“National Recovery Month, which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.” (SAMHSA)
Access to Recovery (ATR) Program
Through our partnership with Access to Recovery (ATR), we offer a 3-week work readiness class: Paths to Empowerment (P2E). In addition to topics such as creating a career portfolio, interviewing skills (including addressing CORIs or recovery-related employment gaps), and money management, we also focus on self-awareness, exploring interests, confidence building, wellness/mindfulness, leadership style, and more. Customers must obtain an ATR referral before we are able to enroll participants in this class. We encourage our graduates to come back to the center for one-to-one support as needed.
In addition to our work readiness programs, MassHire Holyoke is committed to creating supportive environments for individuals in recovery through the Recovery Ready Workplace Initiative (RRW). This initiative is designed to educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals in recovery and how to create an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By participating, employers gain access to resources and training that can help them better understand recovery, reduce stigma, and support their employees' ongoing recovery journeys. The initiative also helps businesses to meet their workforce needs by tapping into a motivated and resilient pool of job seekers.
For more information on how your business can become a Recovery Ready Workplace, please contact Ramona Rivera-Reno at (413) 427-3498 or email: rreno@masshireholyoke.org
Do you ever wish you could speak directly to a real person when you have a question? Good news! At MassHire Holyoke, we have a Walk-In Counselor available every day. Our experienced counselor can assist with job searches, training opportunities, resume reviews, interview concerns and career exploration—no appointment needed. We’re happy to look at your resume or cover letter and provide feedback for improvement. However, please note that we cannot create a resume from scratch. Need help with other concerns? Our team is knowledgeable about local social services and can connect you with the right agency or organization to address any non-employment-related needs. The current hours of Walk- in Counseling are Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Spanish speaking staff are available Wednesday and Thursday.
STAFF CELEBRATION
Alba Pagan recently joined MassHire Holyoke’s counseling team after over nine years of exceptional service at our front desk. Her patience, cheerfulness, and remarkable ability to answer every question made her an invaluable part of our team. Now promoted to Career Counselor, Alba has taken on the role of Bilingual Career Counselor, helping customers explore training opportunities, enroll in Workforce Investment Opportunity Act and other grant-funded programs. She helps them navigate their path to a new career. Alba has adapted to her responsibilities with impressive speed, mastering our complex systems and requirements seamlessly. We are delighted to have Alba continue her career with MassHire Holyoke and to have her expertise available daily to support our customers.
MassHire Holyoke Career Center | 850 High Street | Holyoke, MA 01040 US
