MACDONALD TRAINING CENTER INC

Employers consistently report that new hires don’t work out for reasons such as coach-abiity and adaptability as well as technical skills. We're responding by elevating our vocational skills training services to assist individuals with disabilities grow in personal and professional skills development while earning nationally recognized technical certifications. Each curriculum leads to industry standard certifications, indicating core competencies and proficiencies. All certificate-based training is available to individuals with intellectual disabilities in our Adult Day Training. Our intention is to make this training available to other job seekers with all disabilities in four Counties.

Academic Excellence and Innovation utilizing Industry Based Certifications : Individuals enrolled in MTC’s Adult Day Training with the goal of community-based employment have the opportunity to increase their chances of success by enrolling in a variety of new educational and vocational cohorts. All of the curriculums were developed to provide pathways to employment in the fastest growing sectors in Florida aligning with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s sector report: Technology, Manufacturing, HealthCare and Hospitality.

Many of the curriculums were developed with assistance from University level educators, all have been vetted by industry and subject matter experts. Each cohort provides services, supports, and experiential opportunities, with the aim of enhancing skills that will prepare individuals with disabilities to succeed in workplace and postsecondary education settings. Communication and interpersonal skills leading to job performance; financial literacy; public transportation management as well as job-seeking skills; and other “soft” life skills necessary for employment are integral to the training platforms.

Securing jobs for people with disabilities, who have been impacted by the economic downturn more severely than their non-disabled counterparts, is a high priority for MacDonald Training Center. MacDonald Training Center (MTC) opened its doors in 1953 and was chartered shortly afterward in 1955. For over 60 years MTC has been providing quality vocational, residential and employment services to individuals with disabilities. MTC's mission is “To empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose." We accomplish this by providing training opportunities and promoting individual life choices. MTC is a financially stable organization which is governed by a highly qualified and committed Board of Directors. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors. Under the CEO are two officers and two directors who in turn supervise program coordinators, assistants and technicians. The organization is comprised of multiple service and support teams.

MTC’s will expand services while continuing to ensure high quality administration and management by utilizing trained professional staff, a strong commitment by the State of Florida, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, The Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and existing commitments with the private sector. MTC is an active member of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Westshore Alliance as a means of soliciting job placements. MTC has cooperative ventures with other agencies serving persons with disabilities including RESPECT of Florida, the Florida Association of Rehabilitative Facilities, and HARTline. We have partnership status with Florida’s Unique Abilities Partner Program. Our long-standing relationships with the Florida Department of Education through Hillsborough County Schools (including on-site teachers for ADT) and collaboration with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, is an ongoing source of pride.

MTC's financial procedures are automated via the use of MAS90, a financial reporting system incorporating general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and other modules. Internal controls surrounding this system have been implemented in accordance with the Fiscal Policies and Procedures of the agency. Financial results are reported to the Board quarterly with comparisons to budget on a program by program basis.

MTC's commitment to providing needed services to adults with disabilities is absolute. MacDonald Training Center is a fiscally sound non-profit which strives to self-sufficient and self-sustaining. The goals and objectives of the Board of Directors and the management team are to reduce and eventually eliminate all deficits by intensified fundraising, diversifying investments in our Foundation, and through our revenue-producing Business Enterprise ventures.

For 6 decades, MacDonald Training Center continues to be a leader in services to people with developmental disabilities. In an effort to increase independence and community integration, MTC was one of the first organizations in Florida to develop supported employment and supported living services as alternatives to sheltered workshops and traditional group homes. Today, MTC's primary areas of service include educational, vocational and residential supports. In addition to services to adults with developmental disabilities, MTC provides supported employment counseling and placement services for people with a disabilities including hearing impairments and other challenges. We have successfully placed over 4,000 people with disabilities into community based employment since 1971.
Or newest vocational and educational training programs are responses to community needs. EXCEL (Excellence in Computer Education and Learning) is a blended pre-employment transition service for youth age 14-21 and young adults under 30 with disabilities, preparing them for employment in high demand technical industries, post secondary education or any setting where computer skills are required. The program provides services, supports, and experiential opportunities, with the aim of enhancing skills that will prepare students to succeed in workplace and post secondary education settings.
DART, our latest training opportunity is a dedicated “Distribution Center" replicating industry standards adjacent to our main production area which will be used for receipt, temporary storage, and redistribution of goods according to customer orders as they are received. This Distribution Center will provide high quality job skills training equipping trainees for positions in retail, warehouses and distribution centers. Trainees will learn inventory management, safe operation of warehouse equipment and machinery.
eQuality Solutions is electronics recycling, refurbishment, and software installation, including material handling, inventory management, safety training
Despite dramatic cut backs in state funding for reimbursements for services , MTC has expanded our service delivery in order to provide the most effective training possible. Presently MTC supplements $.32 on every dollar expended on the delivery of services. We do this by a careful attention to overhead, an expanded business production emphasis and fundraising. MTC's commitment to providing these needed services to adults with disabilities is absolute.