When CAPS Adult Program Director Mindy LeBlanc met Rick Marchand, who leads the Radiance Program at Affordable Interior Systems (AIS), their shared passion for creating inclusive, on-the-job learning opportunities was immediately clear. In fact, it quickly grew into a partnership that’s changing the lives of the CAPS adult community.
AIS is a Leominster-based, American office furniture manufacturer providing innovative solutions for workplaces across the United States. They have outfitted small businesses, Fortune 500 companies and government offices like the Pentagon, US Department of Defense and NASA, to name a few. But what makes AIS even more valuable, is their commitment to an inclusive workplace culture. Through its in-house Radiance Program, AIS provides on-the-job training and meaningful employment experiences for individuals with disabilities. This program seeks to celebrate each person’s unique strengths, perspectives, and abilities while ensuring all team members play a role in the company’s success.
Mr. Marchand has been incredibly welcoming and instrumental in helping us build participation in this invaluable program. He and the AIS team have truly opened their doors, creating not just jobs, but a sense of belonging and purpose.
A Partnership That Builds Confidence and Skills
Through this collaboration, CAPS adult participants work alongside AIS employees and job coaches to learn both professional and technical skills. These range from introducing themselves to supervisors and collaborating with coworkers to mastering furniture assembly and production processes.
Participants begin with a supported internship model, guided by CAPS staff who understand each individual’s learning style and support needs. As they gain confidence and independence, some transition into paid employment directly with AIS.
“Our adults have opportunities to learn soft skills, such as how to introduce themselves to a boss, how to work with coworkers, and how to greet one another. They also have the opportunity to learn some really important technical skills. It’s rewarding to walk through the factory and see the CAPS adult community thriving as part of the AIS team.”
-Mindy Leblanc, Adult Program Director
About AIS’s Radiance Program
The Radiance Program engages more than 150 individuals each week, supported by 36 job coaches from 16 partner organizations across Massachusetts, including CAPS Collaborative. Participants, ranging in age from 18 to 58, are integrated into real production teams performing meaningful work such as:
- making storage drawers
- recycling materials
- performing quality control
- supporting production lines
- plus other key contributions
These experiences build technical knowledge, focus, independence, and teamwork while helping participants gain confidence and pride in their abilities. Several have gone on to part-time employment with AIS, which is a true reflection of the program’s impact.
Building Futures, Together
Funding for the internship phase is supported by CAPS, while AIS provides compensation for individuals who move into paid employment. The partnership has already led to several success stories, with former CAPS participants now thriving as part of the AIS team.
Together, CAPS and AIS are creating more than employment opportunities, they’re building futures filled with purpose, confidence, and community.
For questions about participating in this workforce development program, please contact Adult Program Director, Mindy Leblanc at mleblanc@capsed.net or 978-632-2208 x551.