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The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $850,000 in grants to fund five organizations that provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 119 young adults with disabilities.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Polus Center for Social and Economic Development in Athol. The Polus Center for Social and Economic Development received $199,991 to provide training for 24 young adults with disabilities to gain customer service and job readiness skills in the grocery and retail industries. The Polus Center will partner with Price Chopper, CVS Health, Shaw’s Supermarket, and Mass Hire North Central Workforce Boards/Career Centers.

All five awarded grants are led by community-based organizations with demonstrated success and expertise in preparing young adults with disabilities for employment, job placement, and post-placement support.

“We are building a strong workforce in Massachusetts, and this includes providing opportunities and training for individuals who face barriers to employment,” said Governor Healey. “These grants will help develop and fulfill the immense potential of this segment of our workforce as we create an economy for today and tomorrow.”

“Addressing barriers to employment and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and resources is an economic priority for our administration,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants will help young adults with disabilities learn the skills they need to thrive.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to working with partners to increase access, break down barriers, and create pathways to meaningful employment, including for individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We appreciate the partnership with awarded organizations as we work together to strengthen employment outcomes, foster inclusivity, and advance economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts’ workforce.”

“We are deeply thankful for these five community-based organizations and all of their partners for their commitment to creating transformative opportunities that positively impact young adults across Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation.  “We congratulate and applaud them for designing thoughtful, tailored training programs that will create meaningful career pathways for young adults with disabilities.”

The Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities 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 community-based organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities.

The following is a list of the five grant recipients, totaling $852,891 and serving 119 young adults:   

Community Work Services (CWS), Boston: $200,000 CWS will deliver intensive vocational training programs to 27 young adults with disabilities, focusing on high-growth fields such as Commercial Cleaning, Food Arts (including a farm-to-table program), Commercial Production, Hospitality, and Clean Energy through its Apex Clean Energy Institute. The program provides hard skills training, professional certifications, and personalized career coaching to support participants in achieving long-term career success.

Employment Options, Inc., Marlborough: $200,000 Employment Options will train and place 36 participants in food service jobs. The program is designed for young adults with co-occurring mental health conditions and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are passionate about the culinary arts but lack formal education or experience. It offers hands-on training, job readiness preparation, and wraparound support services. Participants can also earn industry-recognized certifications, including SERV Safe Food Handlers, Massachusetts Allergen Awareness, Massachusetts Food Equipment and Safety Training (FEAST), and Quinsigamond Community College Fresh Start certificates. Program partners include Nothing Bundt Cakes, Herbalife Nutrition, CJ Gourmet Pizza, and Quinsigamond Community College.

Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc., Athol: $199,991 Polus Center will provide opportunities for 24 young adults with disabilities to gain customer service and job readiness skills in the grocery and retail industries. Program partners include Price Chopper, CVS Health, Shaw’s Supermarket and Mass Hire North Central Workforce Boards/Career Centers. Participants will first complete six weeks of training in customer service and workplace readiness skills. Afterward, they can choose between two specialized tracks: the grocery track, which includes Safe Serve Certification training, or advanced retail training, featuring hands-on cashier experience at CVS.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District, Fitchburg: $132,900 Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (“Monty Tech”) will deliver a 12-week, targeted training program aimed at serving 20 young adults with disabilities (specifically those diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome) to better prepare them for the workforce. The program will provide occupational skills relevant to jobs identified by Monty Tech’s employer partners. Monty Tech is home to 21 different vocational training programs.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc., Boston: $120,000 Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) will partner with Amego, Inc. to support 12 participants with autism at Amego, Inc. in career readiness through a three-tiered curriculum that includes academic learning, real-world experiences, and mentoring. The program will equip participants with job-readiness and soft skills essential for the workforce. Participants will seek employment and gain hands-on work experience with PYD’s business partners in construction, customer service, and hospitality. Professional mentors will offer ongoing support and guidance to help participants succeed in employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

Statements of Support

Dr. Theresa E. Kane, Executive Director, Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Inc.:

“We appreciate having the ability to provide training for young adults with disabilities to help them obtain their first jobs in a grocery or retail setting and to support our employer partners in finding the talent they need to strengthen their workforce. We believe this strong foundation of workplace skill development and job search support will carry them through the rest of their careers.”

Tanya Figelman, Director of Programs and Services, Community Work Services (CWS):

“Community Work Services (CWS) is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support from Commonwealth Corporation. Their commitment to the Young Adults with Disabilities Program plays a crucial role in helping CWS further its mission of empowering individuals in the Greater Boston area to achieve financial independence through targeted job training, placement, and support. Thanks to Commonwealth Corporation, we are able to provide young adults with disabilities the tools they need to embark on fulfilling career paths. This partnership not only opens doors to greater opportunities for self-sufficiency but also contributes to the overall well-being of families in our community. We commend Commonwealth Corporation for its steadfast dedication to promoting inclusivity and enhancing the lives of those facing employment barriers, and we are honored to continue our collaborative efforts with them in advancing economic equity.”

 

Shannon Leary, Executive Director, Employment Options:

“Receiving this grant from Commonwealth Corporation is more than just financial support—it’s a profound vote of confidence in the limitless potential of young adults with disabilities. This opportunity allows us to dream bigger, break down barriers, and create a future where every individual is celebrated for their unique gifts and talents. Together, we are proving that inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a path to lasting change.”

 

Oz Mondejar, Clerk of the Executive Committee, Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities:

“We are thrilled that the community of youth with disabilities will receive these grants. Investing in critical workforce development ensures greater access to meaningful career opportunities. Always an honor to serve and support the work of Commonwealth Corporation—thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing inclusion and opportunity.”