eMerge Career Collaborative

06/21/2026

He believed when it was hard. 💙

To every Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Stepdad, and Father Figure who has quietly carried the weight of hope for someone they love - We see you. You showed up when it mattered. You never let hope run out.

Your steadfast belief in your loved one's future is exactly the kind of hope that fuels MacDonald Training Center's mission.

Because of dads like you, we can elevate and empower individuals with disabilities with skills and confidence, and
employ them in meaningful careers that bring purpose and pride

A paycheck. Independence. Dignity. A life of their choosing.
That's what you've always wanted for them. That's what we work for every single day.

Happy Father's Day from the entire MTC family. 💙

06/19/2026

Save the Date for the MacDonald Training Center (MTC) Innovation - Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Open House!

DHH Community: Explore training, internships, and career pathways. Flyer comments:

📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
🕐 4:00 - 7:00 PM
📍 @ MTC Cypress/Tampa Location

Refreshments will be provided

📹 Learn about our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) July 8th Open House - ASL Video:

The MacDonald Training Center (MTC) Innovation -DHH Program Open Ho...

06/18/2026

️☀️Summer is a whole lot brighter with MacDonald Training Center (MTC) 2026 Summer Career Camps!

FREE - for students ages 14-21, in school with an IEP or 504 Plan, referred by their VR Counselors. Please contact your VR Counselor or local VR office for a referral. Camps are held in person. Students must be able to attend all four days (20 hours).

MTC Summer Career Camps 2026: Visit our website to learn more about all Summer Camp options: https://macdonaldcenter.org/youth-experiences/

👉Learn about our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) American Sign Language (ASL) Edition Camps:
📹 https://youtu.be/RAN0K-zYiSg
*SESSION 7: 7/6-7/9 *DHH - ASL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAMP
*SESSION 9: 7/13-7/16 *DHH - ASL WORKPLACE READINESS CAMP

All Sessions:
🕐 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
📅 Monday - Thursday | 20-Hour Camps -
📍 In Person @ MTC Cypress/Tampa Location
🆓 Referred by VR Counselor
🚨Camp Details 🔗 in comments

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/10/2026

If you're heading to The Family Cafe this weekend - make sure this one is on your schedule!
👇
This Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 AM, MacDonald Training Center (MTC's) own Sharon Foster and Christine Nammour are presenting: Soft Skills – What Makes or Breaks Successful Employment

This conversation digs into something we see every day at MTC: technical skills get you in the door, but it's the soft skills that complement those skills and improve workplace readiness. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism determine whether someone thrives in competitive, integrated employment.

If you're an individual with a disability, a family member, an educator, a transition coordinator, or an employer, this hour is for you.

🗓️ Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM
📍Family Café 2026 - Celebration 12
See you there!

05/26/2026

A Clear Path to a Career in Healthcare! 🏥
Looking to break into the healthcare field but not sure where to start? We have the perfect opportunity for you.

Our Environmental Services (EVS) in Healthcare and Hospitality program - a unique collaboration between MacDonald Training Center’s eMerge and the world-class Moffitt Cancer Center - is officially enrolling!

Why choose this program?
✅ ELEVATE - Get Certified: Master industry standards in sanitation, safety, and customer service.
✅ EMPOWER - Simulated Lab Training: Train in a state-of-the-art mock hospital room, not a hectic hallway. Perfect for mastering skills without the stress of outside distractions.
✅ EMPLOY - Career Fast Track: Completing this course counts toward your 6-month work experience requirement at Moffitt!

This is more than training - it’s a strategy for long-term career advancement.

Ready to start? Learn more at macdonaldcenter.org or contact Sharon Foster at [email protected].
🔗 in comments 👇

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we think about what freedom really means – and we pause with deep gratitude and reverence for the men and women who gave everything so that we could live freely – so that every American, of every ability, could have the right to pursue a life of their choosing.

We Are Grateful. From all of us at MTC – thank you, and we will never forget.

Read Memorial Day Message: https://macdonaldcenter.org/a-memorial-day-message/

05/22/2026

️☀️Summer just got a whole lot brighter - MacDonald Training Center (MTC) is proud to announce our 2025 Summer Career Camps!

FREE - for students ages 14-21, in school with an IEP or 504 Plan, referred by their VR Counselors. Please contact your VR Counselor or local VR office for a referral. ��

This isn't just summer programming. This is 👇

💼 Workplace Readiness Career Camp�
💻 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp
🧏‍♂️ *Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) American Sign Language (ASL) Edition* Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp

See Flyer Pages for details on Camps.

All Sessions:
🕐 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
📅 Monday - Thursday | 20-Hour Camps
📍 In Person @ MTC Cypress/Tampa Location
🆓 Referred by VR Counselor)

🚨Don't wait — spots fill fast. 📧 RSVP: [email protected] | [email protected]
🔗 https://macdonaldcenter.org/youth-experiences/

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day from eMerge Career Collaborative! 🌹

04/30/2026

Join us!

04/21/2026

✨ Hope in Action - what an unforgettable evening! ✨

With full hearts, we thank everyone who joined us for MacDonald Training Center ’s 2nd Annual Community Recognition Dinner at The Cuban Club on April 16.

From the moment guests arrived, the evening was filled with connection, purpose, and celebration - beautifully guided by Judit Tejada, MTC Board Chair, with a meaningful invocation from Marcus Shields, Raymond James Bank Employee and MTC Graduate, and inspiring remarks from Karenne Levy, MTC President/CEO. A special thank you to John Wedelken and the Starr Entertainment Team for bringing energy and flow to the night.

We were honored to celebrate our incredible Honorees - Bank of America , The Florida Aquarium , Raymond James , and The Honorable Fran Davin - whose leadership continues to expand opportunity and possibility in our community. The powerful impact story shared by Thalia Arbelaez, Moffitt Cancer Center Employee and MTC Graduate, reminded us why this work matters, and Eric Kreiger, MTC Board Vice Chair's "why" and call to action moved us all to turn hope into impact.

The evening was elevated by the talent of Matthew Weihmuller, whose jazz saxophone music created the perfect backdrop for such a meaningful gathering.

To our sponsors, board members, graduates, participants, volunteers, staff, and guests - thank you. Because of you, hope is not just a message - it’s action.

📸 Stay tuned for event photos from Foto Bohemia and Digital Memories 360!