Project SAILLS (Students Accessing Independence through Literacy and Labor Skills) is a work-study program that provides opportunities for residents to cultivate a sense of self-sufficiency and to prepare for the future. Project SAILLS is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through a grant Whitmarsh has recieved from Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston which also monitors the program. This grant is renuewable each year.

The residents can develop marketable skills at entry-level positions, while experiencing mentoring in good work-habits, at a variety of non-profit community service worksites. The work experiences are complemented by one-on-one tutorial sessions for academic support.

Project SAILLS helps Whitmarsh residents understand that learning and working are mutually supportive and necessary for survival and advancement. A stipend for every hour of work and tutoring is awarded weekly to each resident enrolled, to acknowledge and encourage successful participation. Whitmarsh encourages residents to save money; Residents are given a portion of the total amount earned weekly to spend as they wish. The balance it is kept until August when a New York site seeing and shopping trip gives residents an opportunity to prepare for the school year.

Community Involvment
As Whitmarsh House is a community-based program, all residents are expected to reside, attend school, work, and interact within the community in an appropriate and respectful manner. Residents are encouraged to develop friendships and associations within the community that lessen the sense of estrangement from all that is familiar and also provide a source of support and fulfillment.

Links
RI Department of Labor & Training
Work Force Solutions of Providence/Cranston