a private Employment Network (EN) to help individuals find a job and achieve financial independence.
The program aims to help people gain skills and employment while protecting their benefits during the transition, including potential extensions of Medicare coverage after cash benefits stop.
Sway
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/kFW5Z51kM9hVPI3O?ref=Link&loc=mysways
Contact Form
https://forms.office.com/r/rjDQcc9kFw
Social Security Administration
https://www.ssa.gov/
Factsheets
https://yourtickettowork.ssa.gov/resources/service-provider-outreach-toolkit/factsheets
Contact:
Denise Leftwich
[email protected]
276-883-1766
The program aims to help people gain skills and employment while protecting their benefits during the transition, including potential extensions of Medicare coverage after cash benefits stop.
Sway
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/kFW5Z51kM9hVPI3O?ref=Link&loc=mysways
Contact Form
https://forms.office.com/r/rjDQcc9kFw
Social Security Administration
https://www.ssa.gov/
Factsheets
https://yourtickettowork.ssa.gov/resources/service-provider-outreach-toolkit/factsheets
Contact:
Denise Leftwich
[email protected]
276-883-1766
3 R’s Program
The program provides comprehensive assessment, advocacy, referrals, motivation, positive reinforcement, and intensive case management to qualified participants who are in need of Recovery, Reentry and Reunification.
Referrals come from TANF, CPS, and Foster Care who have recovery/re-entry issues
Recovery — Providing roads to sobriety through a comprehensive and integrated system of care and support.
Re-entry — Breaking the cycle of recidivism through gainful employment, treatment and community services.
Reunification — Rebuilding family integrity by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to return to after Foster Care.
The goals of the Program are:
· Providing holistic wrap around services and programs to participants to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.
· Offer integrated case planning for families experiencing the barriers of substance abuse and reentry.
· Expand the wraparound services and integrated case planning to participants who are in the reunification process.
· Establish an environment of mutual respect for staff and participants.
· Promote life-long learning for a bridge to the future.
· Diversion-Keeping children at risk of Foster Care placement out of care through kinship placement and support.
Available in City of Bristol, Smyth and Carroll Counties.
Bristol City
Jennifer Tucker
[email protected]
276-254-3165
Smyth County
Ann Brooks
[email protected]
276-696-8208
Carroll County
Emily Parks
[email protected]
276-608-7117
Referrals come from TANF, CPS, and Foster Care who have recovery/re-entry issues
Recovery — Providing roads to sobriety through a comprehensive and integrated system of care and support.
Re-entry — Breaking the cycle of recidivism through gainful employment, treatment and community services.
Reunification — Rebuilding family integrity by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to return to after Foster Care.
The goals of the Program are:
· Providing holistic wrap around services and programs to participants to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.
· Offer integrated case planning for families experiencing the barriers of substance abuse and reentry.
· Expand the wraparound services and integrated case planning to participants who are in the reunification process.
· Establish an environment of mutual respect for staff and participants.
· Promote life-long learning for a bridge to the future.
· Diversion-Keeping children at risk of Foster Care placement out of care through kinship placement and support.
Available in City of Bristol, Smyth and Carroll Counties.
Bristol City
Jennifer Tucker
[email protected]
276-254-3165
Smyth County
Ann Brooks
[email protected]
276-696-8208
Carroll County
Emily Parks
[email protected]
276-608-7117
Involved Parenting
This in-depth 6-session comprehensive parenting class, taught by a Certified Parenting Instructor, will educate parents in a variety of areas that will ultimately help improve and build parenting skills. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after participating in all 6 sessions.
Informational sheet with curriculum outline is available.
Enrolled participants may start with any session and will continue until they have completed all 6 sessions.
The instructor will make every effort to contact participants in the event of inclement weather or other
emergency.
In order for parents’ full attention to be focused on the class, children may not attend sessions with parents; childcare is not provided.
Available in the following counties. Tazewell, Lee, Smyth
Contact:
Lee County Area
Hillary Hamilton
[email protected]
276-254-0337
Smyth County Area
David Bryant
[email protected]
276-344-9160
Tazewell County Area
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Informational sheet with curriculum outline is available.
Enrolled participants may start with any session and will continue until they have completed all 6 sessions.
The instructor will make every effort to contact participants in the event of inclement weather or other
emergency.
In order for parents’ full attention to be focused on the class, children may not attend sessions with parents; childcare is not provided.
Available in the following counties. Tazewell, Lee, Smyth
Contact:
Lee County Area
Hillary Hamilton
[email protected]
276-254-0337
Smyth County Area
David Bryant
[email protected]
276-344-9160
Tazewell County Area
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Court Ordered Parenting Education
This course is aimed to assist parents and children involved with the adverse effects of divorce, separation, custody and/or visitation conflicts by addressing Child support and financial responsibilities, Options for conflict resolution, Parenting responsibilities, Effects of separation and divorce on children.
Clients can call main office for more information.
Contact:
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Clients can call main office for more information.
Contact:
Angel Keen
[email protected]
276-254-3003
Independent Living and Life Skills
A 12 week class with a focus on developing skills in personal development, money management and budgeting, housing and transportation, career exploration, educational and training opportunities, and planning for the future.
This program is designed to assist youth to develop the skills they need when making the transition into independent living. It is also meant to assist all youths reach their goals as they age into adulthood by providing a solid foundation and opportunity to live independent, successful and confident lives. This program will help connect the participants with information and services that can empower them to make informed decisions about their future.
Students will be supported by positive relationships with trusted instructors who can provide them with the services needed to help improve their life skills, their knowledge and lead them to greater self-sufficiency. Through this program, we will help participants increase their stability and self-confidence as they prepare for their future and understand what it takes to live independently.
Locations served – Smyth, Washington, Bristol, and Russell Counties
Classes cover:
Personal and Interpersonal skills, nutrition/dietary and kitchen skills, laundry and household skills, self-awareness and mental health skills, emotional health skills, how to identify abuse and neglect, sexual health and health care knowledge, money management, finances and budgeting, transportation, car ownership and maintenance skills, job skills, resume building, and interviewing skills, how to plan for the future, employment and career pathways.
Classes include hands-on activities, guest speakers who are experts in the subject being covered, team-building, and social activities. Students are provided with hygiene kits, first-aid kits, journals, calendars, and other items throughout the classes. Students who live independently or are moving out on their own are also provided with cleaning supplies, household items, and other items to begin their journey of independence.
Classes are held weekly from 5 pm to 7 pm with a meal provided.
For more information or to refer an individual, please call Alison Little at 276-698-9675 or email [email protected].
This program is designed to assist youth to develop the skills they need when making the transition into independent living. It is also meant to assist all youths reach their goals as they age into adulthood by providing a solid foundation and opportunity to live independent, successful and confident lives. This program will help connect the participants with information and services that can empower them to make informed decisions about their future.
Students will be supported by positive relationships with trusted instructors who can provide them with the services needed to help improve their life skills, their knowledge and lead them to greater self-sufficiency. Through this program, we will help participants increase their stability and self-confidence as they prepare for their future and understand what it takes to live independently.
Locations served – Smyth, Washington, Bristol, and Russell Counties
Classes cover:
Personal and Interpersonal skills, nutrition/dietary and kitchen skills, laundry and household skills, self-awareness and mental health skills, emotional health skills, how to identify abuse and neglect, sexual health and health care knowledge, money management, finances and budgeting, transportation, car ownership and maintenance skills, job skills, resume building, and interviewing skills, how to plan for the future, employment and career pathways.
Classes include hands-on activities, guest speakers who are experts in the subject being covered, team-building, and social activities. Students are provided with hygiene kits, first-aid kits, journals, calendars, and other items throughout the classes. Students who live independently or are moving out on their own are also provided with cleaning supplies, household items, and other items to begin their journey of independence.
Classes are held weekly from 5 pm to 7 pm with a meal provided.
For more information or to refer an individual, please call Alison Little at 276-698-9675 or email [email protected].
Anger Management
Tazewell County
Louise (Sissy) Miller
[email protected]
276-254-2795
Carroll County
Emily Parks
[email protected]
276-608-7117
Lee County
Elizabeth Bailey
[email protected]
276-477-9853
Louise (Sissy) Miller
[email protected]
276-254-2795
Carroll County
Emily Parks
[email protected]
276-608-7117
Lee County
Elizabeth Bailey
[email protected]
276-477-9853
OEI’s Bargain Basement Thrift Store
Located at 31 Pruner Street, Lebanon, VA, OEI’s Bargain Basement Thrift Store is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The store features over 4,000 square feet of affordable items, with great bargains and regular sales.
All proceeds support OEI programs and services throughout Southwest Virginia, helping individuals and families work toward self-sufficiency. Qualified participants may also receive free clothing through referrals from partnering agencies. In times of disaster or emergency, additional discounts or free items may be available.
The Bargain Basement welcomes donations and volunteers and serves as a community service and work experience site for partner agencies.
Phone number
276-880-5613
We also honor vouchers from partnering agencies that will assist clients with free clothing, shoes, and household needs. This could be anything from a professional outfit for a job interview or court appearance to seasonal clothing needs for the family, to towels, blankets, sheets, or dishes. All vouchers are filled based on store inventory.
Located at 31 Pruner Street, Lebanon, VA, OEI’s Bargain Basement Thrift Store is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The store features over 4,000 square feet of affordable items, with great bargains and regular sales.
All proceeds support OEI programs and services throughout Southwest Virginia, helping individuals and families work toward self-sufficiency. Qualified participants may also receive free clothing through referrals from partnering agencies. In times of disaster or emergency, additional discounts or free items may be available.
The Bargain Basement welcomes donations and volunteers and serves as a community service and work experience site for partner agencies.
Phone number
276-880-5613
We also honor vouchers from partnering agencies that will assist clients with free clothing, shoes, and household needs. This could be anything from a professional outfit for a job interview or court appearance to seasonal clothing needs for the family, to towels, blankets, sheets, or dishes. All vouchers are filled based on store inventory.