Community Work Services

Transforming Lives Through Work Opportunity

Community Work Services transforms lives by breaking down barriers to employment through hands-on training, dedicated support, and real opportunities for lasting careers in various industries.

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Our Purpose

Empowered by Belief in People

About CWS

We believe access to meaningful work is a fundamental human need, yet many individuals are denied opportunities due to systemic barriers, personal hardships, or a lack of support. At Community Work Services, we know that with the right tools, training, and encouragement, anyone can achieve economic independence and personal fulfillment.


We see the strength and potential in every individual who walks through our doors. We are driven by the belief that no one should be left behind. Our work is more than employment, it is about restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating lasting change in our communities.

About CWS
Special Events

City of Champions Gala

The City of Champions Gala celebrates the life-changing power of work, honoring exceptional leaders and community champions who advance equity, opportunity, and economic empowerment across Boston and beyond.

Hosted by Community Work Services, this annual event brings together supporters to celebrate achievements and raise funds to continue breaking down barriers to employment.

Our Community

The People We Serve

Community Work Services supports individuals who have faced significant barriers to employment, including histories of poverty, homelessness, substance use, and incarceration. Our participants bring resilience, determination, and untapped potential — we’re here to help them thrive.

Our Services

Core Areas of Assistance

Education

Through our Career Design School, we provide individuals with the practical skills needed to excel in their chosen industries. Whether it’s culinary arts, commercial cleaning, hotel and hospitality, clean energy, or commercial production, we equip participants with the hands-on training to succeed.

Our goal is to ensure they are job-ready and confident as they enter the workforce.

Workforce Development

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Our Workforce Development services help individuals prepare for success in the job market after gaining the necessary skills. We offer support in interview preparation, job placement support, post-placement services, legal assistance, financial literacy, and more.

We focus on providing the ongoing support and tools needed to ensure participants succeed and grow in their careers.

Health

Our Health services support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in building the skills they need for success in the workforce. With decades of experience, we provide personalized guidance in creating career plans, conducting assessments to identify skills and interests, and offering vocational coaching.

We focus on helping individuals obtain meaningful employment while also providing access to additional services like housing support, education, and more. Our goal is to empower individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential in the workplace and beyond.

Economic Development

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Community Work Services provides high-quality staffing and operational solutions to businesses across Greater Boston. Through services like catering, cafeteria management, mailroom operations, commercial cleaning, and packaging and fulfillment, we help organizations streamline operations while advancing our mission.

Partnering with CWS means gaining a dependable workforce, reducing overhead costs, and creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals working to overcome barriers to employment.

Job Fair Highlights

Connections to Success

Our job fairs connect job seekers with local employers, offering valuable networking opportunities and direct access to career openings across various industries. Participants can meet recruiters, explore job opportunities, and gain insights into different career paths.

Whether you're seeking your first job or a career change, our job fair events provide the resources and connections you need to take the next step in your career development and a successful future.

Our Supporters and Partners

The Organizations That Make Our Work Possible

By the Numbers

CWS in Action: Key Success Metrics

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People Served

1100

In the final quarter of FY 2024, the average full-time salary earned was

$47,000

Job Placements

178

Have an Identified Support System

347

Educational Achievement or Career Design School Graduates

420

Graduation Success Rate

78%
Success Stories

Lives Changed Through CWS

June 26, 2025
Russell Smith

Russell is currently focused on obtaining permanent housing and exploring additional training opportunities.

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April 14, 2025
Kevin Fowler

Kevin is working hard to rebuild his life after incarceration by taking various training classes and courses.

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February 19, 2025
Heather Henderson

Heather secured a position with At Your Service Staffing, where she now applies her certification and training across a range of hospitality roles.

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December 30, 2024
Deline Leandre

Deline enrolled in the At Your Service - Hotel & Hospitality Training Program and earned a prestigious American Hotel & Hospitality Training Program.

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October 29, 2024
Hector

Hector is a recent graduate of our Apex Clean Energy Institute (ACEI) Training Program.

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August 2, 2024
Ross

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April 8, 2024
Roberto

Roberto is a recent graduate of the National Grid Energy Infrastructure Academy.

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February 21, 2024
Bony

After successfully completing JRT, Bony continues to serve as a participant worker providing translation assistance to our migrant participants.

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Lyanet Vasquez

“Being homeless is just not an excuse.”

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Danielle McInnis

“I felt like I needed more. I needed a push. I needed to build my career more. So, I decided to start something new. And CWS helped make it happen!”

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Donald Haynesworth

“I have a whole new life, a whole new energy. It’s a great feeling. CWS is allowing me to be the man I want to be, for me and for my child.”

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News & Insights

In the Media

Stay up to date on our work as we strive to empower individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential.

July 12, 2023
CWS and Fedcap’s Apex Clean Energy Institute Awarded $200,000 Workforce Grant
December 13, 2022
CWS Solar Technician Training Program at Apex
December 13, 2022
Community Work Services Launches New Apex Clean Energy Institute in Boston
May 27, 2022
CWS Gala Highlights 145 Years of Impact
Contact Us

Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future

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Address
174 Portland Street Boston, MA
Main (617) 720-2233
Fax (617) 367-4759
By Public Transportation
Community Work Services is accessible via MBTA Green and Orange Lines and the Commuter Rail to North Station
Loading Dock Hours
Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Program Hours
Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM