This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by CEO Carole Argo and Walter Billips, Executive Director, Vocational Training Centers, NCIA, to talk about their impact over the last 47 years, and why helping people with limited access to opportunities is so important.
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Baltimore, NCIA provides integrated, personalized services for people with disabilities or societal disadvantages. With a mission to empower people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives & stronger communities through unconditional support, NCIA offers resources and dignity to the underserved. Led by the principles of promoting independence, financial stability, equity and compassion, NCIA is changing lives, one person at a time.
Carole described NCIA's impact and how over nearly 5 decades, they have transformed from a small initiative into a national beacon of hope and a pillar of support for over 25,000 people, often overlooked by other programs. Walter talked about Workforce Development and why it is so critical for the population NCIA's serves to have meaningful employment. Walter also discussed their Vocational Training Centers, (VTC), that supports those seeking a second chance with occupational training, case management, life skills coaching, and a path to skilled employment. The program also includes wraparound services, such as resume building and financial literacy. In Baltimore and Charlotte, the VTC helps Veterans, Returning Citizens, underserved populations and and those recovering from homelessness learn & gain certification in Automotive Maintenance, HVAC/R Installation and Service, or Commercial Driver's License, (CDL).
NCIA's VTC training center is located in Baltimore City, but they support people from all over Maryland. Interested people should visit their website at ncianet.org or reach out to their Baltimore Recruiter at 443-413-7825. They also operate a center outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. You can also find NCIA on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
Click the media player below to listen to the interview and find out more.
