Marrakech Opens Academy For Human Service Training In New Milford

Academy Provides Education & Training for Careers in Human Services

WOODBRIDGE, CT - In an effort to provide education and training for individuals seeking jobs in the human service field, Marrakech Inc., a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Woodbridge, Connecticut, that provides residential, educational, and job placement services, has announced the opening of a fourth Academy for Human Service Training Center in New Milford, Connecticut. Currently, there are three other Center's operating in New Haven, Waterbury and Bridgeport.

Through a grant from the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board Marrakech has recently opened the New Milford Academy for Human Service Training located at 278 Danbury Road in New Milford. This is a 12-week comprehensive program designed to train unemployed or underemployed youth and adults to work with people with mental retardation and other disabilities. Individuals will be prepared to work as independent living counselors, group home or residential staff, employment specialists and job coaches for community or residential based work sites.

"The main goal of the Academy is to prepare 14 out of school youth from Northwest Connecticut for careers in the human service field," said Frank McCarthy, Executive Director, Marrakech, Inc. "The program is a great springboard for people who really want to make a positive impact on their own careers and the people they will serve."

Although the program is primarily recruiting for out of school youth, individuals over 21 are encouraged to apply as well.

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 such as the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. Interested candidates must attend one of the weekly information sessions at the Academy site to begin the application process.

Upon completion of the program requirements, Academy staff provides intensive job search assistance and follow-up for each graduate. Marrakech commits to providing half of all Academy graduates with jobs at a Marrakech location.

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.