Career Initiatives

Career Initiatives, like the RLC, is a program of the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium.  Career Initiatives has collaborated with the RLC on several projects, including the opening of our new Springfield Center.

Career Initiatives provides opportunities for people in mental health, addictions, and/or trauma recovery to start their own small businesses or pursue self-employment.  Career Initiatives allows people to apply for seed money to support self-initiated projects.  The amounts of the Career Initiatives grants are modest, averaging around $1,000.  Grantees can reapply each year for a maximum of three years, as one of the goals of the program is to encourage people to establish self-sufficiency. 

Career Initiatives is now accepting applications for small business or self-initiated project proposals. You must be DMH (Department of Mental Health) eligible in order to apply.  To receive a grant application, please call 413-536-2401 x5513 or go to www.wmtcinfo.org.  Applications are due May 1st!!

Career Initiatives also includes two programs specifically for young adults: Career Explorations and Youth Council.  You do not need to be DMH eligible to participate in these programs.  Please contact Danielle at 413-536-2401 x3011 for more information.