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MCB highlights job fairs, college outreach and White Cane Awareness Day; earmarks to Carroll Center cleared to fund vendors
Summary
MCB staff reported successful reverse virtual job fairs, a college information session and a White Cane Awareness Day event with 300+ guests; board members said earmarked state funding for the Carroll Center and a state association will be routed to vendors in upcoming payments.
MCB program staff told the advisory board on Nov. 4 that October brought multiple outreach and employment activities and that earmarked vendor funding is beginning to flow.
Justine said two reverse virtual job-fair sessions attracted employers and consumers: on Day 1 there were 29 employers and 18 consumers, with four employers following up to connect with six consumers; Day 2 drew 30 employers and 16 consumers with nine employer-consumer connections reported. "We're excited for that," Justine said, noting that the events provide practice and interviewing skill development even when they do not immediately produce hires.
A college information session for high-school seniors drew 38 participants and featured a three-student panel that gave practical advice about navigating college life and accommodations. Justine said the panelists and an hour-long Q&A were particularly valuable for students and families.
The White Cane Awareness Day celebration at the State House brought more than 300 guests; Justine thanked the Carroll Center for sponsoring refreshments and noted a positive WGBH article and MCB's own write-up were available online.
Board members reported earmarks intended for the Carroll Center and the Massachusetts Association of Blind and Visually Impaired have been cleared to move forward. "So funding has been is in the process and will be directed towards the vendors very shortly," a board member said; the transcript shows payments may be made in two portions and that radio-reading services will receive part of the allocation.
Staffing updates: Justine said an OIB worker covering regions 4 and 5 retired and a new staff member started two to three weeks earlier; Carleen Boyd was promoted to Region 4 Sr. Supervisor, and the Region 3 Sr. position is posted with an expected hire by December.
What happens next: staff will follow up on employer-consumer connections from the job fair, debrief the White Cane event at a committee meeting and complete the Region 3 hire process ahead of December.
