Record last updated 2025/10/07 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Community Enterprises uses an ever expanding network of employment and training options. We offer one-on-one and group placements in a variety of settings. All settings provide paid jobs and/or training in integrated work environments. Referring agencies include VA, DMH, MCB, MassAbility, SHIP, and School Systems. Most referrals come through state agencies' closed referral systems. This typically means services are free for the people referred. In addition, private pay options are available. 

The Transition School -to-Work program helps to provide

assessment,

world of work tours,

job development and

placement.

Community Service/Volunteer placements

Transportation coordinator and benefit planning all also offered. This program provides work experience for people who are blind. The ultimate goal is competitive employment. In order to better facilitate a supportive work environment, training in communication and disability sensitivity is provided for co-workers and supervisors in the job setting. The program is run with local schools. We give support to students sixteen to eighteen yrs. old in the community with functional skills. This may include purchasing, transportation and safety skills. 

The Supported Employment Programs help members get and keep jobs in the community. Through training and ongoing supports, people with disabilities are able to gain the economic and social benefits of work in a wide variety of areas. Specialized employment supports are provided to people with:

• mental health disabilities,
• developmental disabilities (DD)
• hearing impairments
• physical disabilities including blindness
• acquired/traumatic brain injuries
• substance abuse issues

Work Experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing This program provides work experience for people who are deaf/hard of hearing. The final goal is competitive employment. Program staff is diversified with both deaf and hearing Employment Coordinators. In order to better make a supportive work environment, training in communication and disability sensitivity is provided for co-workers and supervisors in the job setting. Supported Employment for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) After a brain injury, the path toward recovery is long, with many challenges. When survivors are ready to pursue work for the first time or to return to work, they may seek the help of Community Enterprises' TBI staff. Staff are trained to help members meet those challenges.

Community Enterpises runs the ASSET program. ASSET stands for Achieving Success through Supported Education and Training. The ASSET program is a work skills program operated by Community Enterprises in partnership with Holyoke Community College. Referrals are made by School Districts or Adult Services such as DDS and MassAbility. Students must have a diagnosed disability, an interest in the content area. They must be able to navigate the campus with training. Students must also be safe to be in the college setting and preferably have a 4^th Grade reading level. The ASSET program runs two year-long classes, one on Business Office Technology and one on Culinary Arts.  CE Holyoke works with many local school districts. In addition to coursework the students take part in both on-campus and off-campus internships. The goal of the program is to help students with disabilities in transitioning into the world of work and/or higher education. Private pay options are available.  

Service Types

• Adult Education
• Community Based Day Program
• Job Counseling
• Job Placement
• Job Seeking
• Job Skills
• Job Support
• Job Training
• Skills Training

Program Type

• Jobs
• Vocational

Populations Served

• All Disabilities
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Autism Spectrum
• Behavior Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Deaf
• DeafBlind
• Depression
• Developmental Disability
• Hard of Hearing
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Illness
• Multiple Disability
• Nonverbal Communication
• Physical Disabilities
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Substance Abuse
• Tourette Syndrome
• Visual Impairment

Ages Served

• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Languages Spoken

• American Sign Language
• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Restrooms
• Elevators
• Free Transport
• Near Public Transportation
• Sign Language
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Accredited By: CARF
• Fees: MassHealth, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS