CWS December 2025 Newsletter

November Job Fair

On November 12th, CWS hosted a Job Fair event and welcomed over 50 participants. This event is part of a series of Job Fair events that we have held throughout the year. Participants enjoyed connecting with recruiters from many different including Block by Block, Encore Boston Harbor organizations including Block by Block, Encore Boston Harbor, Constellis Security, Just a Start, MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Walnut Street Community Clinic, Boston Public Libraries, and Beth Israel Lahey Health amongst others. Attending the event also helped participants to learn about new career opportunities as well as training requirements. We look forward to hosting additional Job Fairs in 2026.

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Santander Volunteers

We recently welcomed two groups of Santander employee volunteers who supported our Community Food Program by sorting and packing essential items. Their commitment to service extends far beyond this effort. Santander volunteers continue to strengthen our mission in many ways, including serving as mock interviewers to help participants in our Job Readiness Training (JRT) class prepare for professional interviews. CWS is truly grateful to have such a dedicated and collaborative community partner.

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National Grid Graduation Event

Our employer partner, National Grid, recently hosted a graduation celebration for the National Grid Energy Infrastructure Academy, a program that creates meaningful career pathways for individuals interested in exploring job opportunities with the company. During the event, four graduates were honored with special recognition awards, including the First Annual Safety Champion Award and the Make It Happen Award.

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Mass Prison Education Consortium Summit

CWS staff recently attended the 2025 Massachusetts Prison Education Consortium Summit hosted by The Educational Justice Institute at MIT. The objective of the event was to bring together stakeholders from across the state including county houses of correction, community colleges, and workforce development systems with a particular focus on women’s education and reentry. Together, these partners are exploring scalable solutions, elevating systemimpacted voices, and building collaborative pathways that advance equity, education, and employment.

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Re-entry Grant

We are pleased to announce that CWS has been awarded a grant from the Commonwealth Corporation through the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Grants Program. This funding will strengthen our ongoing partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and support the delivery of training programs focused on the culinary and hospitality industries, both of which offer strong and sustainable career pathways.

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Holiday Celebration

CWS recently celebrated its annual Participant Appreciation Holiday Lunch, a special event dedicated to honoring the incredible individuals we serve. CWS staff members joined in by helping to serve a delicious meal prepared by our Culinary Team. The gathering offered everyone the chance to enjoy wonderful food and reconnect with friends in a festive environment.

Participant Success Story

Franco is a devoted father to two children, ages 12 and 3. He joined CWS through the Access to Recovery program to participate in our Solar Training Program, where he thrived both academically and personally. Franco successfully completed the program, earning his OSHA 30 and NABCEP certifications credentials that reflect his hard work and commitment to a better future. He often shared how much he valued being surrounded by people who believed in him and were equally focused on building meaningful careers. For Franco, the program offered more than just technical training it provided structure, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Franco has expressed how transformative his experience at CWS has been, explaining that it allowed his heart and spirit to flourish and reminded him that he is truly deserving of the opportunities that have come his way. Through the program, Franco leaned into his faith and spirituality, using them as powerful tools to heal from past insecurities, fears, and traumas. We are happy to share that Franco accepted a full-time position at BlueBike as a Driver/Station Tech.

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Happy New Year

CWS is extremely grateful for all of our amazing participants, partners, donors, volunteers, and friends. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026!