Greyston is a leading social enterprise that addresses inequality and recidivism through human capital innovation and holistic support services. While individuals wait on the organization’s patented Open Hiring™ waitlist they are eligible to participate in Greyston’s workforce development program, which offers skills training and job placement services at no cost to facilitate their ongoing or reengagement in the workforce. In 2017 training initiatives successfully provided hard skills training to 101 individuals, 63% of whom were then placed into full-time employment.
Greyston is constantly seeking new and innovative programming to engage underserved individuals. During 2018 a grant from WDI enabled the organization to pilot a new program - Ready, Set, Work - for 18 individuals. The pilot was designed to serve the unique needs of individuals recently released from prison or jail in order to successfully transition them back into the workforce. Participants were trained and then immediately apprenticed as part of Greyston’s Rangers Program – a neighborhood beautification transitional workforce program that keeps main thoroughfares and designated areas of Yonkers clean, promoting business attraction and community pride. While in the program participants were given full access to wraparound supportive services and case management via Rangers Mentors and, upon completion of the program, were eligible for permanent job placement within the Greyston Bakery or with an outside employer partner. The Rangers Mentors model has proven to be a powerful and important source of support in this first pilot.
The pilot concluded in November 2018 with an 89% completion rate (16); as of January 2019 nine (9) of the participants have been placed at employers throughout Westchester County with average starting wages 15% higher than the 2018 county minimum wage. The remaining participants finished their transitional employment with the Rangers in January and are currently working with Greyston’s Job Developer to find successful placement within the community.
Greyston management feels they have a winning model and is actively looking for ways to expand and continue the program. WDI recognizes that there are some formulas for success here that can be used in other programs throughout the state.
