Our Cause

When our founder, Elsa Bengel, opened our doors over 25 years ago, she had just one thing in mind: how can we help move men and women out of poverty and into careers that allow them to support themselves and their families? So, she brought the innovative successful Training, Inc. model that she saw in Chicago and Indianapolis to Boston. Since 1984, Training, Inc. in Boston has helped more than 4,000 unemployed individuals find work with over 200 Boston employers.

Unemployed men and women come to YMCA Training, Inc. looking for work, sometimes after years of struggling working dead-end jobs. Many were professionals in their home country but could only find service jobs in the U.S. Others have only had the chance to work dead-end jobs in retail or the food service industry. 

We help them prepare for fulfilling careers that offer family-supporting wages and benefits by providing them with the skills and connections to succeed in the business world. Here, they encounter an intensive five month program  that provides competencies in computer and office skills. With our strong expectations and innovative curriculum, our trainees prepare for careers in medical office, administrative assistance, and financial services. From there, they gain access to an internship with some of the leading employers  in the Greater Boston area. Finally, they receive support and guidance to gain employment in a company with opportunity for growth and continued learning.

YMCA Training, Inc’s program is a win-win for individuals and for businesses. Our free internships give trainees much-needed work experience while allowing businesses to meet new talent at no cost. Equipped with their new set of skills and a deep sense of determination, our graduates consistently impress Boston employers. Indeed, YMCA Training, Inc. has helped match over 3,000 graduates with over 200 Greater Boston businesses since its founding. From both a social need and business need standpoint, YMCA Training, Inc. just makes sense.