July 16, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited the Philabundance Community Kitchen to spend time with more than a dozen young adults who are gaining real-world work experience while also making a difference in their community. The students are employed through MY Work, a summer program for high school students with disabilities created by L&I's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to match students with job opportunities and work experience in their local municipalities."Every summer, I'm inspired by the determination, talent, and enthusiasm of the students in the MY Work program. This visit to Philabundance highlights the impact MY Work is making not only on the students participating, but also on thousands of local children who are able to have breakfast and lunch thanks to the work being done at the organization's community kitchen," said Secretary Walker. "Programs like this don't just build skills, they build confidence, instill purpose, and provide real opportunity. I am thankful to have the Governor and First Lady as such strong champions of OVR's work, and their continued support is helping to provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities access to meaningful employment and brighter futures." Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget calls for an additional $5 million investment in OVR, which helps people of all ages with disabilities find employment through personalized services such as vocational counseling and guidance, goal setting, training, and job placement. OVR also offers a variety of other supports that enable a person with a disability to be successful in the competitive labor market. The proposed investment would play a key role in helping OVR continue to offer the MY Work program, as well as many other crucial services.
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