What is OBOP Life Skills Coaching?
OBOP Life Skills Coaching is a free personalized and structured resource to help GA/HA Graduates develop and maintain essential skills for daily life and personal achievement. Unlike traditional education, which often focuses on academic subjects, life skills coaching covers a broader range of practical skills crucial for navigating life's complexities.
A life skills coach works with graduates to identify their goals and create strategies for skill development and habit formation. This can include areas such as:
Effective Communication: Enhancing the ability to express thoughts clearly, actively listen, and respond appropriately.
Decision-Making: Learning to think critically and weigh the consequences of different actions.
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing daily responsibilities efficiently.
Emotional Intelligence: Developing empathy, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts.
Financial Literacy: Understanding budgeting, saving, investing, and managing credit.
Life skills coaching is not just about giving advice; it's about facilitating meaningful, practical changes that align with the client's life goals and enhance their overall well-being.
Carl Jackson, Ph.D, CLC
Carl was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and his journey to success was filled with many "growth opportunities." he was raised in a low-income environment, but academic excellence characterized his early years. As a rebellious teen, he learned the darker side of low-income life and suffered the criminal consequences. He also discovered his aptitude for practical intelligence over traditional classroom learning and he dropped out of school. This also had consequences.
Seeking discipline and direction, Carl enlisted in the Navy, a decision that provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors but had no immediate benefits. Despite the challenges of personal struggles with addiction, his mother's unwavering support and the love of his family returned him to a higher purpose.
This purpose became evident during his academic pursuits at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Grace Abbott School of Social Work. There, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to community empowerment drove him to further his education, culminating in a Ph.D. from Walden University.
His loving wife encouraged him to join Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty, and here, he discovered my true calling. As recognized by Gallup's StrengthsFinder, he earned the moniker "Mr. Positivity" for his ability to foster strong relationships and unite teams for collective success.
Driven by this passion for community upliftment, Carl is unwavering in his dedication to guiding individuals toward their inner strength and leveraging their life experiences for growth. His work focuses on empowering individuals, one graduate at a time, with an interest in researching the impact of poverty on health outcomes and the historical implications of redlining on housing in Omaha, Nebraska.
Through his research, advocacy, and genuine commitment to positive change, Dr. J strives to leave an indelible mark on this community.
About Us
Julissa Rivera, AAS, CLC
Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Julissa Rivera's early life was marked by significant challenges, including poverty and instability. These hardships, such as living without basic utilities and managing on just $80 a month for food while residing in Puerto Rico, forged her resilience and adaptability.
Determined to forge a better path, Julissa pursued an Associate’s degree in Airline and Tourism, which opened doors to diverse opportunities and inspiring encounters. This experience ignited her desire for a more fulfilling life and propelled her to return to the United States, where she faced initial setbacks but ultimately found her calling in Omaha, Nebraska.
In Omaha, Julissa's journey took a transformative turn as she became a Certified Life Skills Coach. She now serves as the Council Bluffs Life Skills Coach at OBOP, where she leverages her background in business administration, medical billing, and claims administration to support and empower others. Julissa is a Getting Ahead graduate and has facilitated several Getting Ahead cohorts, enhancing her expertise in helping individuals navigate and improve their lives.
She is a bilingual certified Life Skills Coach and holds certifications in Bridges Out of Poverty, Strategies for Professionals and Communities, Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World, and Getting Ahead in the Workplace.
Julissa's journey has been supported by her loving husband, whose encouragement and support have been instrumental in her success. Together, they navigate life’s challenges and triumphs, embodying the strength and resilience that Julissa passionately shares with those she coaches.