Cambridge Works, the City of Cambridge’s transitional jobs program for younger residents (age 18-35) who haven’t been able to get or keep jobs, celebrated its 21st graduating class during a special ceremony December 14, 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, a part of the Department of Human Services Program (DHSP).
For many participants of Cambridge Works, the job skills they learn, the experience they gain, 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.
Master of Ceremonies Richard Harding, a Program Coordinator at Cambridge Public Health Department added his thanks to the city administration and City Council for their longstanding support of this unique program that has made a tremendous difference to some younger Cambridge residents who needed a helping hand in developing work skills to give them a chance at success.
“We wish you every success,” said Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “We hope you will stay in touch and know that if you hit a bump (in your journey), our staff will always be here to help you.”
Below are some comments from graduates about what Cambridge Works did for them:
“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I will always be grateful for Cambridge Works and the staff and what I learned.”
“I want to thank the (Cambridge Works) staff for working with me and helping me. It means a lot that you gave me a chance and didn’t give up on me, and that you pushed me to keep going.”
