May 2025

Platform to Employment Youth: Training for Tomorrow's Workforce

The latest class of the Platform to Employment (P2E) Youth program is currently in full swing, with young participants actively engaged in training designed to equip them with essential skills for the modern workforce. This comprehensive program focuses on building a strong foundation for career readiness. Training often includes career readiness workshops covering resume building and communication, along with personal coaching and skills assessment to match participants with in-demand fields. The goal is to provide practical job search skills while also fostering confidence and a positive mindset for long-term success.

Are you a young person in our area looking to kickstart your career? If you're seeking valuable training, personalized support, and connections to employment opportunities, Platform to Employment Youth could be the right fit for you. This program helps young adults bridge the gap between their potential and a rewarding career. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for an upcoming class, click the link below.

Project Retail Graduates Ready for the Future of Fashion and Retail

Project Retail recently celebrated its latest graduating class, marking another significant milestone for this impactful program. As a cornerstone of their immersive training, the graduates embarked on an unforgettable trip to New York City. They gained invaluable firsthand experience with an exclusive tour of Macy's, diving deep into the operations of a major retail giant, from merchandising to customer experience.

Following their retail exploration, the students visited the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), one of the world's leading institutions for fashion, art, design, and business. Here, they experienced the vibrant campus environment and gained insights into the diverse career paths within the fashion industry. This trip provided a comprehensive look at the interconnected world of retail, highlighting its vast opportunities and continuous evolution, and fully preparing our graduates for exciting careers. To learn more about Project Retail please contact Ericka Christy, echristy@workplace.org or (203) 610-8494.

Help for Connecticut Homeowners Facing Mortgage Challenges

Are you a Connecticut homeowner finding it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments? A valuable program is available to help improve your financial stability and address the possibility of foreclosure. The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program (MCJTP) offers resources designed to boost earning potential and assist residents in getting caught up on mortgage payments.

Through the MCJTP, eligible homeowners can access a wide range of no-cost services including career training, personalized job search assistance, and one-on-one financial coaching—everything you need to build a stronger financial foundation.

Whether you're looking to learn new skills, find a better-paying job, or get guidance on budgeting and debt management, the MCJTP provides the tools to move forward with confidence. The goal is simple: help homeowners overcome current challenges and create a more secure future.

If mortgage difficulties are impacting your life, the MCJTP may be the solution you're looking for. Click the button below to learn more and get started.

Thank you for Supporting EmpowerHER

Over 150 supporters gathered recently to celebrate Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County (DFSMFC) at our annual EmpowerHER Celebration benefit on May 6th. The evening was filled with joyful energy, featuring delicious drinks and appetizers, lively music and dancing, and an exciting silent auction and raffle, thanks to generous donations from local businesses.

A true highlight of the night was honoring Carmen Nieves with the prestigious Denise "Denny" Davidoff Empowerment Award. Carmen's dedication to the community embodies the spirit of empowerment that DFSMFC champions every day. We were also deeply moved by our event speaker and Dress for Success participant ambassador, Kimberly Lawton, who shared her inspiring journey with the program. Her testimonial truly resonated with everyone, highlighting the profound impact of DFSMFC's work. You can hear more of her story below in the next section!

This year's EmpowerHER Celebration successfully raised vital funds that directly support DFSMFC's mission to empower women on their journey to economic independence. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make this event a resounding success.

Auction and Raffle Contributors:

Erica Mann, Eileen DiLeo, Cathy Jenney, Jade Melvin, Anna DiDomenico, Meghan Hopkins and David Lewis, Carmen Nieves, Julissa Rivera, Angie Legg, Amy Katz, Sinha Coaching and Consulting, Tiffany & Co., Total Wine & More, PRoVision CT, Foxwoods Resort, Wine N Cheese Day Spa, Thirteen Lune, Adam Broderick Salon, Fairfield Acupuncture, Kitchen Melissa, Sports Center of CT, Beardsley Zoo, Stepping Stones Museum, SHU Discovery Center, Bridgeport Islanders, Travelers Championship, Two Roads Brewing, Golf Lounge 18, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Fairfield Theatre Company, Bar Taco, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Frank Pepe’s, Lake Compounce, BeLoved Box, Pilates Center of Milford, Wegmans, Garden Catering, Elicit Brewing, LAMIK Beauty, Newbury Place, Bigelow Tea, NY Knicks, United Illuminating, Harlem Candle Company, Gratsi Wine.

Success Stories

Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County

Kim Lawton

The WorkPlace Board of Directors Meeting

Friday June 20, 2025, from 8:15am-9:30pm

For more information, click here

Health CareeRx Academy Info Session

Every Tuesday at 10 am and Thursday at 1 pm

Learn about healthcare career pathways.

Register Here

Nursing Career Pathways Info Session

Monday June 9, 2025, at 10 am

Wednesday June 25, 2025, at 6 pm

Learn about healthcare career pathways.

Register Here

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What Our Clients Have To Say

With the great training from the TechReady Career Training Program, I gained the skills needed to obtain employment. I went from having a job to now having a career.

Annette Dondele - TechReady Career Training

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The WorkPlace is an organization of ideas, actions, resources, and initiatives - all designed to strengthen the workforce. We offer positions available from entry level to management positions and have excellent benefits and retirement options.

You can make a very real impact on the lives of others with a donation to The WorkPlace. Your contribution promotes equitable access to services and helps provide unemployed people with training to obtain the skills they require to secure employment, increase earnings, and better support families. The WorkPlace is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.