Meet Operation ABLE: Learn about a Path to Employment [video]

Operation ABLE's “2022 Virtual Graduation Ceremony" Recognizes the Remarkable Achievements of a RECORD-HIGH 178 Program Graduates

Boston, MA: Operation ABLE recognized a record-setting 178 program graduates in its joyful “2022 Virtual Graduation” ceremony on October 26th. The theme for this year’s Graduation event was “Embracing Change,” a salute to each of the 178 graduates and the motivation they demonstrated in enrolling in ABLE’s rigorous training programs, adapting to live, online training, and successfully completing their courses.

‘I just wanted to share how much I’ve gained from my ABLE experience,’ offered Elaine Gadson, a graduate of ABLE’s Remote Employment Training Program, in her recorded comments to her classmates, instructors, and event attendees. ‘This program is the best thing that has happened to me in many years, and it gave me a boost in confidence that I needed so badly.”

Marian Walsh, Operation ABLE’s President, and CEO, congratulated all the graduates on their professional development and personal growth as they have embraced change on their “Path to Employment.” Elizabeth Chen, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, served as the keynote speaker and spoke to the graduates with moving and supportive comments based on her own life experience. Other speakers included Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE Board Chair, and Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts.

As part of the program, Marian also recognized Janice Brathwaite, Director of Workforce Programs for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. Marian presented Janice with a Certificate of Special Recognition in appreciation of her ongoing collaboration with the Operation ABLE team, including her active participation in ABLE’s Employer Advisory Committee, and her guidance and support of Operation ABLE job seekers.

Mark Gyurina, Operation ABLE’s Chief Program Officer, served as the event’s emcee and offered the following: “Today we recognize the hard work shown and determination of our 178 graduates, a record number in our 40th year. Their commitment to their studies, their instructors, and their classmates, especially during these challenging times, is an inspiration for us all.”

Celebrating graduates from our Skills2Work, Medical Office, Donnelly Medical Office, ABLE Beginnings, Computer Refresher Skills, and Remote Employer Training Program.

** PROGRAM **

Introduction - Mark Gyurina, Chief Program Officer
Student Spotlight- Janet Wilkins, Donnelly Medical Office Training Program Graduate
Welcoming Comments- Lydia Greene, Chairperson, Board of Directors
President & CEO Remarks - Marian Walsh, President & CEO
Keynote Speaker - Elizabeth Chen, PhD, MBA, MPH, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Employer Recognition - Janice Brathwaite, Director of Workforce Programs Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
Student Spotlight - Elaine Gadson, Remote Employee Training Program Graduate
Commencement & Presentation of Certificates - Mark Gyurina & Program Managers
Closing Remarks - Mike Festa, Operation ABLE Board Member & State Director, AARP Massachusetts

"One of our most important partners is the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Their mission is to ensure that the 1.6 million older adults in the Commonwealth and their caregivers have opportunities to live safely and thrive in their communities of choice. They work each and every day to help older individuals and their families understand the wide range of supportive care options available. Our keynote speaker for todays’ Graduation Celebration, Elizabeth Chen, the Secretary of the Massachusetts Office of Executive Affairs." - Marian Walsh

"On behalf of Operation ABLE's Board and all (its) our staff, I offer my sincere congratulations to each of you. I am confident that with your new skills, experience, and knowledge, you will all be successful on your Employment Path." - Lydia Greene, Board Chair

October 2021: 149 Operation ABLE Program Graduates receive Certificates of Achievement

Operation ABLE’s second 'Virtual Graduation,' was held on October 27, 2021, featuring a theme of 'The Power of You.” During the enthusiastic hour-long celebration, Operation ABLE recognized the remarkable achievements of a record-high 149 program graduates, an impressive accomplishment in light of the economic and healthcare crisis we’ve all faced over the last 18 months.

The opening remarks of Operation ABLE's Chairperson, Lydia Greene, set the stage for this joyful, celebratory event:
YOU are the ones making things happen. That is why we feel that our graduation theme this year – THE POWER OF YOU" is so relevant. We believe that it is essential to shine a light on those individuals, like you, who aspire to overcome adversity, advance themselves, and make a difference in times of struggle. By completing Operation ABLE's programs, you have improved your "job readiness" and gained many of the fundamental technical skills needed to compete in today's job market.”

Steve Currier: A Celebration of Life Tribute

Welcome to the 'Celebration of Life' of STEVE CURRIER (March 10, 1946 – February 8, 2021), our much loved colleague and friend.

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Operation ABLE presents a tribute to the life of Steve Currier presented by his proud and grateful coworkers at Operation ABLE.

Steve was our celebrated Job Developer for our Skills2Work & Medical Office Training programs. He was also the driver behind the resurgence of the notable success of ABLE's Employer Advisor Committee.

Thank you Steve... we love you. We will miss you.

Operation ABLE Gives a Holiday 2020 Tribute to Goodwill

What a Year it Has Been. We reached so many milestones together, and we’re thankful for the support Goodwill provides. We want to take this opportunity to say how much we appreciate all your hard work and efforts. We truly value our partnership in so many ways. We hope you know how grateful we are for you and everything you do for Operation ABLE and others.

With the amazing leadership of President and CEO, Joanne Hilferty and her Team, Goodwill has been instrumental in helping us in our mission serving job seekers on their Path to Employment.

As this unpredictable year comes to a close, we SALUTE YOU. May your hearts be filled with happiness, peace, and abundance. Happy Holidays and every good wish in the New Year!

127 Operation ABLE Program Graduates receive Certificates of Achievement

During an enthusiastic celebration featuring a symbolic theme of 'Hope & Determination,' Operation ABLE boasted 127 program graduates' achievements. This first-ever ABLE 'Virtual Graduation' was held on October 28, 2020.

The opening remarks of Operation ABLE's Chairperson, Lydia Greene, Retired SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tufts Healthcare, set the stage for this joyous event:

"We have gathered to recognize the accomplishments of 127 dedicated individuals who, through their commitment to learning and self-improvement, have completed one or more of Operation ABLE's job training programs. I find their accomplishments remarkable, especially given the health and the economic crisis we have all endured over the last ten months."

Click here to read more.

Oum Keltoum Moutaoukkil, one of Operation ABLE’s graduates, highlighted the grit and determination of her classmates and instructors in a special video tribute:

"I'm incredibly grateful for the extra effort and dedicated attention I received from my [ABLE] instructors… as well as the job search support services [team]. I'm proud to say that I am now employed at Mass General Hospital in their Orthopedic Hands Services Department. I want to thank all of the OA staff and my classmates for all of their effort and support on my behalf."

See Oum’s full tribute video here.

We were joined by and honored to host Senator Sal DiDomenico, our keynote speaker, representing Middlesex and Suffolk Districts in the Massachusetts State Senate since May 2010 and as Assistant Majority Leader since 2018. Senator DiDomenico was joined by Representative Kevin G. Honan, who serves the 17th Suffolk district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Both legislators have been steadfast advocates of Operation ABLE's mission through the years. All echoed the legislators' heartfelt salute to this remarkable group of graduates. 'Their completion in mastering the software skills needed to ensure job-readiness gives rise towards their successful Path to Employment.'

During the celebration, ABLE's President and CEO, Marian Walsh, presented our 'Employer of the Year' certificate to Bulfinch Partners. Susan Horan accepted on behalf of her team. Their ongoing commitment to placing our graduates and supporting our efforts has remained unshaken even though this pandemic.
Mark Gyurina, ABLE's Chief Program Officer, was also recognized for his steadfast reinforcement of ABLE's dedicated program management and support staff. "Mark is our rock and deserves this special recognition of gratitude and love."
Operation ABLE is thankful to all who participated in our Graduation Ceremony and who have contributed to its 2020 Graduates' success!

Mark Gyurina, ABLE's Chief Program Officer, was also recognized for his steadfast reinforcement of ABLE's dedicated program management and support staff. "Mark is our rock and deserves this special recognition of gratitude and love."

Operation ABLE is thankful to all who participated in our Graduation Ceremony and who have contributed to its 2020 Graduates' success!

Operation ABLE's 2020 annual event took place ONLINE, June 3rd. with a virtual 'Coffee with Governor Charlie Baker'.

Operation ABLE's President and CEO, Marian Walsh, was joined by our Board Chairperson, Lydia Greene, and Vice Chair Steve Taranto as we saluted Governor Charlie Baker for his leadership, voice of calm, and clear guidance throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We also celebrated the commitment of our students, our incredible employer and service provider partners.

And we salute the dedication of Operation ABLE's versatile, compassionate, and professional staff, and our continued focus and support of the job-seeking community at large.

OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE FOR ALL WHO ATTENDED.

Celebrating the PATH TO EMPLOYMENT with Mayor Marty Walsh 6/2019

Operation ABLE, along with Mayor Marty Walsh celebrate the strength, commitment, and perseverance of those we serve through Operation ABLE's programs. It is this collective passion that successfully prepares and trains members of our community with the skills required for today's workforce, guiding them onto their Path to Employment.

Providing Training and employment services for Job Seekers since 1982.

Our mission and passion is to empower our community of job seekers, the underemployed, those in career transition and military veterans who need job support services to re-enter the workforce.