The Seven Hills ASPiRE! Workforce Readiness and Employment Programassists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, brain injury, vision and mobility impairment, communication and behavioral challenges, to prepare for, obtain, and maintain their highest level of competitive employment. The ASPiRE! Workforce Readiness and Employment service models include Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS), Group Supported Employment (GSE), Individual Supported Employment (ISE), Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES), and Statewide Employment Services (SES).
Supports and services offered within these models include soft-skills development, vocational assessments, career planning, resume development, interviewing skills, job-specific training and placement, on-site job coaching, functional money management skills, and benefits education and coordination. ASPiRE! Workforce Readiness and Employment Program sites are located in Hopedale, Worcester, and Devens and serve as HUBS for on-site and in-community activities.
Additionally, the program provides participants with internship tracks in café management, community gardening, facilities maintenance, landscaping, and hospitality, which are provided through Seven Hills’ integrated community-based employment site at the historic Stearns Tavern located at 140 Mill Street in Worcester.
Through the 2025 UWCM Day of Action, a team of volunteers will help to weed and clean up the community garden space at Stearns Tavern. Come in your work clothes and enjoy working alongside ASPIRE participants to spruce up this beloved space.
