Today MTS serves all people who are facing serious, sometime overwhelming barriers to employment. But at its beginnings ...
History
MTS/Multitasking Systems of New York was the first organization to address the employment and career needs of men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Two physicians who had been treating the earliest victims of AIDS in New York City founded MTS in 1988. Even though it was clear at that time that AIDS was a life threatening illness with no known treatment or cure, Dr. Jeffrey Greene and Dr. Linda Laubenstein observed one consistent phenomenon in their practice at New York University Hospital. The AIDS patients that continued to work not only maintained more positive attitudes - they lived longer.
These two doctors also recognized that many of their patients needed qualified assistance and training in new job skills that could get them back into the workforce, while allowing them to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible. They also needed help in finding the right jobs and supportive employers, and that would take an organization founded on solid vocational rehabilitation principles.
Mission
MTS provides a supportive environment that helps people recognize their talents and skills, explore their employment potential, and make choices that enhance their health, well being and independence.
Using an individualized approach to training, job creation, job placement and counseling, MTS helps its clients build self-esteem and confidence, make good career choices and develop a plan for ongoing success in the workforce.
Client Profile
In the 15 years that MTS has been meeting this mission, the demographics of our client population has changed dramatically. In 2000, MTS provided vocational services to 1,700 participants.
- Today’s clients represent every ethnic community and come from every corner of the city.
- 40% are women.
- Their education ranges from not completing high school to post-graduate degrees. Many need additional help in language, reading and math skills.
- Because of limited skills and additional employment barriers almost half have had interrupted or short work histories.