Michael H. had been employed part-time in the commercial kitchen at Seven Hills Foundation at Hope Ave. prior to the pandemic. After resuming day programming with his return to onsite services, Michael was not immediately able to return to his prior employment. He received supports to regain and maintain vocational and soft skills through the employment programming provided out of our community-integrated job training site at the Seven Hills Stearns building located on Coe’s Pond in Worcester. With grant support from Bank of America Charitable Fund, TD Charitable, National Grid Foundation, and Berkshire Bank Foundation, Michael participated in skill-building workshops and reintegrated into a paid work schedule and routine through paid internship tracks at Stearns. Additionally, Michael participated in mock interviews conducted by Bank of America volunteer, John Tanacea. ASPiRE! not only supported Michael as he worked to regain functional work skills, schedule expectations, and focus, and prevented any regression from employment progress, which impacted many individuals with IDD during and after the pandemic. Michael has now returned to his previous employment in the commercial kitchen with increased weekly hours and responsibilities. 

Seven Hills ASPiRE! would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Bank of America Charitable Foundation for its most recent grant award of $10,000 in support of the ASPiRE! Workforce Readiness & Employment Program. The Workforce Readiness & Employment Program at Seven Hills ASPiRE! provides comprehensive vocational training, education and job placement services to adults ages 18 and older who are seeking employment-related services. As a longtime supporter of this program, Bank of America not only provides funding resources but also staff volunteers who work alongside participants to gain the experience they need to achieve their employment goals. Thank you, Bank of America!