History and Mission
Wildcat Service Corporation has integrated workforce and economic development
objectives since 1972. Originally a spin-off of the Vera
Institute of Justice, Wildcat was the first organization
in the United States to design and implement a transitional work program
for unemployed persons with criminal convictions. We have continued to
work with ex-offenders throughout our history, and we have added programs
to address the needs of many additional populations throughout the City.
In 2010, Wildcat will touch over 20,000 individuals through a mixture of twelve
innovative youth and adult programs.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive creative workforce development services to undereducated, unemployed, underemployed, low income residents of New York City to assure their self-sufficiency.
Historical Highlights
1972
- Spun off by the Vera Institute. Our first program was a messenger service that provided income and work experience for ex-offenders.
First Decade
- Ford Foundation funds supported work programming.
- Manpower Research and Development Corporation launches national evaluation of supported work.
- The Wildcat Training Institute opens its door.
Second Decade
- Wildcat becomes an IBM Learning Center.
- Founded the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy (spun off in 2007).
- First Summer Youth Employment Program is launched.
Third Decade
- Incubated a private industry partnership venture with numerous Wall Street firms to provide entry level, career ladder positions to public assistance recipients.
- Initiated first welfare-to-work program as a part of welfare reform.
- A Wildcat customer introduces President Clinton at a White House press conference recognizing the anniversary of welfare reform.
- Implemented two Second Opportunity Schools in the Bronx.
Recent History
- Piloted a city One Stop center in Harlem.
- Assumed responsibility for the Bronx Workforce1 Career Center.
- Began new programs targeted at the city’s working poor, including a civic justice initiative, an advancement and retention program and a new internship program for young adults.
- Pioneered through civic engagement the remediation and support of distressed areas reeling from the mortgage crisis.
Board of Directors
Officers
- Peter G. Samuels, Chairman
Proskauer Rose LLP - Cheryl Cohen Effron, Vice Chair
- Michael L. Ryan, Secretary
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, LLP - Hiwot Nega, Treasurer
Solera Capital LLC
Directors
- Neil Barsky
Alson Capital Partners, LLC - Mary Ellen Boyd
Wildcat Service Corporation - W. Bowman Cutter
The Roosevelt Institute - Dawn Dover
Kekst and Company - Kate Kerrigan
Dumbo Business Improvement District - Laya Khadjavi
Morgan Stanley - Jay L. Kriegel
The Related Companies LP - Marty Linksy
Consultant - Michael E. Schlein
Accion - Janice K. Smith
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. - Anne C. Vladeck
Vladeck, Waldman, Elias, and Engelhard, PC - Carl Weisbrod
Trinity Real Estate
Leadership Staff
- Mary Ellen Boyd
President - Adam Barshak
Chief Administrative Officer - Tim Cantrell
Chief Program Officer - Stan Hellman
Senior Director of Finance - Mariana Shlak
Director
Adult Program Staff
- Felipe Balado
Director - Maricela Brea
Director
Bronx Workforce1 Career Center
- Shannon Cantu
Senior Director
Youth Program Staff
- Nadene McPherson-Lee
Director - Vivian Rivera
Director
Wildcat Corporate Documents
- Wildcat's Form 990 can be found here.