Social Cooperative Project at CIDA
CIDA is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Social Co-op project, an innovative workforce development program targeting Asian-American adults with disabilities between 18 and 40 years old. The 2023-2024 program will assist the program participants with employment resources and social services while providing work readiness training. CIDA will also provide resource and capacity-building training to parents of these individuals and local employers so that the entire community can grow together.
The trainees will be offered work opportunities with the CoSpire business, a cooperative business developed by CIDA, or referred to other companies if qualified.
CIDA’s Social Coop Training Program 2023
The project will provide four to five months of free work readiness training and internship experiences. The participants will receive a $500 stipend to cover transportation expenses during the training.
All participants will learn self-determination and self-advocacy skills, abuse prevention, computer skills, basic decision-making, and social skills required in workplaces. Participants will also be provided with opportunities to learn office jobs, retail skills, or professional artist skills.
How it Works
After reviewing your application, CIDA will invite eligible candidates to participate in an interview and simple assessment. Selected candidates for the program will then be placed into one of our two groups and begin career training.
Office & Retail Business Worker Training Program (Group A)
This group is for individuals who are interested in learning work skills that are needed for competitive working environments such as offices, retail, or local businesses.
When does it start?
- 2023 Spring Program starts on 2/28 and continues for 4 months, plus additional internship hours
- Tuesdays: 9:30am – 2:30pm & Wednesdays: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Who can apply:
- Persons with disabilities between age 18-40 years
- Persons who live in the New York City Metropolitan Area
- Persons who can read 6+ grade texts in English
- Persons who can understand and perform multiple step directions
- Persons who can follow a set schedule(dates) and handle responsibilities
- Persons who can perform basic computer skills (basic typing & navigating the web)
- Persons who can understand basic calculation concepts
- Persons who can lift 10 lbs without help
Artist Training Program (Group B)
This group is for individuals who are interested in working as a contracted artist at CIDA’s CoSpire Art
Shop or becoming a self-employed artist. CIDA will also collaborate with the Museum of Modern Art
(MoMA) in Manhattan beginning in March 2023. The Art Training Program participants will attend a six-
week art exploration course at MoMA in addition to the training sessions at CIDA.
When does it start?
- 2023 Spring Program starts on 3/2 and continues for 4 months, plus additional internship hours
- Regular Meetings: Thursdays 9:30am – 2:30pm (March 2 – June 29, 2023)
- MoMA Special Sessions: Mondays 9:00am – 12pm (March 13 – April 17, 2023)
Who can apply:
- Persons with disabilities between age 18-40 years
- Persons who live in the New York City Metropolitan Area
- Persons who are interested in pursuing a career in art
- Persons who can read 3+ grade texts in English
- Persons who are able to self-direct: understand schedule (dates/days)
- Persons who are able to take care of personal hygiene
*Important Requirements
Parents/guardians of the participants are required to attend three parent training/support sessions online. The sessions include navigating the adult service system, supporting decision-making, and preparing for independent living.
If interested, please use the below link to apply for the program by January 31st.
Please contact CIDA at cida@cidainfo.com or call (718)224-8197 Ext. 3 if you have any questions.
This project was made possible with funding support from the New York Community Trust, Korean American Community Foundation, CIDA Workforce Development Fund and NYC Council.
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