CWS Fall Newsletter

Re-entry Grant Funding‍

CWS was recently invited to attend an event to celebrate the new Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration grants awarded by the Commonwealth Corporation. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $2.6 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration grants awarded to 11 organizations to train 365 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the workforce for job opportunities in culinary, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare. Pictured above, CWS Executive Director, Craig Stenning, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Lauren Jones, and Commonwealth Corporation President & CEO, Molly Jacobson. CWS is extremely grateful for the continuous support from the Commonwealth Corporation in support of our Re-entry Programming initiatives.

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Boston College Pulse Program Event

The CWS team attended the Boston College (BC) Pulse Program for Service-Learning Town Meeting and Community Partner Dinner in September. The mission of the Pulse Program is to educate BC students about social injustice by putting them into direct contact with marginalized populations and social change organizations. CWS has participated in the Pulse Program for 5 years and looks forward to continuing this meaningful partnership.

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Senate Interns Visit CWS

CWS recently hosted two new Interns from Senator James Eldridge's office. Senator Eldridge has visited CWS many times and continues to help advocate for our programs. The Interns toured the CWS building and had the opportunity to meet with CWS Executive Director, Craig Stenning, and Program Coordinator, Tim Muise, to learn more about the growing need for comprehensive programs that can support the specific needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, also known as returning citizens.

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At Your Service Class

The CWS At Your Service (AYS) Class helps to prepare participants for a wide range of careers in the hospitality field. Over the past 6-weeks, the AYS class toured many prominent hospitality sites including Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, the Hyatt in Boston, and the Boxer Hotel in Boston. Throughout these visits, the class learned about the different employment opportunities available in the hospitality industry. In addition, the class toured many historical sites around Boston including field trips to Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House. These experiences not only deepened their understanding of the city but also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and community engagement in hospitality careers.

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Skilled-US Partnership‍

CWS is happy to announce a new partnership with Skilled US, a nonprofit job training program designed to assist adults aged 17 and over in achieving economic sustainability for themselves and their families. Skilled-US collaborates with trainers and employers to bridge the gap between communities and abundant earning opportunities. Skilled-US will help to support our collaboration with the National Grid Energy Infrastructure Academy as well as our AYS Hospitality training program.

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‍New Employee Spotlight‍

Amanda Portillo joined CWS in August as a Program Coordinator and AYS Instructor, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our programs. Starting her journey as a freelance resume writer in 2010, Amanda has built a diverse background in career development. She has also worked in talent acquisition for several companies, including Iron Mountain, State Street Bank, and Sanofi. As a certified career coach and resume writer, Amanda has spent the last six years running her own business, helping mid to executive-level career professionals. Outside of her professional endeavors, Amanda is a proud mom of Layla (14) and Angelo (9). She is also a singer, performing regularly around Boston. Amanda is thrilled to leverage her expertise and passion for helping people to build fulfilling careers at CWS, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community!



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Participant Success Story

Hector is a recent graduate of our Apex Clean Energy Institute (ACEI) Training Program. He originally enrolled in the Program because he felt a need to become more in life and to have a sense of purpose. He focused on developing self-discipline and accountability traits to help support his plans to enhance his livelihood for himself and his loved ones.

He noted that he greatly enjoyed engaging with his fellow students who were also motivated, eager to learn new concepts, and to support each other throughout the training process. Hector also appreciated the help he received from multiple members of the CWS team. We are pleased to share that he recently accepted a position as Flagger/General Laborer for the Laborers International Union-Local 980. In this role, he will be assisting heavy equipment operators on a large construction site. This a is well-paying position with additional opportunities for career advancement. We look forward to continuing to support Hector as he develops his career path in the future.

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