XtraGlobex, a Development Partner in PennWorks, an Innovative Collaborative Employment Initiative

York, PA, January 27, 2018 --(PR.com)-- XtraGlobex, Inc. joined PennCares Support Services (formally UCP of South Central PA) in announcing the launch of PennCares PennWorks, a new Certificated Integrated Competitive Employment initiative for Youth and Adults with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities. PennWorks will develop training, job exploration, certification and employment supports in collaboration with The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), Central York School District, Spring Grove Area School District, Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12, The Center for Independent Living Opportunities, and XtraGlobex, Inc. This initiative brings together partners from the business, education and human services sectors to help to create a pathway for individuals with disabilities to gain and maintain competitive and integrated employment with certification that is portable.

“This is a groundbreaking program that will make significant progress toward leveling the playing field for job-seekers in this population,” said XtraGlobex founder and CEO Fady Sahhar. “We’re proud to be part of the PennWorks concept creation and development process. It’s part of our continuing commitment to bring innovation that aligns with the principles of independent living and self determination.”

PennWorks is a project initiated and funded by PennCares Support Services with the objective of preparing youth and adults with disabilities to work in an integrated competitive setting. The initiative brings together the collaboration of the development partners with specialized experience and expertise, to train and issue certificates recognized by national industry associations. PennWorks will deliver its training through the schools for younger learners, and through the Center for Independent Living for adults. The YCEA will be the bridge to the employers in the area assuring input and leadership. During its initial 15-month pilot, PennWorks will work with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Education, and the Department of Human Services to refine the program.

With unemployment rates circling 4% locally, this initiative will benefit both individuals and employers, making York County a stronger and more inclusive community. "The key to PennWorks is the ability to earn an industry recognized credential which will not only assure employers that the prospective employee has the skills to be successful, but will also make the credentials portable," said Kevin Schreiber, President of YCEA.

“Not everyone knows what it means to have a disability and to find employment,” XtraGlobex Vocational Advocay Coordinator Abby Yingling said, explaining there is still a stigma against hiring people with disabilities. “It’s definitely real, it’s about people with disabilities not being able to complete a job in the way an able-bodied individual would – and that’s not the case at all!”

PennWorks will launch a pilot program in April and will expand its reach beginning in the fall of 2018.

XtraGlobex provides strategy, analytics and communications services to organizations specializing in healthcare, community-based and professional organizations serving the Medicare and Medicaid populations and Long Term Services and Supports. Learn how XtraGlobex works with clients to create exceptional and sustainable competitive advantage, turning existing challenges into positive solutions and future hurdles into launchpads for growth at XtraGlobex.com.

PennCares has grown from a small local chapter of United Cerebral Palsy in 1962 to a regional leader for resources, advocacy and services for people with a broad range of intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and their families throughout south central Pennsylvania. PennCares has offices in Hanover, York and Chambersburg, PA and serves over 500 individuals and families in York, Adams, Franklin and Fulton Counties. For more information, visit www.penncares.org.