The nonprofits CAREERS Support Solutions and Opengate are merging and expect the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James to approve the merger so they can begin joint operations on or about Dec. 1.
CAREERS Support Solutions helps people throughout Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Opengate, which is headquartered in Armonk, provides support for people with disabilities throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.
The merger was announced by Tina Cornish-Lauria, executive director of CAREERS Support Solutions and Christopher Laubis, CEO of Opengate.
“It has always been our goal to help people achieve meaningful employment and independence,” said Cornish-Lauria. “Joining Opengate will provide the financial and organizational foundation needed to sustain and expand the vital services we provide well into the future.”
According to Laubis, “This merger represents the best of both organizations. By combining our strengths, we’re ensuring that the adults we both support continue to receive the highest quality programs and stability they deserve.”
CAREERS Support Solutions recently celebrated its 38th year of helping people with disabilities become an integral part of their community by finding and keeping meaningful jobs. The organization began in 1987 when a group of parents formed a not-for-profit to help their adult children with disabilities find and maintain employment.
On Nov. 3, the nonprofit opened a new location for its CAREERS Thrift Boutique, a fundraising shop that also provides interning opportunities for CAREERS’ clients. The Boutique now is located in rented space at 531 Route 52 in Carmel.
Opengate offers community-based residential services and operates 12 homes that provide services or the unique needs of residents. Opengate was founded in 1969 Edith Gray and Karla Lissauer, who were pioneers in the service of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
