CAO of WNY Launches Collaborative Effort Connecting Lackawanna Residents to Jobs

(Buffalo, NY) – The Community Action Organization of WNY’s (CAO) employment and training department has been working with the Mobile Safety-Net Team (serving Erie and Niagara counties) and ACCESS WNY in a collaborative effort to connect Lackawanna, NY residents to living-wage jobs. The three entities began planning these efforts in January of 2021 after discussing the need for employers to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Joe Milazzo, Director of Employment and Training at CAO, believes these efforts will improve Erie County’s unemployment rate and increase diversity and inclusivity for local employers. 

“Working together with ACCESS WNY and the Mobile Safety-Net Teams to organize job fairs for citizens in Lackawanna strengthens our ability to utilize resources and collaborate on ideas to meet the needs of the residents,” Milazzo said. “Working with companies with diversity and inclusivity policies, such as Amazon and FedEx, will help create a more diverse workforce and provide residents with access to livable wage jobs.”

Thomas Kim, the recently appointed CEO and President of CAO welcomes the collaboration to strengthen communities in need.

“There are talents to find in every corner of Western New York, and we must work together to provide opportunities to improve lives for communities in and outside the inner city,” Kim said.

The three organizations are hosting in-person and virtual career fairs with companies looking to hire throughout 2021.

The first career fair takes place virtually on March 25 with Amazon. The virtual session will allow job seekers to learn about the different positions Amazon is hiring for as well as the application process. Amazon is hiring drivers, warehouse associates, and more.