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The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) celebrated the reopening of the Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center in Harlem on Wednesday. This event marks a significant milestone in providing critical employment resources to job seekers and business owners in the Harlem community. The center had been temporarily closed for renovations to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “This center is a cornerstone for Harlem, offering essential services that empower job seekers and support business owners. The recent renovations ensure that the center’s look matches the high-quality resources and support provided here. Our ongoing partnership with SBS is critical in creating opportunities for New Yorkers and fostering economic growth throughout the city.”
Commissioner Reardon and SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, alongside NYC Talent Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal, President and CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District Barbara Askins, and President and CEO of Women in Need Chris Quinn, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The reopening aligns with NYC Small Business Month, underscoring the importance of accessible employment services for local businesses and individuals seeking employment.
New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim said, “I was honored to join NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon, Mayor's Office of Talent Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal, Women in Need CEO Christine Quinn, and 125th Street BID Chair Barbara Askins at the grand reopening of the Upper Manhattan NYC Workforce1 Career Center. Our partnerships with the state of New York and community organizations are important tools in SBS's mission to connect businesses and jobseekers with each other. Together, we are building the City of Yes for all New Yorkers."
President and CEO of Women in Need Christine Quinn said, “Bringing job resources directly to shelters is the key to getting families into permanent housing faster. This ribbon-cutting marks not just the reopening of the Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center but the beginning of renewed hope for many New Yorkers. We are immensely grateful to Commissioner Kevin D. Kim and Commissioner Roberta Reardon for their dedication to this cause. Through our collaboration with government agencies and Workforce1, we will connect more people experiencing homelessness with vital job opportunities and resources, changing lives one connection at a time.”
NYC Talent Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal said, “The reopening of the Workforce1 Career Center in Harlem will create critical pathways for economic mobility and is a major win for a community that for far too long has faced disproportionately high unemployment rates. By working across different levels of government, and in partnership with employers, Workforce1 is the connective tissue that provides career onramps for thousands of New Yorkers each year while helping businesses access the talent they need to thrive in our dynamic economy.”
President and CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District Barbara Askins said, “Existing and new businesses are always looking for the highly skilled employees that are crucial to running a successful business. An essential piece for sustaining the Harlem community is the ability to attract more businesses and create jobs. This requires having workforce development opportunities. The reopening of the newly renovated Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center prepares its residents for growth and creates a key tool to assist the Harlem community in building their skills and finding careers.”
The Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center is one of four co-located NYSDOL-SBS facilities, representing a strong partnership between the two agencies. While SBS operates a network of 18 Workforce1 Career Centers across New York City, NYSDOL oversees 95 Career Centers statewide, ensuring comprehensive support for the workforce.
As part of the reopening, the center will continue to offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of the Harlem community. These services include job readiness workshops, personalized resume assistance, job search strategies, training programs, resources to start and grow a business, and specialized accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
For more information about the Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center and the services offered, please visit the NYSDOL and SBS websites.
