Easterseals NY Moves to Expanded New Facility in Port Jervis

Easterseals NY Moves to Expanded New Facility in Port Jervis

Easterseals NY’s New Space Adds Classrooms to Expand Its High-Quality Preschool to Children in Port Jervis Area as Well as To Better Serve Families in Need

Easterseals Has Been Serving the Port Jervis Community and Surrounding Region for More Than Two Decades

New York, New York – Easterseals NY, a subsidiary of The Fedcap Group, officially moved into its new facility for its Project Discovery program in Port Jervis. Located at 197 Jersey Avenue, the facility has modern preschool classrooms which will provide a fully integrated educational program for both children with special needs and those without in full-day schedules.

In addition, the larger facility allows for expanded therapy space for children who may need services ranging from speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. The space has a bright, modern design with ample storage and office space for staff and equipment.

The facility also serves as a base for community outreach, providing a monthly food pantry offering fresh, frozen and canned foods, breads and desserts as well as clothing, toiletries, laundry soap and cleaning products. These outreach efforts are accomplished by several grants and private donations, with further support from Shop-Rite, the Port Jervis Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police, and Port Jervis Fire Department.

“We are thrilled to open this new facility with Easterseals New York, which has a deep and rich history of giving back to the communities in which it operates, continually providing innovative programming that improves the lives of the people they serve,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “The new space furthers our overall mission of creating opportunities and removing barriers to well-being for people of all ages.”

“The new space at Port Jervis means a lot to Easterseals New York. We are doubling the number of classrooms and serving more children with diverse needs,” said Mary Moran, Executive Director of Easterseals New York. “As we continue our community outreach program, our new space will enable us to better serve people who continue to experience economic instability.”

“For over 100 years, Easterseals New York has made a positive impact on communities by ensuring that people with disabilities and their families have opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities,” said Mark Legaspi, Board Chair of Easterseals New York. “We’re so proud of the Port Jervis team’s work; they are a shining example of dedication to the community.”

“Project Discovery has been working with children from age three to five years, and we’re so excited to move into our new home,” said Kiley Trigani, Director of Project Discovery. “Our increased number of classrooms, gym, and expanded therapy space are geared to meet the needs of a range of students, and our families are as excited as we are to make the move.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of families in need, and we’re currently serving 1,000 families per month,” said Barbara Kuczyra, Nurse and Outreach Coordinator for Project Discovery. “The new location will help us continue to meet the needs of these families for food, clothing, household items and basic needs.”

“The City of Port Jervis is honored to continue our long relationship with Project Discovery as they move into their new location on Jersey Avenue,” said Kelly B. Decker, Mayor, City of Port Jervis. “I have had the opportunity to tour the facility and I’m honored to know that all those today and in the future will benefit from this newly expanded state-of-the-art facility and classrooms. We wish Project Discovery all the best for years to come.”

“Port Jervis is very lucky to be the new home for Easterseals’ newest operations center,” said Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark). “The work they’ve done with children with special needs is extraordinary, and the staff they provide to those students and families are second to none. I’m so honored to welcome them to Port Jervis, and want to wish the faculty, staff and families nothing but the best as they begin this new chapter.”

About Easterseals NY
Easterseals New York was founded in 1922 and joined The Fedcap Group in 2015. For over 100 years, ESNY has continued to make an impact by ensuring that people with disabilities—and their families—have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.

About The Fedcap Group
Since 1935, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group serves over 250,000+ people each year across an international footprint. The work of The Fedcap Group is structured within four major areas of practice—workforce development, educational services, health services, and economic development—and delivered through a growing number of top-tier companies—each focused on helping people with barriers achieve long term economic well-being.

Contact:
Susan Walsh
The Fedcap Group
212-727-4200
swalsh@fedcap.org

Safe Harbor Recovery Center Invites the Community to Their Recovery Rhapsody Rally on September 22

Safe Harbor Recovery Center Invites the Community to Their Recovery Rhapsody Rally on September 22

WHAT: Safe Harbor Recovery Center, a program of Granite Pathways in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, invites the press and public to celebrate Recovery Month through art at their Recovery Rhapsody Rally.

WHO: Granite Pathways Director Erica Ungarelli, Safe Harbor Recovery Center Director Whitney Brown, staff recovery specialists and guests will discuss how SHRC offers individuals in recovery from substance use disorder peer support, as well as assistance with job preparation and search, and parenting skills and support.

WHEN: Friday, September 22
3:30 – 6:00 pm

WHERE: 865 Islington Street
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801

HOW: Register at the following link:
https://granitepathwaysnh.org/rhapsody-rally/

Apex Technical School Opens New Facility in Long Island City

Apex Technical School Opens New Facility in Long Island City

New, Modern Facility Houses Automotive, Welding, HVAC, Construction and Building Skills, and Plumbing and Pipefitting Instruction

Apex Has Offered High Quality Hands on Education for More than Six Decades

Part of Expansion Plan That Includes a New Clean Energy Program

New York, NY – September 14, 2023 – Apex Technical School has officially opened its newest state-of-the-art facility located at 11-05 44th Drive in the heart of the burgeoning Long Island City neighborhood in Queens, New York. Apex moved into the new facility in order to meet the growing demand for their high-quality education in construction trades to individuals from throughout New York City and beyond.

Apex’s new facility offers 900-hour hands on training in high demand trades programs that lead to sustainable jobs in automotive, welding, HVAC, construction, and plumbing. The new location is centrally located with easy access to public transportation for its students. The new campus will serve 600 students a year on average.

“We are thrilled to be in our new home base, and to continue offering our instruction programs in the trades from Long Island City,” said Steve Markowitz, President of Apex Technical School. “Apex’s commitment to providing top-notch technical training is unwavering, and our new building will enable us to continue providing students with hands-on experience in shop settings—a critical element of a technical trade education. We thank everyone who worked with us to reach this milestone.”

“Our mission across all of Fedcap is to create opportunities and remove barriers to economic well-being for people from all walks of life. We are so proud to have Apex Technical School as part of The Fedcap Group, providing education that positions people for jobs in the trades,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “With their expansion into our Midtown-based training facility, and this new location in Queens, the school continues its rich tradition of service to individuals who gain trade and labor skills to secure entry-level positions in field work.”

Apex Technical School has been educating students in the trades in Queens since 2012. In addition to Queens, Apex has recently moved their highly successful electrical program to Midtown Manhattan. In addition, the Apex Clean Energy Division has helped launch a solar installation training program in Boston with more locations in the pipeline.

About Apex Technical School
Since 1961, Apex Technical School has enjoyed a rich tradition of service to New Yorkers who know us well for our adult vocational technical school which offers training in skilled trades. Our hands-on training courses give individuals the basic trade and labor skills needed to secure an entry-level position in the field. Located in Long Island City in Queens, Apex offers 900-hour certificate courses in high demand areas such as: air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive service, welding technology, electrical and advanced electrical, plumbing and construction. All of Apex’s trade programs offer hands-on training in as little as 7 months. Apex is licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Apex Technical School is a nonprofit organization and a member of The Fedcap Group, an international nonprofit, dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being.

About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

Contact:
Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)
High-resolution photos are available.

Easterseals Lonestar New Child Development Program in Austin Area Now Accepting Enrollments

Easterseals Lonestar New Child Development Program in Austin Area Now Accepting Enrollments

Lakeway Program Serving Children of All Abilities from Six Weeks to Six Years Old to Begin Classes September 25th


September 5, 2023—Lakeway, Texas
—Easterseals Lonestar, a combination of Easterseals Central Texas and Easterseals North Texas, has expanded its successful Child Development Program into the Austin area by launching the Little Lonestar Academy in Lakeway, Texas. The new program hosted an open house on August 31 and is accepting applications for students of all abilities from six weeks to six years in age. The first students will begin attending the program on September 25.

The Little Lonestar Academy will provide developmentally appropriate curricula, experiences, and activities designed for optimal growth. Classrooms are staffed by professionals in the fields of education, child development, and behavior analysis. Under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst, the program provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism as well as kindergarten preparation for all children. Easterseals Lonestar’s flagship program in Carrollton is modeled off the Walden Early Childhood Center, developed by Dr. Gail McGee, emphasizing engagement, language, and social skill development.

“Our existing Easterseals programs have been successful, with 96 percent of children with autism in the program moving on to regular kindergarten, and typically developing children gain skills in problem solving and leadership in this program,” said Tod Marvin, President of Easterseals Lonestar. “We are thrilled that the Lakeway program is up and running and we will soon welcome our first class.”

Interested families can book tours directly online or by calling 1-888-617-7171.

About Easterseals Lonestar
Easterseals Lonestar is an organizational merger of Easterseals Central Texas and Easterseals North Texas under the same administrative and leadership team. Easterseals Lonestar promotes independence and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams. Easterseals Lonestar is a member of The Fedcap Group. For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Contact: Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)

The Information Lab and The Fedcap Group Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Bring The Data School New York to Civic Hall @ Union Square

The Information Lab and The Fedcap Group Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Bring The Data School New York to Civic Hall @ Union Square

NEW YORK, NY – August 15, 2023 – Civic Hall, a company of The Fedcap Group, will partner with The Information Lab, a world-renowned data analytics consulting group. The two organizations signed an agreement during a ceremony at the future home of Civic Hall at Zero Irving in the vibrant Union Square area of New York City. This partnership represents a significant milestone in fostering educational collaborations to meet high-demand careers in the tech sector in New York City.

As a premier provider of training and consulting in Tableau and Alteryx software for data analytics, The Information Lab is expanding its unparalleled consultant training program, The Data School, into the United States in partnership with Civic Hall. Working directly with employers, The Information Lab connects Data School participants with real-world experience leading to permanent employment.

The initial agreement lasts for five years, with a mutual expectation for a long-term collaboration to continue well beyond this period.

“The Fedcap Group and The Information Lab agree that the digital skills divide is one that we can—and must—work to close, so to give as many people as possible a path to long-term economic well-being,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “Civic Hall’s partnership with The Information Lab is another example of exciting things to come.”

“Moving from London to New York is about more than just crossing an ocean. It’s about sharing what we’ve learned back home and diving into the vibrancy of this iconic city. Teaming up with Civic Hall feels right, like we’re part of a bigger journey – not just for us but for every New Yorker looking to dive into data,” said Tom Brown, Founder and Managing Director of The Information Lab.

“I am delighted that the Information Lab has entered a partnership with Civic Hall to enhance workforce development and job training opportunities for New Yorkers. We must ensure that all New Yorkers have access to opportunities that build skills to meet the challenges of a changing economic landscape, and I look forward to further collaboration in supporting our community through creative partnerships like this one,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02).

“With the Data School’s Information Lab joining LaGuardia Community College, Civic Hall’s tech training hub will now offer two top notch digital skills training organizations that will build a stronger, more equitable, tech ecosystem in New York City,” said New York City Economic Development (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC is proud to have facilitated the creation of this path breaking tech hub and looks forward to its formal opening this fall.”

“I am excited to see Civic Hall at Union Square bring in more great partners as we get closer to the opening semester. The Data School will be a strong resource as we look to invest in New Yorkers’ futures, bringing sustainable, high paying jobs within reach,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.

“Our partnership with The Information Lab, in addition to our partnership with LaGuardia Community College, is another step in our journey to creating a center for digital skills training for underserved communities in New York City,” said Seema Shah, Executive Director of Civic Hall. “With salaries that can reach six figures within a few years, students completing these courses will have employment opportunities not previously available to them, and without the need to take on student debt, a significant factor in fostering economic well-being for individuals starting their careers.”

Civic Hall @ Union Square in RAL’s new Zero Irving development at 124 East 14th Street will occupy 85,000 square feet on seven floors and offer flexible classrooms and convening spaces for the nation’s leading digital skills and technology job training organizations. In addition, a stunning and customizable conference and events center anchors Civic Hall for use by the whole community.

About The Data School
The Data School is distinguished for its track record of unlocking untapped potential. Its unique approach seeks out passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, immersing them in a fully paid, rigorous four-month training in business intelligence tools Tableau and Alteryx. The commitment, however, doesn’t stop in the classroom. The program bridges participants’ transition into the data analytics realm and secures them two years of consulting placements. This hands-on experience fortifies their newfound skills, laying the foundation for successful, enduring careers.

About Civic Hall
Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Located in the heart of the NYC tech community at Union Square, Civic Hall will be a new, 85,000-square-foot learning and training center at the new state-of-the-art Zero Irving building. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants and workforce training partners to work collectively to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information, visit https://civichall.org/ or email Seema Shah, Civic Hall’s Executive Director, at sshah@fedcap.org.

About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

Contact:
For media inquiries and high-resolution images, please contact:
Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)
View photos from the event.

 

Newly Created Heckscher Foundation Workforce Development Grants Aim to Create More Than 1,100 Full-Time Jobs in New York

Newly Created Heckscher Foundation Workforce Development Grants Aim to Create More Than 1,100 Full-Time Jobs in New York

$7.6 Million in Grants Will Support Innovative Hiring Programs for State’s Underserved Youth

New York, NY—July 19, 2023—The Heckscher Foundation for Children today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind workforce development program intended to create more than 1,100 full-time jobs for underserved young adults in New York State. The Heckscher Foundation Challenge is providing $7.6 million in grant funding to 20 colleges, community-based organizations, and one high school that have partnered with employers to train, mentor and provide full-time jobs to underprivileged youth. Young adults under the age of 25 participating in the programs will develop the necessary skills and receive the training required for success in today’s workforce.

The Heckscher Foundation’s unique initiative is a transformative grant model for work readiness and job placement programs. It differs from traditional models because a full-time job commitment from the employer partner is required to be considered for grant funding. This new initiative will provide job seekers with a clear path to a meaningful career – and offer a critical solution to ongoing workforce shortages.

“Traditional models for philanthropic workforce development have remained stagnant for decades, failing to produce adequate full-time job opportunities for the communities that need them the most,” said Peter Sloane, CEO of the Heckscher Foundation. “With an ongoing labor shortage, our new initiative comes at a critical time and serves as a model for shifting the paradigm of workforce development programming. We applaud our grantees and employer partners who are giving these young people a chance at a lifelong career, and we hope the initiative inspires others to adopt our approach of creating alternative paths to full-time employment.”

The 20 grantees working with dozens of employer partners across New York State are as follows:

● Commonpoint Queens is partnering with employers including SC Prime Energy LTD and Cosan Construction.

● Covenant House is partnering with employers including Delta and Hard Rock International.

● CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College is partnering with employers including Phoenix House.

● CUNY New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute is partnering with employers including Young Minds in Motion and Brooklyn Kindergarten Society.

● CUNY Queensborough Community College is partnering with employers including Next Solutions, ACS Networking, Clearcom Wireless Services, LLC, Hugh O’Kane Electric Company Inc, KT&G Construction Inc and InRange Solutions.

● Drive Change is partnering with employers including Café Panna, Crafted Hospitality, and Marlow Collective.

● East Side House is partnering with employers including New York Presbyterian Hospital.

● Henry Street Settlement is partnering with employers including Climatec and Dual Fuel Corp.

● Hot Bread Kitchen is partnering with employers including Eataly and Restaurant Associates.

● Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is partnering with employers including D’Onofrio General Contracting Corp.

● NPower is partnering with employers including NYC Hall of Science.

● Reel Works is partnering with employers including Paramount, Jigsaw Productions, Harbor Picture Company, and A+E Television Networks LLC.

● Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship is partnering with employers including The Buffalo News, M&T Bank, Wegmans, and Delaware North.

● St. Nicks Alliance is partnering with employers including Asian Americans for Equality and Star Hospitality Group.

● SUNY Cobleskill is partnering with employers including Montefiore Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

● SUNY Delhi is partnering with employers including JBT Corporation.

● SUNY Genesee Community College is partnering with employers including Edwards Vacuums and Amanda Tool America.

● The Door is partnering with employers including Cava and Dig.

● Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School is partnering with employers including Penske and Donnelly Mechanical.

Wildcat Service Corporation is partnering with employer Brooklyn SolarWorks.

“For years, New York State has lacked a workforce development program that taught students the skills needed to succeed in the wireless and telecom industries,” said Thomas Marciano, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Workforce Development Committee at the New York State Wireless Association (NYSWA), a trade organization representing employers. “By providing this grant, the Heckscher Foundation for Children has stepped in to fill a significant void, enabling educators and employers to meet industry needs. NYSWA is grateful to the Heckscher Foundation for this work readiness funding, which gives students new opportunities to be a part of a diverse and qualified workforce.”

“The number one challenge for workforce development programs is aligning student skills with the businesses’ needs. Without this alignment, students need to be retrained, increasing the program’s cost,” said Moses Ojeda, Principal of Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School. “But thanks to work readiness funding through our grant from the Heckscher Foundation, our employer partners know that Thomas Edison students graduate with the specific career and technical skills they need to succeed. The Heckscher Foundation for Children is rethinking workforce development, and our aspiring students and employers across the state will reap the rewards.”

“Young people involved with the legal system often experience tremendous difficulty finding stable employment due to lack of support and employer prejudice,” said Kalilah Moon, Executive Director of Drive Change, a nonprofit providing hospitality industry training for formerly incarcerated youth. “For years, Drive Change has been working to correct that by providing our fellows with the skills they need to succeed in the hospitality industry, but we can’t do it alone. Thanks to work readiness funding through the Heckscher Foundation Challenge, we can help many more fellows rebuild their lives, beginning with long-term, secure employment.”

“Queensborough Community College’s Computer Engineering Technology program gives our students a solid foundation that prepares them for today’s workforce,” Queensborough Community College President Christine Mangino said. “We are thrilled to partner with the Heckscher Foundation, which requires us to bring our employer partners in at the onset to both align our curriculum to employer needs and commit to hiring our students for full-time employment. It is a true collaboration.”

“Reel Works is honored and thrilled to partner with the Heckscher Foundation for Children on this exciting challenge to create pathways to careers in media for underrepresented New Yorkers,” said Keisha Katz, Director of Workforce and External Partnerships at Reel Works. “We know from over 20 years of experience training young filmmakers that talent and ability know no zip code, and we are proud to work with visionary companies like Paramount, A+E Networks, Jigsaw Productions, and Harbor to create paid apprenticeships for in-demand skills in film and television post-production. Our MediaMKRS program is centered on the conviction that when employers, educators, and philanthropists collaborate, we can address the crisis of inclusion in the entertainment industry by providing paid work-based-learning apprenticeships that lead to jobs with family-sustaining wages and opportunities for advancement.”

In January, the Heckscher Foundation began requesting grant proposals from New York high schools, colleges, and community-based organizations to address the serious misalignment between the skills of unemployed individuals and the surplus of available jobs in New York. Initially, the Heckscher Foundation intended to provide $3 million in grant funding, but an unprecedented interest from the community resulted in nearly 100 submitted applications. To meet the demand, the Heckscher Foundation increased available funding to $7.6 million.

The Heckscher Foundation awarded grants to organizations that are providing targeted training and partnering with employers committed to hiring based on strict guidelines, training milestones, skill mastery, and data-driven information on performance. Heckscher did not accept applications offering only internships or part-time employment to ensure the program created full-time job opportunities for young adults who want to pursue a meaningful career and achieve financial stability.

Participating employers represent various industry sectors, including hospitality, technology, construction, manufacturing, renewable energy and healthcare. Youth benefiting from the programs include those who are out of school, out of work, graduates from high school and college, and those with involvement in the legal and foster care systems. The program duration for the cohorts will be over a two-year time period.

###

About the Heckscher Foundation for Children
The Heckscher Foundation for Children uses venture philanthropy to fund innovative, results-driven programs and partnerships that level the playing field for underserved youth. Its grants focus primarily on education, including college access and persistence, workforce training and jobs access, and arts education that improves achievement in the classroom. Learn more at heckscherfoundation.org.

Contacts:
Heckscher Foundation: Heckscher@skdknick.com 

The Fedcap Group/Wildcat Service Corporation:
Susan Walsh
swalsh@fedcap.org

Apex Instructor Shannon Wright: Teaching Chose Me

Apex Instructor Shannon Wright: Teaching Chose Me

Apex Technical School Construction & Building Skills Trade Instructor Shannon Wright Finds Success in Conveying Knowledge and Skills to the Next Generation

Shannon Wright didn’t envision herself as a teacher.

“The teaching career chose me,” she says.

Shannon joined Apex Technical School in 2022 following several years as an instructor at another trade school. Her experience included 11 years as a field electrician in New York City, where she began as an apprentice and worked her way up to journeyperson.

Although Shannon worked for the city’s Department of Education and considered becoming a guidance counselor earlier in her career, it wasn’t until a recruiter reached out to her online that she began to seriously consider becoming an educator.

As in field work, Shannon learned the craft of instruction by doing. She finds great joy in seeing her students learn and begin applying their skills – both in everyday situations as well as starting sustainable careers.

Find out more about Shannon’s career journey and career opportunities for experienced tradespeople at Apex Technical School on the Apex website.

Community Work Services and Fedcap’s Apex Clean Energy Institute Awarded $200,000 Workforce Grant by State of Massachusetts to Train Returning Citizens in Solar Energy

Community Work Services and Fedcap’s Apex Clean Energy Institute Awarded $200,000 Workforce Grant by State of Massachusetts to Train Returning Citizens in Solar Energy

Boston, MA, July 12—Community Work Services in partnership with Fedcap’s Apex Technical School have received a $200,000 grant from the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Grants program, sponsored by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, to continue their work in the already successful solar photovoltaic installation training program at CWS in Boston. Classes will comprise returning citizens following incarceration.

The Apex Clean Energy Institute’s 450-hour solar training program provides hands-on training in solar photovoltaic installation that result in well-paying, sustainable jobs in the high demand clean energy sector. Specifics of the program include basic digital skills and financial literacy, micro grids/smart grids and solar energy systems design, safety, fall protection, construction, power tools, safe operation, pipe bending, and racking assembly.

In the first solar training class offered this past winter at CWS to returning citizens, 80% of those enrolled completed the program and 75% were placed in jobs averaging $54,000 annually. A recent report by the Brookings Institution has found lower recidivism from returning citizens if they have sustainable employment.

Graduates of the 450-hour solar energy training program will receive six college credits from The Fedcap Group’s partner Paul Smith’s College. These credits can be used at Paul Smith’s or other colleges or universities to secure pathways into other certificate and degree programs to participate in additional upskilling to graduates of the Apex Clean Energy Institute.

“CWS and The Fedcap Group are dedicated to creating pathways to economic well-being that go beyond simply getting people a job,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group, the parent company of CWS and Apex. “Our mission is focused on creating opportunities that encourage people to aim high and obtain work that has long-term prospects, and our solar technician training program is doing just that.”

“CWS has been working with the Boston Community for more than 145 years, providing high-quality job skills training and employment opportunities, and the Apex Clean Energy Institute has already put people to work in high-demand, sustainable positions with career potential,” said Craig Stenning, Executive Director of CWS Boston. “We appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s belief in our program and their dedication to addressing workforce development for all.”

The launch of the new Apex Clean Energy Institute was made possible by funding from the
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Commonwealth Corporation, and National Grid Foundation.

About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

About CWS
Founded in 1877, Community Work Services (CWS) helps people who face barriers to work obtain employment and achieve self-sufficiency through innovative job training, placement and support services. CWS is a company of The Fedcap Group.

About Apex Technical School
Since 1961, Apex Technical School has enjoyed a rich tradition of service to New Yorkers who know us well for our adult vocational technical school which offers training in skilled trades. Our hands-on training courses give individuals the basic trade and labor skills needed to secure an entry-level position in the field. Located in Long Island City in Queens, Apex offers 900-hour certificate courses in high demand areas such as: air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive service, welding technology, electrical and advanced electrical, plumbing and construction. All of Apex’s trade programs offer hands-on training in as little as 7 months. Apex is licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Apex Technical School is a nonprofit organization and a member of The Fedcap Group, an international nonprofit, dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being.

Contact:
Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)

Easterseals Lonestar Launches Inclusive eSports Program in Partnership with Local School Districts for At-Risk Students

Easterseals Lonestar Launches Inclusive eSports Program in Partnership with Local School Districts for At-Risk Students

Dallas, Texas – June 27, 2023 – Easterseals Lonestar has been awarded a contract by the Texas Workforce Commission to launch an eSports STEM workforce development program to engage at-risk high school students in a fun, engaging, and relevant way. The one-year, $100,000 pilot program is a partnership between Easterseals and local school districts to recruit students to participate in an eSports league that integrates opportunities to explore STEM careers. The program will officially start in the fall semester of the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

The eSports program will provide opportunities for students to connect and build relationships with local volunteers who have successful STEM careers, have conversations with guidance counselors who will help students develop individualized plans for appropriate post-secondary STEM experiences. Students will be able to engage with people in the online gaming industry, a growing segment offering well-paying jobs to entry-level workers and beyond.

“Our program will connect students with professionals and opportunities in the eSports industry,” said Tod Marvin, President of Easterseals Lonestar. “Given the right opportunities and supports every student can build a path to a successful future in the exciting and growing eSports sector. This is a first step in expanding STEM-based eSports education statewide.”

About Easterseals Lonestar
Easterseals Lonestar is an organizational merger of Easterseals Central Texas and Easterseals North Texas under the same administrative and leadership team. Easterseals Lonestar promotes independence and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams. Easterseals Lonestar is a member of The Fedcap Group. For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Contact: Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)

 

Easterseals New York Preschool Promotes Autism Awareness and Acceptance

Easterseals New York Preschool Promotes Autism Awareness and Acceptance

For Autism Awareness Month, East Tremont School Parents, Teachers, and Clinicians Walk for Support of Autism Acceptance

Teachers, clinicians, and family members led students on a short walk along the block of the Easterseals New York Bronx Child Development Center on East Tremont Avenue in The Bronx, on a sunny Friday afternoon to raise awareness and support of autism acceptance.

“The mission of Easterseals New York is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities,” Tenay Alston, the school’s director, explained. “This is our goal for our students: to promote their autonomy, encourage their exploration and celebrate each of their milestones.”

Learn more about the program and how to obtain an evaluation for your child on the Easterseals New York website.