Massachusetts, February 4, 2026: Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) is partnering with the MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS) and the Massachusetts Workforce Association (MWA) to provide training and coaching to the MassHire workforce development system through the Trauma-Informed and Resilient Massachusetts (T&R MA) program which will run from July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. T&R MA will assist Massachusetts workforce leaders and practitioners in developing a trauma-informed and resilience-building approach and skillset for responding more effectively to customers and colleagues experiencing symptoms of toxic stress and trauma.
Through training, action labs, and peer learning, T&R MA supports the state in operationalizing the MassHire Brand Charter mission, vision, and values of Collaboration, Respect, Reliability, and Ingenuity. The intent is to build a healthier and more resilient workforce development system in Massachusetts for both customers and staff. The project focus is statewide and has representatives from across 16 MassHire workforce development regions as well as six MDCS Central Office staff trainers, who will be T&R MA Ambassadors.
By embedding trauma-informed and resilience-building practices into Massachusetts’ workforce development system, the T&R MA program strengthens both customer service and staff well-being. Ambassadors will act as catalysts in their regions, ensuring this work extends beyond the training period and becomes part of the state’s long-term workforce culture.
As part of the program, the 22 T&R MA Ambassadors will participate in three CSW trainings including An Introduction to Trauma and Resilience; Secondary Trauma, Self-Care, and Building Resilience; and Trauma-Informed Organizations. In addition, Ambassadors will participate in action labs conducted by CSW in each topic to allow a safe space to practice applying tools and strategies. The Ambassadors will also be learning to co-facilitate two trainings and action labs for the MassHire system offered in Spring 2026.
At the T&R MA program launch, project partners emphasized the importance of building trauma-informed and resilient practices across the MassHire system from the outset. Kelly Hanlon, Associate Director of the Massachusetts Workforce Association, shared:
“Through its collaboration with CSW and MDCS, the Massachusetts Workforce Association (MWA) is advancing a statewide trauma and resilience training initiative that equips Massachusetts workforce development professionals with the knowledge, skills and tools to more effectively support the individuals and communities they serve. Many job seekers face complex challenges that can stem from traumatic experiences. By building awareness and practical strategies around trauma informed care, MassHire staff can create safer, more empathetic spaces that foster hope, engagement, and long-term success. The investment not only strengthens our workforce systems’ effectiveness but also enhances employee well-being, teamwork and confidence in delivering inclusive responsive services.”
Gail Hunt, of MDCS Training and Development Team Central Programs, also highlighted the critical role of frontline staff and the early momentum behind the initiative, stating:
“MassHire Career Center staff are on the front lines assisting job seekers, many of whom may have significant barriers to obtaining employment, and therefore, are exposed to a variety of stress and trauma. MDCS is proud and excited to partner with CSW to provide training on developing a trauma-informed and resilient building approach that includes tools, strategies, and skills to respond to customers and colleagues experiencing symptoms of toxic stress and trauma. Surveys conducted by the APA and Gallup News show major increases in reported trauma due to workplace stress, global events, changes in policy, personal safety and discrimination. As we continue to learn the history, theory, and tools behind trauma, as well as the strategies and models of resilience, the Ambassadors are enthusiastic and fully engaged in promoting this much needed and timely training. They will be their region’s premier resource to engage and promote the importance of healthy work environments for both staff and the customers they serve. We look forward to building and nurturing a more resilient and trauma-informed workforce development system in Massachusetts.”
Those interested in learning more about the project and the Trauma and Resilience at Work team at CSW can contact Patricia Maguire, pmaguire@skilledwork.org.
About Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW): Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) is a national workforce policy non-profit that partners with government, business, education, and community leaders to cultivate good jobs and the skilled workers to fill them. Since 1991, CSW has catalyzed change in educational and labor market systems, focusing on scalable improvements in worker skills, job quality, and access to opportunity. CSW provides services across five strategy areas: Competencies & Credentials; Improving Practices & Outcomes; Federal, State, & Local Systems Change; Research & Evaluation; and Trauma & Resilience at Work. CSW advances policies and practices which increase economic mobility, particularly for people of color and others historically excluded from economic success.
About MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS): MDCS oversees the state’s network of MassHire Career Centers, helping businesses locate qualified talent and offering career development services, training, and referrals to jobseekers.The MDCS Training and Development team consists of six skilled and experienced workforce development trainers. Their focus is on training MassHire Career Center staff, which includes directors, managers, and workforce boards on topics that include job search strategies, soft skills, and technical, as well as working with partner agencies for specialized trainings.
About Massachusetts Workforce Association (MWA): MWA is a statewide membership association that leads, advocates, and convenes on behalf of the Massachusetts workforce development system. It represents MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards, ensuring responsiveness to the changing needs of businesses, jobseekers, incumbent workers, and youth across the Commonwealth.
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