Academy for Human Service Training To Host Statewide Graduation

Academy Prepares Unemployed or Underemployed Youth and Adults to Work with People with Mental Retardation and Other Disabilities

WOODBRIDGE, CT - This month, 72 graduation candidates will realize a personal milestone as they graduate from the Academy for Human Service Training (AHST), a comprehensive statewide program designed to train unemployed or underemployed youth and adults to work with people with mental retardation and other disabilities. The graduation ceremony and reception will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 5:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus located at 2630 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut.

Now, in its 14th year, the Academy for Human Service Training provides students with a 12-week comprehensive program that prepares individuals to work as independent living counselors, group home or residential staff, employment specialists and job coaches for community or residential based work sites. Currently, there are four AHST centers operating in New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport and Danbury.

Upon completion of the program requirements, Academy staff provides intensive job search assistance and follow-up for each graduate. The AHST is a program of Marrakech, Inc., a nonprofit organization headquartered in Woodbridge, Connecticut, that has been providing a wide range of human services to children & adults throughout Connecticut for the past 35 years, which commits to providing half of all Academy graduates with jobs at a Marrakech location.

"Graduation is just the first step for these individuals who are about to embark on a brand new path in their lives," said Frank McCarthy, Executive Director, Marrakech, Inc., and AHST Commencement Speaker. " Those who go through the training program come from every walk of life, many of whom have dealt with great adversity and personal struggles. Yet, through dedication and perseverance, each graduate will soon discover that by changing their life in a positive way will not only impact themselves, but also the people they will serve."

To date, there have been approximately 800 Academy for Human Services Training graduates.

Eligibility requirements for admittance into the Academy for Human Service Training program include being at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED. Additional requirements include having or being eligible for a Connecticut driver's license. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of both the Academy for Human Service Training program as well as the appropriate funding source, which varies by region and each individual's circumstances. AHST staff will help applicants connect to the sources that will determine final eligibility. Interested candidates must attend one of the weekly information sessions at one of the Academy sites to begin the application process. Although the program is primarily recruiting for out of school youth, individuals over 21 are encouraged to apply as well.

The Academy for Human Service Training is in partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, The WorkPlace, Inc. and Workforce Alliance.

About Marrakech:

Marrakech, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of human services to children & adults throughout Connecticut. Founded in 1971, Marrakech established the first halfway house in Connecticut for women with mental retardation. They have continued developing programs and services which are located throughout the State of Connecticut encompassing support to people with a wide range of disabilities, families with complex needs, youth who are at risk, and people without disabilities who are economically disadvantaged.