2021 BaCKPACK DISTRIBUTION
60 Free Backpacks for FSS Families and Giffen Students
The WAGE Center received a generous donation through our very own Tim Diamond who also works as a Project Manager for the City of Watervliet, Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli, Watervliet City Council and Fidelis Care. WAGE Center staff were able to fill the bags with school supplies and offer them to our FSS (Family Self Sufficiency) program families for children in their households. Filled backpacks were distributed to 50 children in FSS families and 10 additional were donated to our neighbors in a classroom at Giffen Elementary School.
Sonic and Wage partner for jobs
July/August 2019 Hiring Events at The WAGE Center
Sonic hiring staff, including store and district managers, were on site for three days of hiring at The WAGE Center in July. After 175 interviews, 49 people were hired on site at The WAGE Center. This included Housing Authority Residents and Housing Choice Voucher recipients who now have new jobs to look forward to when the brand new Albany Sonic opens later this summer.
MSW Simone, counseling at EOC
WAGE Center Internships Provide Experience for Careers in Social Work
Simone was a 2016/17 State University at Albany Masters of Social Work Intern at the WAGE Center, now serving as a Counselor at the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center in Troy. Her “role with students is to provide them with supportive services that will enhance their achievements as an EOC student. As a counselor, [she has] made a commitment to deliver knowledge and resources to students that will alleviate barriers that hinder the attainment of their goals.”
Working with Contractors
Clinton Avenue, Albany, New York
The WAGE Center has partnered with Home Leasing to offer employment assistance to contractors working on the Clinton Avenue Restoration project. This project is creating affordable housing in the form of 70 renovated row houses with 210 total units. It is also providing jobs to local workers.
With work having just begun on the site in the summer of 2018, contractors have used the services of the WAGE Center to identify potential employees who live in the city of Albany. The WAGE Center maintains a database of interested workers’ contact information and trade skills to which the contractors have access if they need additional employees.
While some contractors prefer to hire directly without the services of the WAGE Center, some contractors have taken advantage of interview space and/or services to schedule interviews with potential employees they selected from the database. Contractors can also make use of experienced personnel to help with on-boarding paperwork, etc.
This partnership with contractors helps them focus on the work of renovating apartments. The WAGE Center also assists in identifying local residents with construction or labor skills for any potential jobs and assists with the hiring process.
2018 SUNY MSW Interns contribute
From Developing Workshops to Creating a Service Guide, Interns Make the WAGE Center a Better Place
The 2017/2018 academic year has been a year of growth and progress, not only for State University of Albany Masters in Social Work interns, but also for the WAGE Center. Interns serve at the WAGE Center as staff in charge of walk-in participants and create projects to advance the programs and offerings to participants.
NEW WORKSHOPS IN 2018
Smartphone 101 & Uber/Lyft Workshops
WAGE Center participants asked for workshops dealing with smartphones and ride-sharing apps. In 2018, we have delivered the first two. What do you want to see at the WAGE Center?
Opportunity youth
The WAGE Center's Own Elista Gayle Inspiring Youth
Elista Gayle, WAGE Center Case Manager was a facilitator at the first ever Hospitality Academy hosted by My Brother and Sister’s Keeper (MBSK) in conjunction with the City of Albany. Instruction focuses on, “Providing young adults successful tools to transition to work and career…” including an interview process preceding hospitality internships at local hotels.
providing ancillary services
HOLISTIC SERVICE OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP
The WAGE Center, in partnership with Bethlehem Lutheran Church and State University at Albany Masters of Social Work student interns, prepared Thanksgiving food boxes for those in need of items to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner.
Partnership for jobs
WAGE & MAZZONE PARTNER
Eleven WAGE Center participants with a variety of employment backgrounds attended training for positions at Mazzone Hospitality at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on October 17, 2017. This first class of trainees was recruited through the WAGE Center for banquet and large event catering services, mainly located at the new Capital Center on Eagle Street.
WAGE PROVIDING MEANS FOR OUTREACH
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
The Cancer Services Program of Albany/Rensselaer County reaches out to WAGE Center participants by providing cancer screening information through awareness months, for which staff and interns decorate and supply literature and information. Free screenings are provided to uninsured individuals for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers though CSP, which are advertised and promoted at the WAGE Center as part of an holistic approach to self-sufficiecy.
Workforce Development
Workforce Development Advisory Group
The WAGE Center participates in the Workforce Development Advisory Committee for CAPRI (City of Albany Poverty Reduction Initiative). This initiative is designed to connect Albany residents with jobs.
PORT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITY
CELEBRATING PORT INDUSTRY DAY 2017
Wage Center staff and partners attended the 4th Annual Port Industry Day on June 15, 2017 at the Port of Albany.
First year interns recognized
Gaining Skills and Experience
The WAGE Center staff, joined by Field Supervisor, Ray Cardona, recognized and thanked SUNY Interns for their first year field work with a lunch at dp Brasserie on Monday, May 8, 2017.
WAGE CENTER PARTNERS WITH SUNY
WAGE Center SUNY Interns
The WAGE Center has partnered with the SUNY Albany' School of Social Welfare. The Social Work Interns have created a Women’s Group focusing on empowerment, and self esteem building with the guidance of WAGE Center staff. The interns are also invited to take part in all staff development, outreach, and community meetings attended and/or sponsored by the WAGE Center.
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
A W.E.P. Success Story
The W.A.G.E. Center, in partnership with the Renaissance Hotel, established the hotel as a training site for the Work Experience Program internships in the hospitality and food service industry. Felix Santiago was able to complete a 2 week non paid internship in which he successfully completed and was able to obtain employment at the Renaissance Hotel.