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Arc Broward, in partnership with Chateau Mar Golf Resort in Lauderhill, recently launched “Hospitality with Purpose,” Florida’s first hospitality training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. The milestone event celebrated the presentation of $820,050 in state funding, championed by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez and awarded through FloridaCommerce.
“Thanks to the leadership of Senator Rodriguez and the support of FloridaCommerce, we are proud to launch a groundbreaking program that not only addresses critical labor shortages in South Florida’s hospitality sector but also creates life-changing opportunities for adults with disabilities,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward President and CEO. “Hospitality with Purpose will provide participants with the skills, training, and real-world experience needed to achieve meaningful careers, housing stability and independence.”
Joining Price for the program’s launch event were Sen. Rodriguez, Chateau Mar proprietor Luis Navas, community leaders, and Arc Broward students and trainees. Guests toured the facility and enjoyed refreshments served by Arc Educates’ Entry-Level Culinary Arts students.
The comprehensive six-month post-secondary certificate program, offered in partnership with Chateau Mar, blends classroom instruction with hands-on externship experiences. Participants will also complete a three-month paid internship, preparing for roles such as hotel desk clerks, luggage porters, housekeepers, banquet servers, bussers and more.
With more than 800,000 hospitality jobs in South Florida and a vacancy rate of approximately 15 percent, Hospitality with Purpose creates a sustainable pathway for employers to access a talented pool of workers, while simultaneously addressing the employment and housing gaps facing more than 700,000 Floridians with disabilities who are not currently in the workforce.
“By opening doors to both training and employment within a respected community hub like Chateau Mar, this initiative sends a powerful message to our students and trainees: they belong in places of opportunity, right at the heart of our community,” said Price.
Arc Broward operates 21 programs across nine Broward County locations, including its social enterprises Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, which empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in their communities through education, training, and employment.
For more information about Arc Broward’s programs and services, visit www.arcbroward.com or call (954) 746-9400.
