The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties, Inc.
(WDB), is excited to announce a new workforce program designed to help adults
returning from incarceration or currently on probation supervision build stable careers
and reduce their risk of returning to the justice system.
Career Squad is funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
through its Innovation: Alternatives to Incarceration and Re-Entry Services and
Interventions initiative, with a one-year award of $730,041. The program serves
residents of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties, including the City of Utica, and
runs through June 2027.
Participants receive one-on-one case management and peer mentorship, cognitive
behavioral programming, and life-skills workshops covering financial literacy and other
essentials. From there, the program connects them to a Workplace Readiness
Credential, up to 100 hours of paid work experience, and ongoing support with job
search, placement, and retention, along with practical help clearing everyday barriers
like obtaining a state ID or transportation.
Career Squad accepts referrals from county probation departments, correctional
facilities, and community partners across the region. Everyone deserves a real shot at building a stable, working life, especially when they are doing the hard work of coming home and starting over. Career Squad gives our case
managers the time and tools to walk alongside someone through that process, not just
point them toward a job, but help them keep it says Director Alan Lam.
For more information, please contact Alan Lam, alam@working-solutions.org, (315)
207-6951 ext. 112.
http://www.working-solutions.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with
disabilities.
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