On Friday, January 10, 2014, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) held award ceremonies to highlight and recognize successful achievements by TAFDC recipients enrolled in DTA-funded Competitive Integrated Employment Service (CIES) and Young Parents (YPP) programs operated by DTA vendors including Training Resources of America, Inc. (TRA). Participants were recognized for GED attainment and transition to college or employment.

Award ceremonies simultaneously took place at five locations across the Commonwealth including Boston, Malden/Chelsea, Holyoke, New Bedford and Fall River. The Holyoke event, held at Holyoke Community College and hosted by DTA Commissioner Stacey Monahan, was attended by program participants and staff of Western Massachusetts vendors, local DTA workers and area legislators.

In all, fifteen TRA Young Parents Program participants from TRA-Holyoke and Springfield sites received certificates in recognition of their achievements. According to TRA President/ CEO Kim Harmon who attended the Holyoke ceremony, “Our participants were very pleased to be recognized by Commissioner Monahan for their hard work. As a vendor, TRA was also humbled by and appreciative of the Commissioner’s acknowledgement of the vital role TRA plays in providing quality services for DTA clients. It is important that legislators and the general public see and hear more about the services these training programs provide as well as the many successes that are being attained.”