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A Workforce Development Success Story

Ginessi Ortiz, Program Specialist at the Morris Innovative Senior Center, was connected to her job through BronxWorks Jobs Plus program.
Ginessi Ortiz, Program Specialist at the Morris Innovative Senior Center, was connected to her job through BronxWorks Jobs Plus program.

During our Year-End Appeal, we shared the story of a young woman named Ginessi who was a participant in the BronxWorks Jobs Plus program and whose family had lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Ginessi was working part-time while also a full-time student on her way to earning her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Since then, Ginessi has graduated with her A.A., enrolled to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and in February accepted a full-time position as the Program Specialist at the BronxWorks Morris Innovative Senior Center.

When I heard about this job, I felt this was the opportunity I had to take to elevate myself and do something meaningful,” Ginessi said.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ginessi and participants like her have continued to work with the programs within the BronxWorks Workforce Development Department (WFD). In addition to enhancing food access, WFD continued to provide job preparation, search, and placement services. Despite a slumping economy, the Department has made 165 adult workforce and 48 youth workforce job placements, totaling 213 individuals placed into new employment.

As with all BronxWorks programs, WFD staff have remained committed to the work that is needed. For job-seeking participants like Ginessi, it has opened doors and provided opportunities to pursue a brighter future, and for thousands of other individuals and households.

Watch Ginessi’s story here:

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