Pictured, from left, are Susan Sosinski, Jacqueline Phelps, Kim Snyder, David O’Rourke, Beth Pearson, Susan Ambrose-Rickard, Carolyn Sampson, Lisa Vanstrom, Jose Cartagena, Maria Alicea, Ana Correa Colon and Paul Andalora. Submitted photo

Community partners gathered Thursday for the grand opening celebration of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES’ Workforce Development satellite location inside the Chadakoin Center.

Formerly located in the Gateway Center, the move of Workforce Development programming to the Chadakoin Center, 114-122 W. Third St., Jamestown, will allow for expanded opportunities in the future and ease of access for students.

“We’re excited about relocating to the Chadakoin Center for a number of reasons,” said Susan Ambrose-Rickard, E2CCB program operations specialist. “This location in downtown Jamestown will make our programs more accessible for more people in need of our services and also allows us the opportunity to expand programming options in the future.”

The E2CCB Workforce Development site in The Chadakoin Center currently offers High School Equivalency (HSE)/Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL) and TABE testing. Possible future courses include Blueprint Reading, Personal Care Aide and Phlebotomy — an extension of health care service-related offerings — which also recently expanded in Fredonia with the creation of the Health Careers Academy and Training Center at the LoGuidice Educational Center.

“We strive to provide quality educational opportunities for all students and this new location will allow us to serve a greater population in a more efficient manner,” said Janeil Rey, Ph.D., E2CCB director of workforce development. “We’re excited about the move and expanded partnership opportunities this location offers.”

HSE/ABE courses will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; ESL classes will be held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.; and TABE testing takes place Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. These programs are free and open to the public – walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please call 484-6190 or 484-9811.

“We’re very excited about programs available through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and we love this new space,” said Jacqueline Phelps, representing Congressman Tom Reed’s office.

ESL programs are also offered at Love Elementary School, 50 E. Eighth St., Jamestown, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and in the Dunkirk Community Learning Center, 21 E. Second St., Dunkirk, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit e2ccb.org or follow on all social media platforms @E2CCB.