Local Non-Profit Making an Impact on Homelessness and Boston Hotel Industry.

BOSTON -- Community Work Services provides local hotels with well-trained, qualified, job candidates.

The At Your Service Program (AYS) operated by Community Work Services (CWS) with its partner the Massachusetts Lodging Association Education Foundation (MLAEF) is designed to address two growing problems in the Boston area - homelessness and lack of qualified workers for Boston's thriving hotel industry.

Utilizing an internationally recognized curriculum developed by the American Hotel and Lodging Association and funding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, AYS provides individuals who are homeless with the industry-based knowledge and customer service skills that they need to be successful in the hotel industry. Hotels are a good match for this population because they offer a vast array of entry-level jobs that pay living wages with many options for growth and advancement. AYS is dedicated to helping people, not just to get their first job, but to pursue careers, which will provide them with stability and bright futures.

CWS provides eight weeks of instruction along with support services that last up to a year after job placement. MLAEF coordinates relationship building with participating hotels, which offer job shadowing, internship opportunities and professional guidance. Since it inception in 2005, more than 20 individuals have gotten jobs at an average hourly wage of $11.50. Jobs range from room attendants to concierge positions. In 2006, AYS expects to train 60 individuals and work with over 20 area hotels. Len Hartwell, General Manager of Boston's Bulfinch Hotel states, "The Bulfinch Hotel is very impressed with the level of employee that AYS has provided. The skills that CWS provides its students, contribute tremendously to the transition from the classroom to the hotel work place. We at the Bulfinch Hotel are committed to working with AYS to ensure a solidly based community relationship that will be mutually beneficial to all parties involved."

The program offers job seekers a foot in the door to a career in the hospitality industry. Len Hartwell, General Manager of Boston's Bulfinch Hotel states, "The Bulfinch Hotel is very impressed with the level of employee that AYS has provided. The skills that CWS provides its students, contribute tremendously to the transition from the classroom to the hotel work place. We at the Bulfinch Hotel are committed to working with AYS to ensure a solidly based community relationship that will be mutually beneficial to all parties involved."

Since 1877, CWS has been helping Boston area residents with barriers through its quality job training programs. All CWS services are free to program participants. The At Your Service program will be featured this Sunday, February 5, 2006 at 11:30AM. on WHDH, Channel 7's Urban Update.