Eldridge, Gentile, Gregoire announce Workforce Development Grant for Employment Options to continue preparing those with mental illness for career
The $178,125 grant will support Employment Options’ Cooking up a Career program
BOSTON - Senator Jamie Eldridge (D - Marlborough), Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), and Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Marlborough) are pleased to announce the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) has awarded an Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities Grant to Employment Options in Marlborough, a nonprofit based in the Middlesex and Worcester District dedicated to improving employment opportunities to those with mental illnesses.
The grant, which totals $178,125, will go directly to empowering the mission of Employment Options by supporting its ‘Cooking up a Career’ program, which assists people with disabilities in landing a job in the culinary industry through teaching job-specific skills. Employment Options administers this program to support their overall goal of providing programing, advocacy, and professional development to those living with mental illness.
Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities Grants works to promote occupational skills training, individualized coaching, and post-placement support for those with disabilities. EOLWD awards the grant to organizations across the Commonwealth to support the efforts of groups working to prepare adults with disabilities for the workforce.
“I’m so happy to see Employment Options receive this grant to continue supporting their great work both in our district and across the region,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “Employment Options’ tireless advocacy and work to uplift those with mental illnesses is vital to our community, and the Cooking up a Career program is a great example of their hard work.”
“Employment Options is an incredible resource in our community,” said Representative Danielle Gregoire. “I am grateful that the Administration has awarded this organization this vital funding which will allow them to continue their critical work of providing their members with the skills needed to support our Commonwealth’s workforce.”
“I want to offer my thanks to EOLWD for their commitment to providing valuable support to our young people with disabilities,” said Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury). “Congratulations to ‘Employment Options’ on their grant award. Their work to ensure that all our residents have the necessary skills to find rewarding and meaningful careers is crucial, and I am pleased the ‘Cooking up a Career’ program is getting state support.”
More information about EOLWD is available here. To read about Employment Options’ Cooking up a Career program, click here. To learn more about State Senator Jamie Eldridge, click here.
