Arc Broward launches Florida’s first hospitality training program for adults with disabilities with more than $820000 in state funding to expand opportunities

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A new chapter in workforce training has opened in South Florida, one that blends economic needs with social progress. Arc Broward, a nonprofit with decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, has officially launched Hospitality with Purpose, Florida’s first hospitality training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities.

The program was celebrated in Fort Lauderdale with a milestone announcement: $820,050 in state support, secured through FloridaCommerce and championed by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez. The event took place at Chateau Mar Golf Resort in Lauderhill, where Arc Broward and resort leadership have partnered to provide real-world training for participants.

Julie Price, President and CEO of Arc Broward, described the initiative as both a community achievement and a turning point. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Rodriguez and the support of FloridaCommerce, we are proud to launch a groundbreaking program that not only addresses critical labor shortages in South Florida’s hospitality sector but also creates life-changing opportunities for adults with disabilities,” she said. “Hospitality with Purpose will provide participants with the skills, training, and real-world experience needed to achieve meaningful careers, housing stability and independence.”

Read also: October at The Parker brings an exciting mix of culinary battles, live music, magic, and unforgettable performances

The launch event brought together local leaders, Arc Broward trainees, and business partners. Guests had the chance to tour the Chateau Mar facilities and enjoy refreshments prepared and served by students in Arc Educates’ Entry-Level Culinary Arts program — a small preview of how the organization is using hands-on learning to empower participants.

At its core, Hospitality with Purpose is structured as a six-month post-secondary certificate program. Students will complete classroom instruction alongside applied externships, building confidence while gaining technical skills. After the certificate portion, participants will move into a three-month paid internship at Chateau Mar or another hospitality site, preparing them for a wide range of roles. Possible career paths include hotel desk clerks, luggage porters, housekeepers, banquet servers, and bussers, among others.

The timing of this program could not be more relevant. South Florida’s hospitality industry employs more than 800,000 people, yet current vacancy rates hover around 15 percent. Employers are struggling to fill positions, while thousands of Floridians with disabilities remain underrepresented in the workforce. According to state estimates, more than 700,000 adults with disabilities in Florida are not employed, many due to lack of access to specialized training or workplace inclusion.

“By opening doors to both training and employment within a respected community hub like Chateau Mar, this initiative sends a powerful message to our students and trainees: they belong in places of opportunity, right at the heart of our community,” Price emphasized.

The partnership with Chateau Mar is crucial, not only for the internship pipeline but also for visibility. Having a well-known hospitality venue involved ensures that the program is not isolated from the industry it seeks to serve. Chateau Mar proprietor Luis Navas welcomed the collaboration, highlighting how it strengthens both the resort’s workforce and the larger community.

Senator Rodriguez, who helped secure funding, also underscored the importance of the program. The state’s $820,050 investment is part of a broader effort to create workforce solutions that align with local economic needs while promoting inclusion. For participants, that investment means structured training, mentorship, and a direct connection to employers who are eager to hire.

Read also: The Town of Davie is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special centennial event at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds

Arc Broward is no stranger to building opportunities. The organization operates 21 programs across nine locations in Broward County, including social enterprises like Arc Educates and Arc Culinary. These initiatives give individuals with disabilities a platform to gain skills, earn wages, and contribute actively to their communities. The addition of Hospitality with Purpose expands that portfolio into one of the region’s most vital industries.

For families of participants, the program represents more than just job training. It is a step toward stability, independence, and belonging in the workforce. For employers, it offers a reliable way to fill ongoing vacancies with dedicated, trained staff. And for the wider community, it demonstrates how targeted initiatives can address multiple challenges at once — from labor shortages to social equity.

Arc Broward has made it clear that this is only the beginning. As the first cohort of trainees enters the program, the organization is positioning itself as a leader in workforce inclusion, setting a precedent that other regions across Florida may soon follow.

For more information about Arc Broward’s programs and services, interested families, employers, and community members can visit www.arcbroward.com or call (954) 746-9400.