Keynote Address at Greyston Workforce Development Graduation Ceremony

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins delivered the keynote address at the Greyston Foundation’s Workforce Development Program (WD 2.0) Graduation ceremony, held in the Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Branch. Immediately preceding the ceremony, employers from throughout Westchester County met with graduates to assess employment possibilities.

Recognized as a national model for comprehensive community development, Greyston promotes entrepreneurship to provide workforce development activities for low-income and under-employed individuals in Yonkers. Greyston WD 2.0 participants receive employee readiness training and development to ensure that they have the personal and professional tools required to obtain long-term employment. Intensive case management is provided both during and after training.

Serving more than 2,200 community members through its programs annually, the Greyston Foundation consists of an integrated network of not-for-profit and for-profit companies that provide jobs, workforce development, affordable housing, youth services, and health care. Career training paths include: Food Service, Personal Care Aide and Home Health Aide, Building Maintenance, Green Construction, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Coding/Billing and Office Aide.

“For over 28 years, Greyston has been a national model for community development, providing extraordinary services that enable employees to be successful in both their personal and professional lives,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District – D/WF). “Creating opportunities for employment benefits the entire community, and Greyston understands the importance of private, public and non-profit organizations working together to achieve this goal. The graduates of Greyston WD 2.0 will be better prepared with the skills necessary to obtain long-term employment and continue on the path to self-sufficiency.”

“This graduation celebrates the completion of the program by a hard-working and deserving class of individuals,” said Steven Brown, President and Executive Director of Greyston Foundation. “What started as a place of employment for the homeless and jobless has grown into a diverse group of programs that serve the multi-faceted needs of the Yonkers community. With WD 2.0, Greyston is able to answer the call from a population that needs us.”