State Awards $900,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration 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.
Since 2023, the administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corp., has awarded $2,715,625 in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants, projected to provide training and job placement services to more than 360 individuals. Participants have been placed in a wide range of industries, including transportation and 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,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These grants help break down those barriers by providing the skills, supports, and pathways people need to succeed in high-demand industries.”
One of the grants is targeted to Western Mass., with Berkshire County Arc Inc. of Pittsfield receiving $80,000 to 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, 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.
“This grant will give young adults with disabilities in Western Massachusetts an opportunity to gain real hands-on work experience and learn specific skills for employment,” said Maryann Hyatt, president and CEO of Berkshire County Arc. “This kind of education can be life-changing for many of them and lead to new opportunities. This grant will have impact far into their futures.”
The other five grants were awarded to Central Mass Center for Business & Enterprise, d/b/a Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, Whitinsville ($170,000), Curry College, Milton ($165,000), Jewish Vocational Service, Boston ($175,000), Northeast Arc Inc., Danvers ($115,000), and Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Athol ($195,000).