PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A state grant will provide hands-on training in health care for a dozen Berkshire County Arc clients. 

 

The pilot employment program, the Health Care Initiative, is getting $80,000 through the state's Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities.

 

The nonprofit is one of six organizations across the state to receive some $900,000 to help young adults with disabilities prepare for employment.

 

The disability services and support organization has partnered with Sugar Hill and Craneville Place in Dalton to guide the trainees through a structured pathway to employment in the healthcare sector that is transferable to other healthcare employers throughout the region.

 

"This grant will give young adults with disabilities in Western Massachusetts an opportunity to gain real hands-on work experience and learn specific skills for employment," said Maryann Hyatt, Berkshire County Arc president and CEO. 

 

"This kind of education can be life-changing for many of them and lead to new opportunities. This grant will have an impact far into their futures."

 

Since 2023, Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $2,715,625 in employment programs for young adults with disabilities grants. 

 

"Across our state, there are talented, motivated people who face real barriers to employment — and employers who are eager to hire and grow their workforce," said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement announcing the grants. 

 

"These grants help break down those barriers by providing the skills, supports, and pathways people need to succeed in high-demand industries."

 

These grants not only break down the barriers and connect individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed but also help employers build a stronger, more inclusive workforce, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. 

 

"Everyone deserves an opportunity for meaningful work," she said. 

 

In Berkshire County, Health Care Initiative will support 12 program participants in receiving hands-on training for entry-level health-care positions for roles such as certified nursing assistant, dietary aide, home health aide, and activities assistant.

 

The funds will go toward costs for the trainings, certification, and stipends for the participants when they successfully complete the program. 

 

The program is expected to take about six months to complete, on average. Berkshire County Arc is looking for an institution that offers certificate and training programs, though have not partnered with one yet, said David Singer, communications and marketing vice president. 

 

"They have been great to work with and we look forward to this being a promising partnership for the future," Singer said of the two skilled nursing homes.

 

The employment partners are not receiving funds from the grant, they have stepped up as volunteer partners to support the community and prepare the individuals to work in the health care industry, he said. 

 

"The program is designed to teach each participant soft skills, integrate with the work environment, make good decisions, and learn the technical parts of the job," said Pam Kight, director of employment and community-based day services.

 

"We hope we have great success, each individual has personal success, and that we expand the program to other partners and to other industries, such as the auto industry." 

 

The Health Care Initiative is just one of the employment programs Berkshire County Arc offers, with 32 employer partners, including Big Y, Market 32, Blue Q, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Mountain Lodge, Drury High School, and more. 

 

"BCArc has been doing this with the community for 30 years, and is one of the first providers to integrate the program in the community," Kight said. 

 

"It's to the credit of Berkshire County employers who understand the value of supporting the entire community. They also gain eager, hard-working, committed employees."