Medford Job Readiness Program To Help People In Substance Use Recovery

MEDFORD, MA – The City of Medford has launched its first Job Readiness Program for people in the early stages of substance use recovery seeking employment.

“Far too many of our community members on the road to recovery have not been able to realize their career potential due to a lack of access to resources and training tools,” Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a news release. “With the launch of this job training program, we’ll be able to provide job seekers with the foundational knowledge and skills that will allow them to succeed in the workforce.”

Attendees can take part in the two-day training program beginning March 31 at the Bridge Recovery Center and again April 7 at the Mass Hire Metro North Career Center.

Programming begins at 9 a.m. both days, with transportation and lunch provided for participants.

Attendees of the program will receive a $200 stipend, as well as funding of up to $500 to get started on their career path. They will also have access to recovery coaches and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) professionals at the program. Attendees will additionally become members of the Bridge Recovery Center and gain access to resources from Mass Hire and Mass Rehab.

Recent statewide reporting from the Massachusetts Department of Health found there were 2,301 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, a 9.4 percent increase over the previous year.

“The substance use crisis in our community has impacted so many aspects of life – from family to careers,” said social worker Alysia LaGambina in a news release. “The City of Medford is very excited and proud to offer the Job Readiness Program as a resource for job seekers that are in the early stages of recovery to help them get back on their feet.”