Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $13 million in grants have been awarded by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to seven nonprofit service providers statewide to fund career-specific vocational training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities over the next four years.
“Our state’s vibrant economy depends on the hard work and expertise of all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “People with developmental disabilities have the same desire and right to contribute to the workforce and to be self-sufficient. This funding will prepare people for success on the job and help employers fill vital vacancies.”
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, “With this targeted training initiative, we advance our understanding of what is possible for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. As we empower more people to work, we will demonstrate new, effective ways to support people and show the world the strength and success that results when employers fully embrace diversity and inclusion.
People with developmental disabilities traditionally have been under-represented in the general workforce. These career training programs will help people with developmental disabilities gain the skills and experience needed to secure employment and close the unemployment gap for people with disabilities.
In 2022, Governor Hochul recognized the need for increased vocational training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and provided funding for OPWDD to develop and deliver career-specific vocational training that will prepare people to enter the workforce and enjoy fulfilling careers.
This action is in line with the Governor’s issuance of Executive Order 31 “Committing New York State to Becoming a Model Employer for People with Disabilities” and the launch of the annual DREAM symposium, and further builds on New York State’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities to pursue employment. The training developed and delivered through these grants will be combined with community vocational experiences funded through OPWDD’s comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. The training will help people develop marketable skills that can meet the demands of today’s employers and lead to employment success. More people with developmental disabilities will be able to bring their personal contribution to the workforce, ensuring stronger, more diverse and inclusive communities.
Grants have been awarded to the following service providers:
Access: Supports for Living Inc.
AccessCNY, Inc.
Community Services for Every1, Inc.
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
Jawonio, Inc.
AHRC NYC
Upstate Caring Partners
Access: Supports for Living Inc. President & CEO Ron Colavitosaid, “Access: Supports for Living Inc. was founded on the belief that people with disabilities had the ability to participate in meaningful, competitive employment and the desire to be part of welcoming workplaces. We have seen, time and again, that representation matters, and it yields immeasurable, positive impact on the person, their workplace, and their community. We applaud Governor Hochul and Commissioner Neifeld for their understanding and action to create more inclusive, diverse communities.”
Executive Director Paul Joslyn said, “AccessCNY is grateful for the opportunity to expand our employment services for people with disabilities in Central New York. In partnership with Upstate Caring Partners and three other providers, AccessCNY will train folks with disabilities for careers in food or janitorial services. We are excited to begin these classes in the coming weeks and working with the program’s graduates to find high quality jobs. The program continues AccessCNY’s mission of innovation to meet the changing needs of Central New York and creating a community where all people belong.”
Community Services for Every1, Inc. President and CEO Mindy Cervoni said, “Community Services for Every1 is honored to participate in this innovative initiative to enhance employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. The demand and outlook for hospitality jobs in our region remain strong. This training will equally benefit aspiring employees and local employers looking to strengthen their workforce.”
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. CEO Chris Long said, “We could not be more excited to partner with OPWDD to create innovative vocational training that will help to create sustainable employment opportunities those we support. We are so grateful for the support.”
Jawonio, Inc. CEO Randi Rios-Castro said, “Jawonio is truly honored to have been awarded the funding provided by OPWDD to provide retail training services. People with developmental disabilities are an essential part of our communities here in the Lower Hudson Valley Region and across New York State; and yet they have been underrepresented in the workforce for far too long. With Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Jawonio can now empower individuals to acquire marketable skills that create pathways to success and fulfilling careers.”
AHRC NYC CEO Marco Damani said, “Researchers from Drexel University recently estimated that only 1.1 percent of working-age autistic adults who potentially need employment services are actually receiving them—leaving an estimated 1.98 million autistic people without the employment services that are associated with achievement of well-being. While these numbers may not be representative of the entire developmental disabilities population, there is clearly a need for more aggressive and progressive focus on optimizing employment and internship opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. AHRC NYC is proud to be a recipient of an OPWDD vocational training grant and is committed to partnering with NYS government to achieve full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.”
Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS President and CEO Mike Alvaro said, “We thank Governor Hochul for this critical funding, once again demonstrating this administration’s commitment to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. Employment is a fundamental part of who we are and how we connect with our communities, and these grants not only affirm that we indeed are part of the NY community, but they also enable people with developmental disabilities to participate and be productive members of the workforce on a much broader basis than past opportunities allowed.”
Kyle is one of our amazing dishwashers at Butera’s Restaurant. He can put a smile on anyone’s face, even if they are having the worst day. He makes sure he says hello to every employee when he comes in, many followed by a hug or high five. When he leaves, he loves to tell everyone he has been “set free” Kyle has become a huge part of our team and we could not be happier with the employee he is. As his shirt states, “Hugs are free, kisses are extra like me”
Written by Lindsay and Jimmy Butera, owners of Butera’s in Hamburg
The fight for an 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to end critical staffing shortages is far from over! These photos are a glance into last week’s rally in Albany. Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of our industry- without them we would not be able to provide programming and supports to those with I/DD.
Every week, our Pre-Voc students drop off our compost from the Culinary Arts Suite to one of the 34 and More compost drop offs in the city of Buffalo. Composting our food waste weekly helps us leave as small of a footprint as possible when it comes to waste, and educates our students about the importance of food waste. This also encourages our students and the community to think about their food beyond buying and cooking. To learn more, visit buffalorecycles.org/.
Buffalo Community Fridge
Students in all of our classes learned the importance of giving back to our community through food distribution and minimizing waste. Any time the kitchen has extra food or ingredients that would not be used otherwise, they are walked over to our local Buffalo Community Fridge. This is a mutual aid network of fridges with a goal of strengthening communities and addressing food insecurity. We discuss the importance of a healthy balanced diet, and making sure those ingredients are available to all. To get involved or learn more about the fridges, visit www.buffalocommunityfridges.com/
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
During our Restaurant and Banquet training session, our hospitality students had a unique opportunity to put their banquet training skills to the test! Cory Watson, the Convention Center’s Director of Food and Beverage, prepared an area for the students to practice several tasks that are assigned when setting up for an event. From applying chair covers to folding napkins, our students had so much fun learning and creating a beautiful table arrangement!
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
This past summer, our hospitality students were invited to participate in a bus tour (organized by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership) that highlighted several businesses in the Customer Service industry. Visiting locations such as Univera Health Care, Wegman’s and Independent Health, students were able to meet and chat with industry professionals who pride themselves on going above and beyond for their customers.
Hilton Garden Inn
During our Front Desk Representative training, our hospitality students were able to participate in a 2-day on site learning experience with the Hilton Garden Inn. From decorating the lobby for March Madness to riding along on an airport shuttle pick-up, students had an awesome opportunity to really understand what it means to create next level, personalized, guest service experiences.
Thanksgiving Meals
Continuing with our Thanksgiving tradition, the Culinary Arts Suite partnered with our Hospitality Program to host a sit-down Thanksgiving meal for Community Habilitation. We also were able to serve over 120 packaged meals to families under the auspice of our Specialized Services, Victim Services and Advocacy Programs, and to the Community as a whole. All in all, our kitchen was able to prepare and make 200 meals that offered not only learning opportunities in the kitchen but a way to give back during this time of reflection and gratitude.
Meet Samantha! She receives services in our Supported Employment Program. With the help of a Job Coach, she learned how to use Metro rail transportation, communicate with coworkers and management, follow a shifting schedule, and gain mastery of specific job duties. Sam was hired for her very first job, in 2019, as a glass cleaner at the KeyBank Center, until COVID closed the arena. Sam kept up with her skills and hopeful attitude during this time as a member of our Virtual Job Club. She applied for new positions with the support of her Job Coach.
In July of 2021, Sam accepted a job at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in their Environmental Services Department. Her duties include trash removal and disposal, lab cleaning and sanitizing, replenishing of supplies, sweeping and mopping floors, and moving medical waste bins to the correct areas.
Tracy Curtin, Human Resources Manager at Roswell, says “Sam is a joy to be around, I couldn’t imagine our department without her. Sam works with some very well-respected doctors and scientists in their fields. They all speak very highly of her and the work she does.”
Sam makes a difference every day now with a job well done!
After Kasseem graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo in 2021, he was referred by ACCES-VR to Community Services, where his employment journey began. Kasseem started working with the Supported Employment Team at our Jefferson Career Exploration Center. Kasseem and his Job Coach worked closely on skills, such as time-management, communication, and problem-solving.
Using technology and firsthand opportunities, Kasseem worked diligently to complete assessment tools to narrow down his interests, explore career choices, and research educational requirements, projected job outlooks and future wages. At the Career Center, he met regularly with his Job Coach and tried out opportunities in both the Culinary and Auto Detail Suites to gauge his abilities, stamina, and motivation to work.
Kasseem applied and was accepted into Houghton College. In his sophomore year, Kasseem’s Job Coach assisted him in securing a paid internship in the Corporate Communications Department at Community Services for Every1. Here he works on a variety of projects, including helping create marketing and promotional materials.
Kasseem describes his dream job as working in the film industry. Community Services is proud of his efforts, abilities, and formidable attitude!
BUFFALO, NY- 7/22/2022- Community Services for Every1 is grateful to Empire State Development (ESD) for an award from the Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program. The grant of $500,000 will directly impact the agencies project, ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’. This funding will carry out the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the former St. John Kanty Lyceum at 97 Swinburne Street, Buffalo by converting it into a 42-unit affordable housing community, of which 12 units are set aside for survivors of domestic violenceand includes 7,600 square feet of commercial space. The commercial space will primarily be utilized by Community Services to provide vocational, afterschool, and healthy cooking/food literacy education services to more than 200 people with developmental disabilities and their families each year. Additionally, The St. John Kanty Parish will sublease the space to prepare baked goods/meals related to cultural/religious events and fundraisers.
Community Services for Every1 partnered with consulting developer Edgemere Development, Inc. on this project. Edgemere Development is a real estate firm focused on affordable and mixed-income housing development. Community Services for Every1 is the owner, developer, property manager and support service agency for Apartments at the Lyceum.
Community Services for Every1, CEO, Mindy Cervoni said, “Empire State Development’s support of ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ helps address significant unmet needs for affordable and accessible housing in the City of Buffalo. ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ will create Erie County’s first permanent supportive housing program explicitly developed for survivors of domestic violence. Community Services is appreciative of the funding provided by Empire State Development.”
Community Services for Every1, Vice President of Program Support and Development, Kelly Kinderman said, “We are grateful for the Empire State Development Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program Funding. The funding is a crucial piece to our project development. The award supports our expansion and enhances the services we’ll be able to offer at ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’, ultimately benefiting the Buffalo community.”
Edgemere Development, Project Leader, Brad Mack said, “Empire State Development’s support of the ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ is a critical step towards seeing this project come to life. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to bringing this vital project to the Buffalo community.”
More information about the Better Buffalo Fund and its other awardees can be read at buffalobillion.ny.gov/better-buffalo-fund.
Our Mission at Community Services is to partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.
The Better Buffalo Fund aims to create vibrant, mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods. It is focused on supporting projects that encourage density and growth along transportation corridors and revitalize neighborhood commercial districts. It offers grants and loan funds through two initiatives – Transit Oriented Development and the Buffalo Main Streets Initiative, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
BUFFALO, NY- Grow your career with Community Services for Every1! Community Services is hosting Open Interviews on Wednesday July 27th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Open Interviews will be held at 180 Oak Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Free, On-Site Parking available.
At Community Services we offer an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. We are hosting Open Interviews for Residential Management Team positions. Assistant Managers start at $17.25 per hour, Residential Site Managers start at $51,480.00/annually and Residential Program Coordinators start at $54,080/annually
Anyone interested in coming should bring their resume and photo I.D. There will be giveaways and hiring managers are prepared to make potential job offers on the spot! More information about open positions can be found at csevery1.com/careers. You can also contact recruiter@csevery1.com or by calling 716-883-8888, ext. 106.
Our Mission at Community Services is topartner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.
Kickstart your career with Community Services for Every1! Community Services is hosting a two-day job fair on Friday July 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday July 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The job fair will be held at 1485 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208.
Community Services for Every1 offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. We have per diem, part-time and full-time openings in our Group Homes, Supervised Apartments, Day Programs, Respite Programs, Behavioral Health, and Community Programs. Direct Care positions start between $16.00 – $16.75 per hour with paid training and no experience required. Our Job Coach, Behavioral Health and management positions start at $17.00 per hour.
Anyone interested in coming should bring their resume and photo I.D. There will be giveaways and hiring managers are prepared to make potential job offers on the spot! More information about open positions can be found at csevery1.com/careers. You can also contact recruiter@csevery1.com or by calling 716-883-8888, ext. 106.
Our Mission at Community Services is topartner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.
