Cambridge Works Transitional Jobs Program Gives Residents A Helping Hand
Mar 21, 2016 – Cambridge Works, the City’s transitional jobs program for younger residents (age 18-35) who haven’t been able to get or keep jobs, celebrated its 16th graduating class during a special ceremony March 17 at Cambridge City Hall. The highly successful program provides a temporary job with the City of Cambridge, and/or other partner employers, while also offering intensive case management, soft skills development and job search assistance to help participants secure an unsubsidized job upon program completion. Cambridge Works is coordinated through the Office of Workforce Development for the Department of Human Services Program (DHSP).
For many participants of Cambridge Works, the job skills they learn, the experience they earn, and the support they receive from the staff and their peers can be life changing, affording them a much needed second chance in many cases. As part of the Cambridge Works ceremony, the staff speak about each of the participants and then the graduates themselves are given the opportunity to share their story and individual struggles, and most discuss how they overcame their particular challenges with the help of this program and the support of the staff.
“For many of you, this was the first step in your journey to employment,” said Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson. “We encourage you to stay in touch with the staff because they want to support you and see you succeed. And congratulations to some of you who have already received job offers.”
Transitional Jobs Coordinator Mike Merullo expressed his thanks to the Employer work sites and supervisors, adding that they are a major part of “what makes Cambridge Works work.”
Following the distribution of certificates, Mayor E. Denise Simmons congratulated the group, telling them how moved she was by their stories and addressed each graduate with a personal message.
“It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or how you got here, but where you are going,” said Simmons. “Cambridge Works has helped you obtain the skills you need to help you succeed and this city is standing behind you.”
Master of Ceremonies Richard Harding, Cambridge Public Health Department added his thanks to the city administration and City Council for believing that this program could make a difference and helped Cambridge residents in the unique way that it has for the past 16 years.
Cambridge Works Graduates with Cambridge City staff and officials