
SERV Achievement Centers: Inclusive pathways to employment for adults with disabilities in New Jersey
Empower Inclusivity Pilot Programme: Providing vocational training and paid apprenticeships to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, building skills, confidence and long-term employment opportunities.
Reduce hunger and poverty, and improve livelihoods
North America
2025-2026
UN Sustainable Development Goals



The objective
To equip 10 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with essential job skills, paid work experience, and career coaching through a supported apprenticeship programme across two SERV locations in New Jersey.
The issue
In the United States, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant barriers to employment. Only 28% of people with IDD are in the workforce, compared to 62% of the general population. Misconceptions, inaccessible workplaces, and a lack of tailored training prevent many from realising their full potential.
SERV Achievement Centers, a longstanding nonprofit in New Jersey, is addressing this gap through its Progressive Achievement Centers (PAC) programme, which provides day services, behavioural support and pre-vocational training. With the launch of Empower Inclusivity, SERV will provide apprenticeships that bridge the gap from training to meaningful, paid employment.
The partner: SERV Achievement Centers
Part of the broader SERV Behavioral Health System, SERV Achievement Centers has supported adults with disabilities since 1987.
Through group homes, supervised apartments, and day programmes, SERV creates pathways to independence and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Find out more at servbhs.org
The project
With a one-year grant of £45,016, Croda Foundation is supporting the delivery of the Empower Inclusivity Pilot Programme at SERV’s sites in Hamilton and Lawrenceville, NJ.
This pilot provides:
- A one-month orientation focused on social, communication and workplace readiness
- Hands-on apprenticeships for 10 individuals across five service areas:
- Mailroom and clerical operations
- Reception and greeting visitors
- Hospitality and food service at SERV Café
- Groundskeeping and facilities maintenance
- Inventory and procurement
- Branded uniforms and ID badges to foster confidence and professionalism
- Two weekly shadowing sessions at SERV locations
- Ongoing coaching and soft-skills development from PAC team members
- A graduation ceremony and personalised job placement support in the wider community
Graduates will receive continued coaching for 6, 12 and 18 months post-placement to ensure retention, growth, and confidence in the workplace.
“This programme offers real, tangible opportunities to thrive not just for participants, but for our communities. It shows what’s possible when we build inclusive pathways to employment.”
Impact
- 10 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in the pilot
- 8 graduates expected to complete the programme and move into employments
- 100% of participants paid at New Jersey minimum wage
- 5 key job functions covered in the training across real workplace settings
- Up to 18 months of ongoing job retention support following graduation
- Long-term aim of scaling and attracting local business for sponsorship for sustainability
Croda Foundation, established in 2020, is an independent charitable company set up by FTSE 100 specialty chemicals company, Croda International Plc, and is registered in England and Wales (number: 1196455). The Foundation is solely funded by generous donations from Croda International Plc and led by an independent Board of Trustees.