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.

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