The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties, Inc. (WDB), is excited to announce a new workforce program designed to help adults returning from incarceration or currently on probation supervision build stable careers and reduce their risk of returning to the justice system.
Career Squad is funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through its Innovation: Alternatives to Incarceration and Re-Entry Services and Interventions initiative, with a one-year award of $730,041. The program serves residents of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties, including the City of Utica, and runs through June 2027.
Participants receive one-on-one case management and peer mentorship, cognitive behavioral programming, and life-skills workshops covering financial literacy and other essentials. From there, the program connects them to a Workplace Readiness Credential, up to 100 hours of paid work experience, and ongoing support with job search, placement, and retention, along with practical help clearing everyday barriers like obtaining a state ID or transportation.
Career Squad accepts referrals from county probation departments, correctional facilities, and community partners across the region.
"Everyone deserves a real shot at building a stable, working life, especially when they're doing the hard work of coming home and starting over. Career Squad gives our case managers the time and tools to walk alongside someone through that process, not just point them toward a job, but help them keep it," says Director Alan Lam.
For more information, please contact Alan Lam, , (315) 207-6951 ext. 112.
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