The workshop will include two presentations. Steve Towler, the Director of Employment and Business Services at New York City’s SAHRC, will discuss structuring internships as a part of an integrated program to assist young people 18-24, who have developmental disabilities or are otherwise at risk to find career direction through placements that provide valuable entry-level work experience in a planned, supervised setting within a desired field. Steve’s presentation will describe the structure and values of the program, recruitment and assessment activities, expectations for interns and strategies for job placement/support, how partnerships can enhance best practices, and current and future challenges to achieving positive outcomes. Carole Shomo, Executive Director of Youth Continuum (YC), in New Haven, will discuss the range of activities her organization undertakes with the goals of preventing and reversing homelessness among young people. Youth Continuum stitches together funding sources from federal housing, social services and workforce agencies. Resources include homeless outreach and a drop in center, emergency shelter, supported housing, and a center offering education and job skills training with community based paid internships. Carole will discuss YC’s collaboration with state, local and private agencies with particular attention to the partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

1. Careers Assisting Young Adults to Manage the Barriers to Employment they Face Steve Towler - November 15, 2011

9. Careers in Janitorial, Food Services, Housekeeping