Revitalize Community Development Corporation
Revitalize Community Development Corporation (RCDC) performs critical repairs, modifications and rehabilitation to the homes and nonprofit facilities of low to moderate-income families that include: families with children, military veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities. Our mission is "Revitalizing homes, neighborhoods & lives through preservation, education and community involvement." Revitalize CDC has identified the following goals to ensure realization of its mission: (1) preserve homeownership and reduce the risk of homelessness, (2) increase energy efficiency and overall health and safety of the house, and (3) improve the quality of life, sense of community and civic pride for residents. Our Vision is to leverage the investments of donors, grantors and volunteers to make significant home repairs that stabilize neighborhoods, strengthen the tax base, and allow veterans and elderly homeowners to "age in place," creating safe and healthy home environments.
Railroad Street Youth Project
At RSYP, youth take the lead. They explore their full potential and become equipped to meet the challenging transition to adulthood. RSYP's professional staff match youth-generated ideas with community resources, empowering youth to create and oversee a wide range of innovative, life-changing projects. Unmatched in mission and scope, RSYP excels in helping youth find their voice and realize the benefits of their commitment to themselves and their community. The Apprenticeship Program meets a critical need for vocational education in southern Berkshire County, providing over 70 youth annually with hands-on career training in professional settings while filling a gap in vocational skills-building that is currently not offered at local schools. The program addresses the community challenge of population decline among youth by creating opportunities for them to pursue career interests, build employment readiness skills and expand their horizons while creating motivated workers less likely to leave for better opportunities elsewhere. Local businesses benefit from having young people who know how to be timely, responsible and respectful employees.
Breaktime Café
Breaktime is Boston’s first supported transitional employment program specifically tailored to young adults experiencing homelessness. Through transitional employment at Breaktime Cafe , we provide a critical “second step” for homeless young adults who have gone through foundational work training programs and are eager for a more advanced employment opportunity. Breaktime also empowers young adults with paid financial literacy, leadership, and professional development opportunities. Finally, as a community space, Breaktime will destigmatize homelessness by engaging thousands of cafe customers and employees/community partners.
Seven Hills Foundation
ASPiRE! Workforce Readiness & Employment Program - assists over 275 adults and transition age youth with disabilities from central and north central Massachusetts in developing the skills necessary to pursue interests in employment, recreation, and social interaction. Service models include Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS), Group Supported Employment (GSE), Individual Supported Employment (ISE), Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES), and Statewide Employment Services (SES). Supports include soft-skills development, functional vocational assessments, career planning, resume development, interviewing skills, job-specific training and placement, on-site job coaching, functional money management skills, and benefits education and coordination.
More than Words
More Than Words (MTW) is a social enterprise that empowers youth ages 16-24 who are court-involved, in the foster care system, out-of-school or homeless to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. We believe that when system-involved young people are challenged with authentic and increasing responsibilities in a business setting, and are given high expectations and a culture of support, they can and will address personal barriers to success, create concrete action plans for their lives, and become contributing members of society.