Haverhill’s Community Action, working with Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, and L’Arche Boston North were among recipients of state Community Workforce Partnerships grants to help residents gain employment skills in industries with workforce needs.
Community Action and Whittier Tech last week were awarded $165,000 to prepare unemployed and underemployed Haverhill residents for advanced manufacturing careers. L’Arche Boston North, which operates a training café, was awarded $200,000 to prepare adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for food service and related employment. The Community Group of Lawrence and partners were also awarded $200,000 to prepare primarily Spanish-speaking women in Lawrence to open licensed family child care businesses. They were among statewide recipients sharing in $6 million in grants.
“We’re focused on making Massachusetts the best place to start and grow a business, create jobs and build a career,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “These $6 million in grants will help businesses find the skilled workers they need to grow while giving more residents the tools to start their own businesses, access new opportunities and get ahead. When our local businesses succeed, our communities and our economy succeed as well.”
The awards are aimed at helping residents gain in-demand skills, earn industry credentials and pursue new jobs, higher wages and small business opportunities, while addressing barriers such as child care, transportation and housing instability.
Administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development, the program provides one-year operating grants to nonprofit organizations working with local partners.