The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts has partnerships with many employers in the region. These partnerships provide people with disabilities employment opportunities in their community and provides employers with powerful and effective workforce solutions.
Chartwells has collaborated with The Arc of Opportunity for nearly twenty years. The Arc of Opportunity recognizes Chartwells for their commitment to focusing on abilities rather than focusing on disabilities.
Chartwells and The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts have developed a workforce pipeline model other businesses would be wise to replicate. Individuals from The Arc of Opportunity typically begin participation in a group worksite that staffs the fast-paced dish room five days a week. Other individuals from The Arc of Opportunity utilize Chartwells for a hands-on work evaluation where they can experience not just the dish room but also the serving area, the customer service role of greeting and swiping each student’s meal card, or bussing tables in the dining commons.
Chartwells staff get to know each worker from The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts and see them as potential candidates for independent competitive jobs when positions open up. Employers know that hiring someone based on an interview and references is never a guarantee that the new employee will work out or even show up. Hiring someone who has proven their value through participation in The Arc of Opportunity’s group site provides Chartwells with greater assurance that an employee hired through The Arc of Opportunity will work out, which saves hiring time and training money for the employer yet another great benefit. Chartwells has hired a dozen individual from the group site as Chartwells own independent employees.
Individuals at The Arc of Opportunity work side by side with staff at Chartwells. Integration is seamless and invisible. The workers of The Arc of Opportunity and the workers of Chartwells party together for holidays and share the Employee Appreciation event at Canobie Lake each the summer.
When asked what has been best about partnering with The Arc of Opportunity? Chartwells staff instantly responded, “The associates! They are always friendly to co-workers and guests; they are always smiling- bringing great energy to the dining hall. Always reliable! In the food service industry, reliability is important. Partnering with The Arc is a great success because of everyone's dedication.”
The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts recognizes Chartwells for their long-standing commitment to providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and their recognition that ability, not disability, is what counts. Your support allows individuals from The Arc of Opportunity to reach their fullest potential as valued members of their community.