DANVERS - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $900,000 in grant funding for six organizations across Massachusetts to provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 116 young adults with disabilities.
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Northeast Arc, Inc. in Danvers. Northeast Arc, Inc received $115,000 to provide training for 15 young adults with disabilities in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.
Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $2,715,625 in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants, projected to provide training and job placement services to over 360 individuals. Participants have been placed in a wide range of industries, including Transportation & Warehousing, Administrative and Support Services, Recreation, Educational Services, Waste Management, and Retail. The program also provides essential workforce support to help overcome employment barriers, such as transportation assistance, job coaching, soft and hard skills training, post-placement support, and support with requesting workplace accommodations.
“Across our state, there are talented, motivated people who face real barriers to employment—and employers who are eager to hire and grow their workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants help break down those barriers by providing the skills, supports, and pathways people need to succeed in high-demand industries.”
“Everyone deserves an opportunity for meaningful work,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants are about removing barriers, supporting people where they are, and connecting individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed—while helping employers build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.”
Today’s announcement investments in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to attract and develop diverse, skilled talent to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers across industries and statewide. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities.
“The Healey-Driscoll administration’s workforce agenda focuses on increasing access and reducing barriers to meaningful employment for Massachusetts jobseekers, including individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We value the partnerships with awarded organizations to provide critical job skills and wrap around support that will improve employment outcomes and advance economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities as we grow a more inclusive workforce in Massachusetts.”
“We are deeply committed to supporting community-based organizations that are driving inclusive training and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Their leadership and innovation are paving the way toward a more equitable workforce where every young person can pursue meaningful, fulfilling careers. We’re grateful for their partnership and congratulate this round of grantees for the impact they’re making in our communities.”
The following is a complete list of the organizations awarded the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grant totaling $900,000:
Berkshire County Arc, Inc. (BCArc), Pittsfield: $80,000
BCArc will support 12 program participants by providing a structured pathway to employment in the healthcare sector. Through partnerships with Sugar Hill and Craneville Place of Dalton, participants will receive hands-on training for entry-level healthcare positions. Training will focus on roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dietary Aide, Home Health Aide, and Activities Assistant. Skills acquired at Sugar Hill and Craneville Place will be transferable to other healthcare employers throughout the region.
Central Mass Center for Business & Enterprise, D.B.A. Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub), Whitinsville: $170,000
The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub) will deliver the Foundations in Healthcare and School Support Careers program, an inclusive training and employment initiative preparing 24 neurodivergent young adults with cognitive disabilities for sustainable careers in the health and social services sector. Employer and community partners include Optum Health Reliant Healthcare, Applied Behavior Institute (ABI), Sutton Public Schools, Northbridge Public Schools, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, MassAbility, Center of Hope, and transition programs at Nipmuc and Uxbridge.
Curry College, Milton: $165,000
Curry College’s Neurodiversity Center for Excellence (NCE) will launch a comprehensive employment transition program designed to support 22 neurodivergent young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts. The initiative focuses on building executive function skills, workplace readiness, and inclusive employer partnerships to improve employment outcomes for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Employer partners include Alkermes, The Trustee of Reservations, and Enterprise Mobility.
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), Boston: $175,000
The Transitions to Work (TTW) program at Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) will prepare 18 young adults with disabilities in Greater Boston and Brockton with the skills needed to compete for jobs, while building overall job readiness and life skills through training and internships. Partnering with top local employers like CVS Health, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Old Colony YMCA, South Shore Hospital, VA Brockton Medical Center, and the Sodexo-managed food service departments at Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, TTW equips participants with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce.
Northeast Arc, Inc. (NeArc), Danvers: $115,00
NeArc will prepare 15 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder with training in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.
Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Athol: $195,000
Retail Skills for Young Adults with Disabilities is an 8-week training program that will train 27 young adults with disabilities, ages 18–35, who are interested in pursuing work with one of Polus’ employer partners (Price Chopper, CVS Health, or Shaws) or at similar grocery or retail settings. The program will be offered statewide, with a focus on Central and North Central Massachusetts, Middlesex County, and Greater Boston.
沒有留言:
發佈留言