Philadelphia Jobs Program Helps Students With Disabilities

On July 16, 2025, the Shapiro Administration spotlighted a transformative summer employment initiative in Philadelphia, aimed at providing meaningful work experiences to young adults with disabilities through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) MY Work program. More than 500 students across 57 counties are participating in this effort at over 100 worksites, including the Philabundance Community Kitchen, where students are actively contributing to their communities by preparing meals for children in need.

During a visit to the Philabundance site, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker met with more than a dozen student workers employed through the MY Work program. The visit underscored how real-world job experiences are empowering students while simultaneously supporting the organization's LunchBox 2025 initiative, which aims to deliver 40,000 lunches and 20,000 breakfasts to children during the summer break.

“Every summer, I’m inspired by the determination, talent, and enthusiasm of the students in the MY Work program,” said Secretary Walker, praising the initiative for both its community impact and the confidence it instills in its participants. “Programs like this don’t just build skills—they build futures.”

Governor Josh Shapiro is advocating for an additional $5 million in the 2025–26 state budget to support OVR’s programs, including MY Work. The proposed funding would bolster efforts to help Pennsylvanians with disabilities find and maintain employment through services such as vocational counseling, job placement, and work readiness training.

Since 2016, OVR has provided vital services to more than 478,500 Pennsylvanians, supporting individuals through counseling, diagnostics, training, and job placement efforts. With no cost to local municipalities, OVR covers student wages and collaborates with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) to ensure onsite training and support.

The Philabundance Community Kitchen site alone has welcomed 17 students through a partnership with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP®)—a nonprofit that provides community-based alternatives to residential care. The students are assisting in food preparation tasks such as sandwich-making, meal packing, and box labeling.

“Philabundance is deeply grateful for the YAP and OVR volunteers who help us not only pack meals but also feed our community,” said Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance. She emphasized that one in six children in the region face food insecurity, and the partnership helps close the summer nutrition gap.

This marks the fourth year of collaboration between OVR and YAP®, which has served over 300 young people through the MY Work initiative. Beyond the Philabundance site, students are also gaining experience as assistant art counselors at the West Park Cultural Center, demonstrating the program’s diverse career exposure.

“Our partnerships create invaluable opportunities for young people to gain confidence and job readiness,” said Chanel Summers, YAP’s MY Work Program Manager. “This experience strengthens our workforce and expands students’ visions for the future.”

Initially launched in 2016 in Allegheny County, the MY Work program began with just 50 students in nine municipalities. Since its statewide expansion in 2021, more than 2,000 high school students with disabilities have participated. In addition to job placement, students receive guidance on communication skills, independent living, interview preparation, and paycheck management.

Governor Shapiro’s workforce development agenda also includes a $3.5 million investment in the Schools-to-Work Program, $5 million to address the nursing shortage, and $10 million to expand apprenticeship opportunities across Pennsylvania. These bold investments aim to prepare a skilled, inclusive workforce ready for the future.