DANVILLE — Sycamore Services Inc., a non-profit organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been awarded $102,000 in grant funding from United Way of Central Indiana that will provide financial support to participants involved in a jobs training program.
Sycamore Services plans to use the UWCI funding through its Social Innovation Fund to provide stipends and transportation assistance to participants involved with the Work Experience Program. The program, which will serve individuals in Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties, will expand and create partnerships with local businesses to match individuals with jobs that align with their career goals or skills.
Sycamore Services anticipates serving up to 100 participants through the year-long program, which is expected to launch in January. Those selected to participate will undergo a four-week training period or internship at a local business.
The goal of the program is to place individuals where they can stay long-term and have opportunities to advance short term and provide economic and social stability long term, said Patti Sebanc, Director of Employment Services at Sycamore Services.
Initially, Sycamore will partner with five local businesses, who have agreed to provide job training to participants taking part in the program, according to Sebanc. Sycamore Services hopes to expand the number of partnering businesses as the Work Experience Program grows.
“This program is a win-win not only for our participants, but also our local businesses who are looking to hire individuals in order to meet their workforce needs,” Sebanc said.
Read UWCI’s press release announcing the winners of the Social Innovation Fund at https://www.uwci.org/blog/social-innovation-fund-grantees?fbclid=IwAR3TLT8lVpKZShEDn7pr0DXf6BWDIeMcy-sQKkqPauvB7Gl8qIK_FRpgAAU
