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Route Back to Work Can be a Bumpy Ride – Op-Ed by Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap Scotland

Route Back to Work Can be a Bumpy Ride – Op-Ed by Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap Scotland

Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap Scotland and Fedcap Employment in the UK, wrtites for Daily Business Magazine about the challenges faced by people who have been out of the workforce—often due to physical or mental health constraints—and how Fedcap has developed smart solutions to help people obtain employment. 

“We have built some very smart methods of getting feedback from people who use our services at Fedcap, including how we capture and use data and as part of the debate we have been having a look at what is going on for people who have been ‘economically inactive.'” 

Read the full article on the Daily Business Magazine website.

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Seacoast Pathways Members Organize Auction, Raising Funds for Clubhouse

Seacoast Pathways Members Organize Auction, Raising Funds for Clubhouse

Seacoast Pathways is a place for adults living with mental illness to come together for purposeful work and meaningful relationships in the NH Seacoast area.

Our online auction raises funds to support the clubhouse’s activities. A range of auction items beginning with bids as low as $5 are available. For supporters who are able to contribute higher amounts, several unique opportunities are also available, from luxury home goods to a weekend retreat in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard.

The auction runs from Sunday, March 12 at noon to Sunday, March 26 at 8 pm.

Seacoast Pathways is an accredited Clubhouse, which means it is run on a proven, evidence-based approach that focuses on strengths and abilities, not on illness. Members collectively work together on various projects—including preparing this fundraiser—to support their mental health. Seacoast Pathways is also working with local employers to place members who are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce with well-matched jobs that can provide more independence and autonomy.

To bid, visit the Seacoast Pathways Auction on the Betterworld.org website.

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Community Work Services Launches New Apex Clean Energy Institute in Boston

Community Work Services Launches New Apex Clean Energy Institute in Boston

Kicks Off with High Demand Training for Placement into Well-Paying, Sustainable Jobs in the Solar Energy Industry; Will be Expanded to Wind Power & Other Renewable Energy Sources in the Future

First Class Enrolled in Solar Training Program are Returning Citizens who Were Formerly Incarcerated to help them Secure Path to Economic Well-Being

Students Who Complete Program Will be Awarded Six College Credits from Paul Smith’s College to Pursue Additional Higher Education Programs

December 13, 2022

Boston, MA—Community Work Services in partnership with Apex Technical School and Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute today announced they are launching a new Clean Energy Institute to train underrepresented communities in high demand, well-paying jobs in solar energy. CWS, Apex Technical School, and Power52 are all affiliates of The Fedcap Group, a nonprofit focused on achieving economic well-being for underserved communities.

The 450-hour solar training program created by Power52 Clean Energy Access and Apex Technical School and taught at CWS will provide training in basic digital skills and financial literacy, as well as micro grids/smart grids and solar energy systems design. In addition, the program will provide hands-on lab training in solar photovoltaic installation including, safety, fall protection, construction, power tools, safe operation, pipe bending, and racking assembly.

The first class of students comprises returning citizens to the community following incarceration. 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.

“The Apex Clean Energy Institute will be a model we will replicate in many underserved communities as a way of providing job skills in high demand sectors that will result in sustainable employment for those too often left behind,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “CWS is doing important work building pathways to economic well-being by connecting individuals, like returning citizens, with an array of programs and educational opportunities from shorter job training programs all the way up to college degrees.”

“CWS has been working with the Boston Community for 145 years, providing high-quality job skills training and employment opportunities, combined with the tools and strategies that enhance our participants’ ability to gain and retain employment,” said Craig Stenning, Executive Director of CWS Boston. “The Clean Energy Access Institute is the next step in our efforts to ensure our participants learn skills that will serve them for many years to come, and with the growing demand for sustainable energy sources, this training is a natural fit.”

“The expected demand for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to grow by 52% over the next decade with a starting median salary near $50,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Robert Wallace, Founder and CEO of Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute. “Our training will change the lives of many individuals and their families in a meaningful and positive way. I’m proud of our team that made this happen.” View a video of Robert Wallace speaking at the event.

“The Apex Clean Energy Institute will provide our graduates with the skills necessary to join the growing green energy field. In addition to receiving a certificate students will also receive credits towards a college degree,” said Steve Markowitz, President of Apex Technical School. “Thanks to our partner Paul Smith’s College we are able to create a path for CWS graduates that choose to take the next step and go on to college.”

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.

The Fedcap Group also thanked the following agencies for their support of the project: City of Boston Public Safety/Office of Workforce Development, Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Citizens Energy Group, Nexamp, and Resonant Energy.

View a video of the ribbon cutting on YouTube.

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.

About Paul Smith’s College
As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s College provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. The college draws on industries and resources available in the region while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. The community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for alumni. The college conducts research and advocacy on issues that improve the planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

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

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Fedcap Employment’s Customer Contact Team Wins ‘Team of the Year – Hidden Heroes’ at the Employability Related Services Association’s Awards in the United Kingdom

Fedcap Employment’s Customer Contact Team Wins ‘Team of the Year – Hidden Heroes’ at the Employability Related Services Association’s Awards in the United Kingdom

December 9, 2022

(New York, NY)—Fedcap Employment, The Fedcap Group’s United Kingdom-based organization dedicated to helping individuals find sustainable work, received national recognition for the part it plays in improving and even saving the lives of its customers. Fedcap Employment’s 28-person customer contact center located Middlesbrough, England won the Team of the Year – Hidden Heroes category at the Employability Related Services Association’s Awards.

The Fedcap Employment team is an essential component of the organization, ensuring the UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart scheme in the South Central region of England maintains a high performance of getting people back into the jobs market. Team members also become lifesavers with every member of the team having dealt with at least one call from a suicidal customer.

“On behalf of the entire Fedcap family, we commend our colleagues at Fedcap Employment for their lifesaving work in the United Kingdom, helping those in significant distress to remain safe, first and foremost—and then putting individuals on a path to sustainable employment,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group.

Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap Employment, said, “I’m incredibly proud of the work our Customer Success Center do and it’s fantastic that they’ve been acknowledged with this prestigious award. They are so important to ensuring we provide the best service possible to our participants, so they feel fully supported and know that we’re here for them.”

Now in their 10th year the ERSA Employability Awards are an opportunity to highlight best practices in the sector and this year Fedcap appeared on the shortlist of five of the 10 categories.

In addition to the win, Fedcap’s Scotland-based business was highly commended in the Significant Achiever of the Year category after customer Heather Miller completely transformed her life after being unemployed for many years. The 54-year-old had suffered years of depression, anxiety and financial hardship after her son was stillborn, unable to leave the house and afraid she’d never work again. Her “incredible” journey to sustainable employment started after Fedcap Scotland supported her and encouraged her to apply for a temporary job and now she’s achieved permanent employment status.

Heather Miller said, “I never saw a future before, no sort of life outside my house and with my depression and anxiety controlling me. I now have a future for me and my family. Fedcap Scotland helped me get my life back.”

Susan Paterson, Fedcap Employment, Operations Director said, “The Customer Contact Team is the backbone of our operations, they make everything run smoothly and are a fundamental part of the business. The team consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of them and we are delighted they have been recognized in this way.”  

About Fedcap Employment and 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 serve 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.

Fedcap Employment delivers the UK government’s Restart Scheme in the South Central region of England, as well as other funded programs across the country. Fedcap Employment also delivers the Intensive Personalised Employment Support programme on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire, Hampshire, South West, Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire. For more information on how Fedcap helps communities across Britain, visit www.fedcapemployment.org

Photo caption: April Hodgson, Customer Success Adviser; Paul Norris, CSC Delivery Manager and Susan Paterson, Fedcap Operations Director, celebrate their win at the ERSA Employability Awards

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

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Single Stop Named a Leading Tax Time Ally by Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation for its Effort Assisting Working Families and Underserved Communities with Tax Preparation

Single Stop Named a Leading Tax Time Ally by Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation for its Effort Assisting Working Families and Underserved Communities with Tax Preparation

Single Stop Awarded $150,000 by Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation to Expand its Virtual Tax Services to Rural Communities

Single Stop—a company of The Fedcap Group that provides benefit screening to connect individuals to eligible benefits and resources, including free income tax return preparation—has been recognized by Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation as a Leading Tax Ally for assisting working families and individuals from underserved communities with tax preparation. The foundation has awarded Single Stop $150,000 to help expand its virtual tax preparation service to underserved rural communities.

Learn more about the tax preparation services offered by Single Stop, and the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation award, on the Single Stop website. 

 

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Fedcap Inc.’s IMPACT Program Connects 165 Participants to Sustainable Futures

Fedcap Inc.’s IMPACT Program Connects 165 Participants to Sustainable Futures

Over 100 individuals have gained sustainable employment through Fedcap Inc.’s IMPACT program.

Graduates of Fedcap Inc.’s IMPACT program recently gathered at Citi Field to collect their certificates and celebrate their successful completion of the program. The evening was an opportunity for graduates to reflect and reunite with their mentors, coaches, and instructors. Thanks to special nonprofit pricing from The Mets, Fedcap Inc. was able to celebrate and enjoy a night out at the ballgame with hotdogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks.

The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) IMPACT program is for individuals leaving Department of Correction custody and helps releasees find sustainable employment, which in turn helps them positively reintegrate in the community. Fedcap Inc. enrolls voluntary participants through outreach to individuals and referrals from community partners. Once immediate needs for food, housing, healthcare and childcare, and transportation are assessed and resolved, the program offers skills training, workshops on re-entering the workplace and workplace culture, and job entry and retention services.

Tyrone Alexander, a graduate of the program, moved on from homelessness and instability to developing his culinary skills and in addition to holding steady work, he’s saving up for his own food truck. Demar Veitch gained construction skills and became a flagger at a work site in Queens, and the positive experience has given him the encouragement to apply to become a carpenter’s apprentice. 

Learn more about the IMPACT program and the difference it’s making on the Fedcap Inc. website. 

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How We’re Fighting Age Discrimination in the New York City Workforce | Gotham Gazette

How We’re Fighting Age Discrimination in the New York City Workforce | Gotham Gazette

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner of the NYC Department of the Aging, advocates for the employment of older workers.

In a September 13, 2022 op-ed for Gotham Gazette, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner of the NYC Department of the Aging, advocates for the employment of older workers.  She notes that ageism is one of the least-discussed forms of discrimination and yet, the number of individuals over the age of 65 in the workforce has been steadily increasing for decades. 

“Studies have shown that businesses with a diverse workforce reach goals their competitors only talk about, including: retaining talent, because by ensuring all their employees feel a part of the team they are happier and more productive; innovating, because businesses with diverse staff reduce groupthink; reputation and profit growth, because when people see a diverse group working together, they like the company more and want to support it.”

ReServe, Inc., a company of The Fedcap Group, was mentioned as one of the organizations that has become part of the solution: 

“DFTA also has the ReServe Program, which matches participants with part-time opportunities at New York City agencies, where their background in several sectors including law, marketing, health care, education, and finance, allows them to mentor their co-workers who benefit from their knowledge.”


Contact ReServe for more information on becoming a ReServist or working with them to fill skills and knowledge gaps in your organization or agency.

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The Fedcap Group Golf Tournament: Bringing Sponsors and Supporters Together

The Fedcap Group Golf Tournament: Bringing Sponsors and Supporters Together

The Fedcap Group’s annual Golf Tournament raised funds and awareness of The Power of Possible.

On Monday, August 8, 2022, The Fedcap Group held its annual Golf Tournament at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York. Eighteen golf foursomes played under beautiful summer skies at the highly regarded par-70 course designed by renowned golf course architect A. W. Tillinghast.

The event, attended by representatives of partners and supporters, was an opportunity to gather together to advance the mission of The Fedcap Group: to create opportunities and improve the lives of people with barriers to economic well-being.

Following a day on the links, attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner with raffle prizes ranging from golf accessories to gift certificates to the Quaker Ridge pro shop. The lucky winner of the “50/50” raffle generously donated his winnings back to The Fedcap Group.

Many thanks to our sponsors – ABFS Facility Service Solutions, Ken Raisler, Cleaning Systems, Metro Elevator, Ocean Janitorial Supply, Sterling Sanitary Supply Corp, American Paper & Supply Company, Caso Document Management, Imprint Marketing Concepts, J.E. Ryan & Associates, eProcessPort, Platinum Maintenance, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Compass, Huron, Mutual of America, RAL, USI, and Blackheart. Thanks also to Quaker Ridge and all our friends and supporters who make this event possible.
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Single Stop Updates Benefit Screener to Include Affordable Connectivity Program

Single Stop Updates Benefit Screener to Include Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created to close the digital divide facing millions of households across the nation. Immediately after the program went live, Single Stop jumped into designing, testing, and implementing ACP in their comprehensive benefit eligibility screener.

The ACP allows eligible families to reduce their high-speed internet service costs by up to $30 a month. Current Single Stop users can log in to their accounts and update/confirm their demographic information. They will automatically be screened for eligibility and rescreened for all existing federal and state benefits.

Single Stop’s benefit screener helps determine a household’s eligibility for up to 19 federal and state programs; most notably, Pell Grant, Medicaid, SNAP, WIC and free tax preparation to name a few. Learn more on the Single Stop website.

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Fedcap Inc. Launches the Veterans Forward Program to Help Veterans, Service Members and Their Families Across the State of Maine

Fedcap Inc. Launches the Veterans Forward Program to Help Veterans, Service Members and Their Families Across the State of Maine

Fedcap Inc.’s Veterans Forward Received $500,000 from the Federal Government to Kickstart the Program to Help Homeless Veterans

South Portland, ME—Fedcap Inc. is launching Veterans Forward to provide veterans, service members, and their families critically-needed support in emergency situations such as housing, substance use treatment, home heating assistance, food and clothing, and job training across the state of Maine. Fedcap Inc.’s Veterans Forward is essential given rising costs due to record inflation that put additional financial stress on many military families.

Grant Collins, President of Fedcap Inc. said, “We must do a better job of serving our heroes and their families who have sacrificed so much for their country, and launching Veterans Forward will help provide the support they deserve. Fedcap history is deeply rooted in serving service members, veterans and their families given we were founded by WWI veterans. This is another example of our commitment to improving the economic well-being of the people of Maine.”

Fedcap Inc. worked with the former Veterans Count Maine chapter, led by its Treasurer Dennis Brown, to create Veterans Forward. Brown said, “Fedcap welcomed us with open arms. Fedcap was quick to recognize this important need and immediately began putting the pieces together. We thank Fedcap for their dedication to our service members, veterans, and their families.”

To help kickstart the Veterans Forward program, the United States Department of Labor awarded Veterans Forward $500,000 for a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) to help homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness gain stability, get training and pursue high earning careers in Maine’s leading industries.

For more information about, or to support Fedcap Maine’s Veterans Forward program visit https://fedcapmaine.org/veteransforward/.

ABOUT FEDCAP IN MAINE
When it comes to helping Mainers, Fedcap knows how to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. Known widely for their program Families Forward and their excellence in employment services, Fedcap is expanding on what they do best to meet an ever-growing need—to serve Maine’s veterans. For over six years, Fedcap Inc. has provided services in Maine for low-income families, including veterans, through their Families Forward program. Since implementing Families Forward in 2016 they have served over 20,000 Mainers. Families Forward has assisted Mainers to secure 12,000 jobs, adding hundreds of millions to the Maine economy. Families Forward has placed more than 5,000 participants into educational activities including certification and college degree programs. Families Forward is the largest and most successful workforce development program in Maine. With sixteen offices in Maine from Sanford to Fort Kent, it has well-established community connections and the resources to provide quality care to our veterans.

CONTACT
Michael Bernier, AVP Communications/Operations, Fedcap Inc. – Serving Maine
220 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland ME
Mobile: (207) 295-5521 | Office: (207) 835-8318
mbernier@fedcap.org

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