Help Shape Tomorrow's Workforce with Capabilities

Building Skills. Creating Opportunities.

Capabilities, Inc., a network member of Alliance for Empowerment, is currently looking for local businesses to partner with its Community-Based Work Experience (CBWE) program.

At Capabilities, they believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build meaningful skills, gain real-world experience, and pursue a fulfilling career. Their mission is simple but powerful: to help individuals with disabilities and other barriers reach their career and education goals.

One of the most effective ways this can be accomplished is through their Community-Based Work Experience (CBWE) program, which connects motivated job seekers with local businesses and organizations willing to invest in the future workforce.

By hosting a CBWE participant, you will help individuals build real-world job skills while strengthening our community. Additionally, there is absolutely no cost to your business.

Participant wages are paid by Capabilities, and their team provides ongoing support every step of the way.

Learning Through Real Work

CBWE provides participants with supervised, hands-on experiences in authentic work environments. Rather than learning only in a classroom, individuals develop workplace skills while contributing to businesses throughout our community.

Participants gain experience in areas such as:

• Customer service

• Retail operations

• Inventory and stocking

• Administrative support

• Food service

• Manufacturing and production

• Janitorial and facilities maintenance

• Communication and teamwork

• Professionalism and time management

Every placement is designed to build confidence, independence, and employability while helping local employers develop a stronger workforce. Research consistently shows that work-based learning improves employment readiness and helps individuals successfully transition into competitive employment.  

Experience Starts at Capabilities

Many participants begin their journey within Capabilities’ own social enterprises before transitioning into community businesses.

ETCH Coffeehouse

ETCH Coffeehouse provides a fast-paced retail and food service environment where participants learn customer service, food preparation, cash handling, teamwork, inventory management, and workplace professionalism.

Upholstery Services

Participants gain valuable manufacturing experience through Capabilities' Upholstery Services, learning production techniques, quality standards, problem-solving, attention to detail, and safe workplace practices.

Janitorial Services

Capabilities' Janitorial Services program teaches commercial cleaning, facility maintenance, equipment operation, organization, reliability, and the importance of delivering high-quality service to customers.

Capabilities' social enterprises create supportive environments where participants build confidence before expanding their experience into businesses throughout the region.

Capabilities is actively seeking employers who want to invest in the next generation of workers. They are currently looking for CBWE host sites throughout:

• Corning

• Painted Post

• Watkins Glen

• Montour Falls

• Waverly

• Sayre, PA

• And Elmira 

Hosting a CBWE participant is easy because:

• There is no cost to your business.

• Participant wages are paid by Capabilities.

• There is no obligation to hire.

• The Capabilities team coordinates scheduling, documentation, participant support, and ongoing follow-up.

Whether your business is in IT, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, office administration, automotive services, construction, or another industry, they can match participants with opportunities that benefit both your organization and the individual.

Together We Build Stronger Communities

When local businesses partner with Capabilities, they do more than provide a work experience, they open doors to careers, independence, and brighter futures for individuals who are eager to contribute.

By working together, we strengthen our regional workforce while creating inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Interested in becoming a CBWE partner?

Contact Capabilities today to learn how your organization can make a lasting impact while helping shape tomorrow’s workforce.

Visit the Capabilities website at www.capabilities.org or contact Laurie Wert, Director of Vocational Services and Community Engagement, at (607) 284-3110 or lauriew@capabilities.org.

Capabilities Inc.

1149 Sullivan Street

Elmira, NY 14901