News & Announcements
CWS Recognized for Workplace Flexibility
7/23/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., (CWS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting
individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, announced today that they have received an
Honorable Mention in the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in the category of Workplace
Flexibility. The organization ranks among the top 20 percent of employers nationally for programs, policies and
culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace.
The award underscores Community Workforce Solutions’ commitment to achieving business goals while
providing employees the flexibility to meet their responsibilities both on and off the job. The organization was
chosen to be honored after a rigorous selection process, including a review of employer data as compared to
national data from Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers. Employees were then asked to
assess their access to flexible work options and supportiveness of culture.
The award is administered by When Work Works, a nationwide initiative to bring research on workplace
effectiveness and flexibility into practice. It is a project of Families and Work Institute in partnership with the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce and the Twiga Foundation, with funding
from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
“I strongly feel that our employees are our agency’s most important asset and one way we can reward
employees is to offer flexibility. While some positions are more flexible than others due to the nature of the
job duties, we do have employees who work from home, flex their hours to accommodate their children’s
schedule, or work four day work weeks,” said President and Executive Director Roger McGee. “Many of our
staff say that this flexibility is extremely valuable to them. We are committed to providing an efficient and
effective workplace that benefits both our staff and the individuals with disabilities or other barriers to
employment whom we serve.”
CWS Pursues ISO Certification
Agency uses grant to establish certification by 2011
6/3/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc.
announced today that they have made the initial step towards acquiring ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems certification. The effort was made possible by a development grant from
the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development that was awarded to
the non-profit in summer 2009.
Community Workforce Solutions collaborated with Forward Motion Associates to receive fourteen days
of training, preparing the agency to meet ISO eligibility requirements and complete the registration
process. After selecting an auditing company to perform the initial audit to achieve ISO 9001
Registration, they expect the process to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2010.
The ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 registration will expand the agency’s opportunities to provide production
and assembly services to manufacturers that require ISO certification. The ISO 13485 will allow the
agency to offer a broader array of production and outsource services specific to the medical device
industry. The production and outsourcing services offered include kitting, packaging, assembly, mail,
distribution and other fulfillment services.
“We are proud to have moved through the training and registration process so readily,” said Roger
McGee, president and executive director of Community Workforce Solutions. “This will allow us to
further our commitment to local companies, including the life science and medical device industries, and
support the community at large by offering a diverse range of job skills training for individuals with
disabilities or other barriers to employment.”
CWS Expands Kroger Training Program to Durham
6/1/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting
individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, announced today that their Kroger training
program has been expanded to Durham. In addition to the Raleigh location where the program was launched
in September 2007, the training program will be offered at the Kroger store located at 1802 North Point Drive
in Durham.
“Kroger is proud to have partnered with Community Workforce Solutions over the last three years in Raleigh.
We believe that people with disabilities, in the right job, can be productive associates in our business,” said
Kroger District Manager Tim Smothers. “They train in our stores for sometimes up to twelve weeks. Once they
complete the training and depending on job availability, they can go to work for us. It is a joy to see this
program work for these individuals and give them some independence.”
The program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment gain skills in
grocery operations and prepare them for competitive employment. Trainees learn stocking, bagging, customer
service and other skills. Since its inception, 24 individuals have completed training and have been hired at area
Kroger stores. The retention rate for individuals hired is well over 70%. Referrals for the program will come
primarily from the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
“We are very excited to expand our community based training model to Durham. Our partnership has created
numerous opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and we applaud Kroger for its faith in us
and commitment to the community,” said Roger McGee, President and Executive Director. “Community-based
training offers a highly specialized type of training in which specific skills can be learned on the job. As a result,
the success rate for stable placements is higher than that of traditional placements. This is a win-win situation
for Kroger, CWS and most importantly, the individuals we serve.”
“Vocational Rehabilitation Services is pleased to partner with Community Workforce Solutions in this exciting
training program provided by Kroger,” said Jessie Pickett-Williams, Durham Unit Manager. “This is a
tremendously creative opportunity for qualified workers with disabilities in our community to establish a career
in this industry.”
View a segment on the Kroger training program aired by NBC 17.
Community Workforce Solutions Launches Gardening Program
5/13/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting
individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, held a special event May 6th to celebrate their
newly established gardening program. The program will provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities
to learn gardening and plant care job skills.
Launched in March, the program teaches participants how to plant, water, weed and harvest plants, fruits and
vegetables. As well as developing practical vocational skills, the program also develops knowledge of nutrition
and healthy eating habits. Harvested food will be given to the program participants and other community
members in need.
"It's amazing to see what happens when people put their hearts and souls into a program that relies strictly on
donations,” said Julie Griffin, Green Team Coordinator and Community Employment Manager. “The energy and
effort from the community, the staff, and the participants will ensure the value and validity of this gardening
program."
CWS’ gardening program is supported solely by donation. Current donors include Atlantic Avenue Orchid and
Garden, Larry’s Beans, Dynamite Plant Food, Kroger, Black Gold Compost, Pacific Mulch, Grow and Share,
Whole Foods, The Cotton Company, Barker’s Hauling, Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment and Ellen
Ransom of Ransomshire Building. To make a contribution towards building a raised vegetable bed and herb
garden, contact Julie Griffin.
CWS Launches
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
4/30/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., (CWS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, has announced their plans to launch a program to support individuals living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The program, to be called Gateway Clubhouse, will open its doors in fall 2010.
Gateway Clubhouse will be a non-residential day program that gives individuals living with TBI the opportunity to participate in meaningful, purposeful activities. A member-driven program, participants will work together with specially-trained staff to achieve the goals they set for themselves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year in the United States.
“We are very excited about the opening of the Gateway Clubhouse for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury,” said Roger McGee, President/Executive Director of CWS. “With the help of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of MH/DD/SAS, and Wake LME, we are able to offer a much needed service to our community. Our goal is to provide the next step in reintegrating clubhouse members back into the community or workplace and to create services focusing on private citizens and returning Veterans from the Iraq and Afghan wars.”
To make a donation to help launch the program, refer an individual for membership, or to receive more information about Gateway Clubhouse, contact Leslie Johnson at 919-231-3325.
Community Workforce Solutions Joins GoodSearch Network
3/24/10
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, announced today they have been selected as an approved charity by GoodSearch.com. A search engine similar to Bing or Google, GoodSearch donates 50% of its revenue, approximately one penny per search, to charities designated by the user.
Powered by Yahoo!, GoodSearch performs like any other search engine and at no cost to the user. By keying in “Community Workforce Solutions” in the GoodSearch homepage, users can be assured that they are making a small but meaningful contribution to the organization. Users may also add a GoodSearch toolbar to their web browser for easy access.
GoodSearch’s partner site, GoodShop.com, offers online consumers the chance to help Community Workforce Solution and other charities simply by making a purchase from hundreds of their favorite online retailers such as Amazon and Target. Shoppers that use GoodShop.com pay the same price as they would by going to the retailer directly, but up to 30% of their purchase price will be donated to Community Workforce Solutions when they use GoodShop.
The organization will use funds generated by GoodSearch and GoodShop to expand services that assist individuals with barriers to employment receive job skills training at their Raleigh and Henderson locations.
“Using GoodSearch is a great way for the community to support our mission just by using the internet,” said Roger McGee, CWS Executive Director. “It doesn’t cost anything, but can really add up to a meaningful donation. We hope that all who believe in the goals of our organization will use GoodSearch and choose CWS as their charity of choice.”
“We know there are a lot of people who want to do good but may not have the time or the money to help out.” said Ken Ramberg, Co-Founder of GoodSearch and former President of MonsterTRAK, the largest online career site for college students (now a division of Monster.com). “GoodSearch and GoodShop make it as easy as
possible. We’ve taken something people do every day -- searching the Internet and shopping online -- and have turned it into doing good."
CWS Announces Grand Re-Opening of Thrift Store
03/10/10
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., (CWS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, recently celebrated the grand re-opening of the Community Workforce Solutions Thrift Store in Henderson. The store, which had been located at 303 S. Garnett St. has been relocated to the CWS Henderson Main site located at 602 S. Garnett St.
The grand re-opening was held on Thursday, February 25th and was attended by Henderson mayor James D. "Pete" O'Geary and other officials. The store provides 
vocational training for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, including cashiering, inventory, customer service and other retail skills that prepare them for wider work opportunities.
Among the items carried include family casual and formal clothing, books, furniture and household goods. Donations are accepted during business hours and there is a drop box available for after hours donations. Pickup is available by contacting the manager at 252-492-6011. Store hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 – 5 and Wednesday and Saturday from 10 – 3.
“The thrift store has been a vital part of Henderson for many years,” said Roger McGee, CWS Executive Director. “We are extremely grateful for the support that the people of Vance County have shown, allowing us to continue to provide these important vocational services to individuals with disabilities. We are very proud of how we were able to integrate the thrift store into our facility at the Henderson site and believe this relocation will grant us the ability to serve additional people while still meeting the needs of our customers.”
To access a printable copy of this news release, click here.
Carolyn Rhinebarger Named To Community Workforce Solutions Board of Directors
Cary, NC — Strategic Guru Inc., a Triangle-based marketing and communications firm, announced today that Chief Brainstormer Carolyn Rhinebarger has been named to the board of Community Workforce Solutions (CWS). The nonprofit organization is committed to serving individuals with barriers to employment through counseling, training and job placement services.
“We are happy to welcome Carolyn to the board,” said Roger McGee, Executive Director of CWS. “She shares our values that all citizens deserve a chance to build self-esteem and make valuable contributions to our community though meaningful opportunities.”
Throughout 2008-2009, CWS served 1,024 individuals with physical, developmental and mental disabilities, the highest volume in the organization’s history. CWS has developed on-site training opportunities, partnered with Kroger stores to develop retail and grocery training programs and was named Organization of the Year by the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association (NCRA), Chapter III.
“I am honored to be chosen for this board position,” said Rhinebarger. “Helping persons with disabilities build self-confidence to fully participate in society through employment is a cause I wholeheartedly support. Not only does this benefit the individuals and their families, but it also benefits our communities.”
About Strategic Guru
Strategic Guru is a marketing and communications firm that provides full service support for the planning and execution of marketing tactics. They assist businesses to better establish brand identity and name recognition through image and message consistency. Through powerful, targeted marketing messages, Strategic Guru is able to create interest and stimulate inquiry. For more information, visit www.strategicguru.com or call (919) 459-4200.
Community Workforce Solutions Serves Record Number of Individuals
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., (CWS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, announced today that it has served the largest number of individuals in the organization’s history in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Throughout the year, the agency trained or placed 1,024 persons within their service area of Vance, Warren, Granville, Franklin, Halifax, Durham and Wake counties.
Community Workforce Solutions trains and places individuals with physical, mental and developmental disabilities in the workplace to build independence and self-esteem. Among the many positions filled by persons served through CWS programs are lobby attendant, sales associate, cashier, veterinary assistant, cook and florist’s assistant.
The organization also reached several additional milestones:
- Awarded a mini grant through NC Eat Smart, Move More
- Awarded an Incumbent Workforce Development Grant providing training and consultation design to prepare for ISO certification
- Developed on-site training modules including snack cantina, laundry, janitorial, and sewing
- Achieved success in new programs including Durham Career Connections and the Kroger Training Program with 80% of individuals placed through the Kroger program maintaining jobs for at least 90 days
“We are very proud to have served more clients than ever over the past year,” said Roger McGee, Executive Director. “Our agency works diligently to serve a growing population with ever-shrinking resources and we look forward to many more productive years helping meet the vocational needs of both community businesses and citizens.”
Community Workforce Solutions Named Organization of the Year
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, was named the Organization of the Year by the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association (NCRA), Chapter III. The award was presented by Kenny Gibbs, the Raleigh Unit Manager for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation during the NCRA’s Annual Training Conference held in Chapel Hill October 7-9.
The prestigious award recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance in the care, treatment, education, or rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. was singled out for having a flexible and dedicated staff willing to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of both clients and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and for maintaining progressive programs. Special attention was given to the recent creation of innovative community-based training programs, including partnerships with Kroger and Wake Med that offer job-specific training opportunities within the community.
“We are honored to be recognized by such an esteemed organization for the direction we’ve taken to offer non-traditional, more community involved programs,” said Roger McGee, Executive Director. “Our agency works diligently to serve a growing population with ever-shrinking resources.”
Community Workforce Solutions currently serves over 1,000 individuals through vocational evaluations, job placement and coaching services and pre-vocational skills training in the seven county area of North Carolina including Vance, Warren, Granville, Franklin, Halifax, Durham and Wake.
About The North Carolina Rehabilitation Association
The North Carolina Rehabilitation Association is the official state chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association. Their mission is to promote ethical and state-of-the-art practice in rehabilitation with the goal of helping persons with disabilities achieve personal and economic independence. NCRA Chapter III consists of thirty-three counties within central North Carolina. For more information visit http://www.ncrehab.org/.
Community Workforce Solutions Celebrates 45th Anniversary
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, celebrated their 45th anniversary in October at events held in Raleigh and Henderson. The celebrations, which were open to the community, were designed to acknowledge the valuable contributions that people with disabilities make in the workplace.
Featuring food, music and a silent auction of art produced by the Community Workforce Solutions program participants, the celebrations coincided with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to reflect and reassess the roles of people with disabilities in the workplace. This year’s National Disability Employment Month theme was Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation.
“We are proud to have served the community for 45 years. It is only through the generous support of local businesses, state agencies, and loyal employees that we have been able to realize such success,” said Roger McGee, Executive Director. “We hope that by our 50th Anniversary we’re given the opportunity to have an even greater impact in our community.”
Community Workforce Solutions currently serves over 1,000 individuals through vocational evaluations, job placement and coaching services and pre-vocational skills training in the seven county area of North Carolina including Vance, Warren, Granville, Franklin, Halifax, Durham and Wake.
Community Workforce Solutions holds 2nd Annual Kroger Graduation Ceremony
Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. held the 2nd annual graduation ceremony for the Kroger community-based training program on October 1st. Thirteen individuals who successfully completed a training Program at the Kroger store at 350 Six Forks Road were honored with certificates of achievement. Twelve of the thirteen individuals were hired at six participating Kroger stores in the Raleigh area. The thirteenth graduate is currently in the process of being hired.
This innovative Community-Based Training Program is designed to offer individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment the opportunity to learn specific job skills related to their interests while providing Kroger with employees who are well-trained and ready for hire. This program originated in September 2007. Since that time, 24 individuals have completed the program and subsequently been hired at area Kroger stores. The retention rate for individuals hired at Kroger since the program’s inception is well over 70%.
Roger McGee, Executive Director of Community Workforce Solutions, Inc., states, “The partnership with Kroger grocery stores has proven to be a dynamic and beneficial program to the individuals we serve and the community at large. Our Job Coach works on-site at Kroger to personally train each individual that participates in this program, giving Kroger an ongoing pool of qualified employment candidates. This collaboration has truly become a great asset to both Kroger and the individuals receiving training.”
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. is currently researching opportunities to expand the community-based training program to an additional site. If your business would like to be considered for this type of collaboration, contact Vivian Hotle at Vivian@communityworkforcesolutions.com
Community Workforce Solutions Honors Community Partners
09/11/09
Henderson, NC –
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. formally acknowledged the commitment of
Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company with awards of
Community Excellence.
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. has partnered with Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions for
a number of years to provide poly reclamation services. This partnership contributes to
Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions’ ability to provide high quality retread tires to the commercial
trucking industry while simultaneously offering valuable work experience to individuals served
by Community Workforce Solutions, Inc.
Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company has had a very positive impact on the participants of
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. by offering subcontract work such as packaging and
working with tobacco paper. This type of work offers individuals with disabilities or other
barriers to employment an opportunity to increase vocational skills and work towards
independent community employment.
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. Executive Director, Roger McGee, states, “Companies
such as Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company tru
ly
understand how significantly our partnerships can impact the community. It is an honor to
provide quality production services to organizations such as these who show a commitment to
help others. Both of these companies are quite deserving of the Community Excellence Award.”
To access a printable copy of the media release, click here.
Community Workforce Solutions Gives Outstanding Employer Award
8/27/09
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. has recognized Healthcare Services Group, Inc. with its first Outstanding Employer Award. This award is given in recognition for the support Healthcare Services Group, Inc. has shown in employing individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
Community-Based Training Program Featured on NBC17
8/21/09
By Shirley Min, NBC17, Updated: Aug. 21 5:40 am
RALEIGH, N.C. - One local organization believes a disability shouldn't keep someone who wants to work from working.
Community Workforce Solutions operates like an employment agency, helping individuals earn their way toward independence.
The program pairs individuals, like Jon Parker, with jobs that meet their abilities. For the past five months, Parker has worked as a grocery clerk at the on Six Forks Road in Raleigh.
Community Workforce Solutions Announces Expanded Mobile Work Crew Availability
8/03/09
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. announced today that their mobile work crew is available to partner with community businesses and organizations for clean-up and maintenance services. The crew, comprised of individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, provides leaf blowing, trash and debris clean up, emptying of garbage cans and post-storm cleaning services.
Community Workforce Solutions Awarded Training Grant
7/28/09
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. announced today that they have been awarded an Incumbent Workforce Development Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development. The $22,150 grant will be overseen by the Capital Area Workforce Development Board.
Community Excellence Awards Given to Local Businesses
7/23/09
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. presented a Community Excellence award to Theo Davis Printing in Zebulon, NC and to Rescued Treasures Thrift Shoppe in Durham in recognition of their continued support.
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. Announces Changes to the Board of Directors
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. announces the addition of three new members to their Board of Directors. Patrick Gilliard, Senior Business Development Executive with Progress Energy, Eric Hobbs, President of Technology Associates, Inc., and Susan Stevens, Vice President of Human Resources at MeadWestvaco, Corp., joined the directorship of Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. in November 2008.
Community Excellence Awards Given to Local Businesses
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. recently awarded two Community Excellence Awards to local companies who have made significant contributions to further our mission. DocuSource of NC and Oxford University Press both provide production work that is used within our organization to provide vocational skills to individuals with disabilities or who face similar barriers to employment.
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. holds 1st Annual Kroger Graduation Ceremony
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. held the first graduation ceremony for 10 individuals who successfully completed a Community Based Training Program located at Kroger in Raleigh. All 10 individuals were trained on-site at Kroger and hired by Kroger stores throughout the Raleigh area.
Hot Dog Cart Featured in Henderson Dispatch
09/07/08
The Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. Hot Dog Cart was recently featured in the Henderson Dispatch newspaper. The Hot Dog Cart is just one of many ways that our agency helps adults with disabilities reach their vocational goals.
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. programs receive three-year Accreditation from CARF
08/21/08
Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a CARF three-year Accreditation for: Job Development, Job Supports, Job-Site Training, Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, Employee Development Services, Organizational Employment Services, and Community Services - Community Integration. With this award, all programs and services offered by Community Workforce Solutions, Inc are accredited.
The full press release can be accessed here.
Triangle Brain Injury Support Group
Leslie Johnson is a full-time Vocational Evaluator at Community Workforce Solutions and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. For the past year she has volunteered her time as Co-Leader of the Cary Brain Injury Support Group. This support group and all other Brain Injury Support Groups in North Carolina are supported by the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC).
Community Workforce Solutions named Organization of the Year -2007
11/02/2007
During the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association's 52nd Annual Training Conference, held October 31 - November 2, 2007 in New Bern, N.C., Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. was presented with The Organization of the Year award for 2007. The award was presented by NCRA President, Kenny Gibbs during an awards breakfast held on November 2nd. Jim Rutledge, Community Employment Manager for Student Services, accepted the award on behalf of our agency.
Raleigh Vocational Center/INCO-RVC renamed to Community Workforce Solutions
06/01/2007
We feel this change better reflects the variety of services we offer to an ever expanding geographical area that includes Wake, Vance, Granville, Franklin, Halifax, Warren and Durham counties.
Established in 1964, and expanded to include INCO in 2003, our agency will continue its commitment to supporting persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment. In addition, we will continue to partner with area businesses in providing workforce solutions to their manufacturing, printing, advertising, and production needs.
Over four decades of quality service and professional dedication by Raleigh Vocational Center/INCO-RVC will continue as Community Workforce Solutions works towards new and different ways of supporting individuals as they develop and achieve their chosen goals. We also look forward to increased diversity in business and production services. Community Workforce Solutions is excited about the future and becoming a larger presence in the communities we serve!
VisionPoint Marketing Named Agency Of Record For Raleigh Vocational Center
04/19/2007
Diane Kuehn, president of VisionPoint Marketing, has announced that the firm has been named agency of record for Raleigh Vocational Center, a non-profit community rehabilitation agency dedicated to assuring that persons with disabilities are provided the opportunity to reach their vocational goals.
