Ken’s Kids builds on job placement success

A nonprofit organization started 12 years ago to provide job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities has trained and found jobs at Fortune 100 companies for 181 people since its inception and continues to formalize partnerships with companies and expand into other states.

Ken’s Kids provides vocational training and placement services, plus additional permanent mentoring throughout the entirety of the job, for mildly mentally challenged individuals.

“This is a program that started in Philadelphia and now is spread throughout six states,” said Steven Wing, CVS Caremark director of work force initiatives. “I know that it will continue to grow with more businesses getting on board and more jobs being filled.”

The organization’s first and largest partner is The Home Depot, which employs Ken’s Kids in 54 locations. CVS Caremark pharmacies last year formalized a pilot program into a full-blown program and now employ Ken’s Kids in 13 locations. The two partners collectively employ more than 100 people trained by Ken’s Kids.

Source: Business Chronicle