Learn more about our special events, programs, grants, and success stories. 

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Graduation Event

On January 23rd, CWS held its Winter Graduation Event, welcoming many guests including friends, family, Board Members, and community partners. Graduates from the Culinary, Commercial Cleaning, and Clean Energy programs were celebrated for their hard work and dedication. Graduate speakers, Luis and Gailene, gave meaningful speeches that touched upon their personal challenges and the strength and support they received from the CWS team. In addition, we presented our community partner, Skilled US, with the Partnership Award. Guests enjoyed the festivities and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.

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Young Adults with Disabilities Program Grant

CWS Director of Programs and Services, Tanya Figelman, was recently invited to attend an event in celebration of the new Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWD) grants awarded by the Commonwealth Corporation. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $850,000 in grants to fund five organizations that provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 119 young adults with disabilities. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages community-based organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities. CWS is very grateful for the ongoing support we have received from the Commonwealth Corporation in support of YAWD programming.

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Tim Gaglione Celebrates 30 Years at CWS‍

Shipping and Receiving Fulfillment Center Administrator, Tim Gaglione, recently marked his 30th anniversary with CWS. He became part of the CWS team in 1995, and since then, he has consistently contributed to our success and has personally helped to train and support hundreds of participants throughout the years. In his current position, Tim oversees the daily operations of the Commercial Production Training Center and leads a team of dedicated participant workers who pack orders for many different organizations. Tim was recently invited to attend the CWS Board Meeting, where he shared his journey and was presented with a gift to honor his many years of service and commitment.

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‍New Employee Spotlight

CWS is excited to welcome our new Case Manager, Laura Kelly, to our team. A graduate of Tufts University, Laura has many years of experience volunteering with organizations that support social justice and criminal justice education and reform efforts. In her current role, Laura focuses on providing comprehensive case management support services to returning citizens and National Grid Infrastructure Academy participants.



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Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery (HLS) and Skilled US Visit CWS‍

On January 22nd, representatives from Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery (HLS) and Skilled US, a leading workforce development organization came to CWS for a tour. Skilled US is a longstanding CWS partner and helped to introduce CWS to HLS. The HLS initiative supports innovative and impactful projects throughout Boston and Cambridge that address systemic inequities affecting people who have been harmed by slavery. HLS provided a grant to Skilled US, and Skilled US selected CWS as the grant recipient. CWS looks forward to continuing to develop this new partnership in the future.

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‍National Grid Training Trip‍

CWS participants from the National Grid Energy Infrastructure Academy recently attended a specialized training session at the National Grid Solar Farm site in Leichester.

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Participant Success Story

Heather Henderson is a powerful example of resilience and determination. After a decade-long struggle with substance abuse she resolved to make transformative changes to her life following the birth of her son, embarking on a committed journey toward recovery. Heather enrolled in our "At Your Service" Hotel and Hospitality Training program where she not only earned her certification from the nationally recognized American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute Curriculum but also quickly emerged as a leader in the classroom, setting a standard as an exemplary student. Ultimately, Heather secured a position with At Your Service Staffing, where she now applies her certification and training across a range of hospitality roles. Heather is pictured below with her CWS Instructor, Amanda Portillo.

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Save The Date!

The CWS “City of Champions” 2025 Awards Celebration is officially set for Wednesday, September 17th, at the Hyatt Regency Boston.

We look forward to seeing all of our friends and dedicated supporters at this festive event!



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