Allied Services is continuing a sixty-year tradition of connecting people with disabilities to meaningful work in the Scranton area. Through the Vocational Services Division’s Work Services Program, the organization collaborates with local businesses to provide job training and daily employment. Participants engage in tasks such as packaging and assembly, while building communication skills and professional confidence.
Jim Brogna, a senior leader at Allied Services, notes that the program prioritizes matching individuals with tasks that suit their capabilities. This approach helps participants maintain independence while performing production work for regional companies. Many workers report that the social connection with peers is just as significant as the paycheck they earn from these roles.
The initiative also creates clear value for local business partners. For example, Dempsey’s Uniform and Linen Supply has worked with the organization for fifteen years. Staff members perform tasks like cleaning and bundling hangers with high consistency and few errors. Similarly, Circle Bolt and Nut in Kingston uses the program for precision packing projects.
These partnerships allow workers to see the direct results of their labor within their own community. The program operates out of centers in Scranton and Stroudsburg, providing a stable environment for those seeking long-term employment. Some participants have held their positions for over four decades, while others use the training as a bridge to community-based roles. The core goal remains the same: offering opportunities for people to contribute to the local economy while developing personal connections.