Care Plus NJ, Inc. (Care Plus NJ) and their social enterprise division Care Plus NJ Workforce Solutions (CPWS) were recently awarded a grant of up to $115,000 from New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s EmploymentFirst4Jersey program, part of the Governor’s supported work initiative.
The EmploymentFirst4Jersey Training Grant program is designed to promote competitive employment for people with any type of functional limitation in the general workforce. By working with employers, the program will create opportunities for individuals with functional limitations to obtain gainful employment in targeted industry sectors.
The grant will allow the CPWS Laundry to expand employment opportunities to 30 disabled individuals in Passaic and Bergen counties. The initiative includes 12-16 week training courses for disabled individuals to become certified washroom or certified linen technicians under the laundry training curriculum of the Association of Linen Management. CPWS has several partners in the commercial laundry field who will assist with training, job search, and placement of individuals.
CPWS Laundry provides services to many businesses, government agencies, non-profits and restaurants.
“This grant allows us to expand opportunities to disadvantaged individuals who are motivated to work,” stated Brigitte Johnson, Executive Director of CPWS. As a social enterprise, the organization successfully combines a mission of providing for a common good with business processes and methodologies to create a sustainable and profitable service business.
“Our business model provides an opportunity for individuals to get valuable training and employment, as well as allow them to earn a steady pay check and sense of dignity,” Johnson continued.
CPWS, the non-profit social enterprise division of Care Plus NJ, Inc., is located in Paterson, NJ. In 1996, the Laser Imaging unit of CPWS was created, providing remanufactured printer supplies; commercial cleaning and laundry services were later added. Over the years, they have successfully combined a competitive business model with a workforce comprised of over 75% disabled and economically disadvantaged individuals. All employees earn competitive wages and are well trained and extremely professional. Learn more at www.cpwsnj.org.
