April 05, 2022 | Press Release.pdf

Manhattan, NY – Community Options New York, Inc. has announced a collaboration with CVS Health to develop integrated employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.

Community Options is a national nonprofit that supports 5,000 people with disabilities through innovative housing and employment programs in 10 states. The collaboration with CVS Health was developed to provide Pre-Employment Transition and Supported Employment Services to students with disabilities.

“When people have access to employment opportunities, it puts them in a better position to focus on their health,” said Ernie Dupont, Executive Director of Workforce Initiatives at CVS Health. “By working with Community Options we aim to take a more personalized approach to break down employment barriers and provide each participant the tools they need to succeed in the workplace.”

CVS Health will provide multiple opportunities for youth with disabilities to gain valuable, hands-on work experience in their retail settings through their Workforce Initiatives program. This program is designed to provide opportunities for underserved youth that provides hands-on career exploration through job shadowing, participant experiences in select CVS Pharmacy locations, training, mentoring and the opportunity to apply for employment opportunities. This program also provides skills development programs, job training, and placement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“We are beyond excited to announce this collaboration with CVS Health’s Workforce Initiatives Program. Their mission and values align with Community Options’ desire to ensure equal access to competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity for youth with disabilities to gain transferrable work skills that will assist them with their future employment goals” said Ashley Gamba, New York State Director of Employment Services with Community Options.

About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.