Recent News

EDSI proudly announces that Ivy Berry, Director of Programs in Lancaster, PA, has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) Phoenix Award recipient. Presented at PWDA’s annual conference in Hershey, PA, the award recognizes workforce development professionals who exemplify innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving both customers and colleagues.

Ivy’s people-first leadership continues to drive meaningful outcomes for jobseekers, strengthen teams, and build impactful community partnerships across Pennsylvania. Her ability to pair strong performance with compassionate, human-centered service reflects the very best of workforce development—and we are honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

EDSI is proud to support the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) in the successful registration of three first-of-their-kind apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania—marking a significant milestone for workforce development in the Commonwealth. The programs include a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Apprenticeship, the Highly Qualified Teacher’s Aide Pre-Apprenticeship, and a Pre-K–12 Special Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship, expanding apprenticeship opportunities into critical areas of behavioral health and education.

Through hands-on coaching, guidance, and strategic support, EDSI helped Bucks IU navigate the full registered apprenticeship process—from program design and funding alignment to long-term sustainability—while building the internal capacity needed to lead future efforts independently. This partnership reflects the power of regional apprenticeship support in helping organizations create scalable, high-impact workforce solutions. Click here to see the official press release.

In Philadelphia, the Pushing Progress Philly (P3) initiative is bringing together public agencies and community organizations to implement gun violence intervention through a coordinated, person-centered approach.

Led by the City of Philadelphia, P3 connects outreach, behavioral health, housing, and workforce development into one unified system. EDSI partners with Nicetown CDC and Black Men Heal, who bring their expertise in outreach and mental health to P3. EDSI plays a key role by providing cognitive-behavioral founded group sessions, transitional jobs, coaching, and career pathways—helping participants build skills, confidence, and long-term stability.

Together, this integrated model is increasing engagement, improving access to housing and care, and creating new pathways to employment while reducing gun violence activities.

For additional perspective on the broader impact of this work, click the Read More link to check out the news article published in The Trace.

EDSI has been honored by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights in two categories for midsize employers in 2026 - recognition that was earned, not applied for, making it especially meaningful. Rankings are based on an independent analysis of millions of employee reviews, evaluating employers across key dimensions including culture, integrity, career development, and workplace satisfaction.

EDSI earned 5 out of 5 stars in the Culture category and 4.5 out of 5 stars in the Women category, affirming what our teams experience every day - a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do meaningful work.

We are proud to be named among America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026 and America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Women 2026.

Learn more and view the winners lists via this link:

EDSI has once again earned recognition as one of Metro Detroit’s and the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® — marking 17 consecutive years in the Metro Detroit program and 15 years nationally. This honor reflects our continued commitment to building a workplace where people thrive.

“Being recognized by the Best and Brightest programs again this year means a great deal. It’s a reflection of the people here — their dedication, their character, and the culture we’ve built together. That’s absolutely something worth celebrating,” shared EDSI CEO Kevin Schnieders.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® program evaluates organizations on employee enrichment, engagement, education, and community initiatives. We’re proud to be among the companies setting the standard.

To see the first wave of 2026 National winners click Read More.

Behavioral Health Coordinator, Shaliyah "Shay" Jones Vitale, LCSW, recently joined NAWDP's Workforce on the Mic podcast for Episode 18: "The Wellness-to-Work Approach: Supporting Job Seekers and Staff," discussing how embedding mental health support directly into workforce services is transforming outcomes for job seekers. The episode highlights the practical tools and strategies EDSI's Behavioral Health Advocate team brings to participants every day.

From de-escalation techniques and mindfulness-based strategies to a trauma-informed, whole-person philosophy, the Wellness to Work model is built on the belief that sustainable employment outcomes start with supporting the whole person. The episode also explores how investing in staff wellness is just as critical — recognizing that strong outcomes for participants depend on strong support for the teams serving them. Tune in to hear how EDSI's people-centered approach is helping to build healthier, more effective workforce systems.

Listen to the episode by clicking the Read More button.