Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow

The first OBT site opened in a small storefront on 53rd Street and 4th Avenue. The program quickly exceeded expectations, helping young people get off the streets, out of the criminal justice system, and into stable clerical jobs with room for growth.

Growth and expansion

Over time, Sister Mary expanded OBT's reach:

• Opened larger training sites that emulated professional office environments.
• Added programs for adults, recognizing that many older community members also needed training and employment support.
• Launched the Learn in the Evening Program (LITE) in 1995 so workers could take classes in computers, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language during evening hours.
• Started a free daytime GED and ESL program for immigrant mothers with school-age children, scheduled during school hours to reduce childcare barriers.
• Replicated OBT's model in the Williamsburg-Bushwick community, opening a second site in July 2001.

OBT received recognition for its work, including the PEPNet Award from the National Youth Employment Coalition in 2002.

Legacy of Sister Mary Franciscus

Sister Mary led OBT until her passing in 2005, after a courageous battle with illness. Her leadership, optimism, and commitment to serving those most in need continue to shape OBT's mission and culture.

Merger with MCIF

In 2016, OBT merged with the Maura Clarke – Ita Ford Center (MCIF). The MCIF Opportunity Center became a central part of OBT's work, offering:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
• Computer and digital literacy courses.
• High school equivalency preparation.
• Workshops on topics such as healthcare and related resources.

MCIF was founded in 1993 to empower immigrant women in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and continues to serve hundreds of adults each year through ESOL and adult education programming.

• Young adults, typically ages 18–24, who want to earn a high school equivalency diploma and build work readiness skills.
• Adults 18 and older who need GED / High School Equivalency preparation or English language classes.
• Community members seeking career training, internships, and employment support.

Core program areas

Educational programs

• GED / High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation.
• Adult literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
• Computer and digital literacy courses.

Training and career pathways

OBT offers sector-focused training and career pathways that reflect the needs of New York City employers, including:

• Healthcare training (for example, pharmacy technician and other healthcare credentials).
• Technology training (for example, cloud support engineering and related tech pathways).
• Construction and trades training (for example, masonry restoration and pre-apprenticeship access).

These programs combine technical skills with workplace skills, coaching, and support.

Employment services

• Work readiness and job search support.
• Career coaching and case management.
• Connections to employer partners and job opportunities.
• Paid internships and stipends when available.

Alumni support – Stay at Work (SAW)

OBT's Stay at Work (SAW) program offers ongoing career and education support for alumni, helping graduates stay connected to resources, advance in employment, and continue their education.

Cost

Programs and classes described on OBT's website are offered free of charge to participants.

Program locations

Sunset Park

• Address: 882 3rd Ave, Suite 10-10NE, Unit 18, Brooklyn, NY 11232
• Phone: (718) 369-0303
• Fax: (718) 369-1518

Bushwick

• Address: 25 Thornton St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
• Phone: (718) 387-1600
• Fax: (718) 387-5005

OBT @ MADE

• Address: 13 42nd Street, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Accessibility and equal opportunity

• TTY: 1-800-662-1220
• Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow is an equal opportunity employer/program.
• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Lists Evans, DeSoto, Mission, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn, Bushwick, New York City, and Queens as a location. Names New York as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Current job openings are listed on OBT's career portal:

• Career site: https://opportunitiesforabettertomorrowinc.applytojob.com/apply

Candidates can view detailed job descriptions and apply directly through the online portal.

Types of roles

OBT recruits for a variety of positions, such as instructors, case managers, job developers, and administrative staff. Available roles change over time based on organizational needs and funding.

For the most up-to-date information on open positions and application instructions, please refer to the career portal.

• Each year, OBT helps over 1,500 individuals.
• About 90% of participants identify as People of Color.

OBT focuses on residents of Brooklyn, Queens, and other New York City neighborhoods who face barriers to education and employment.

Areas of impact

• Helping young adults and adults earn high school equivalency diplomas.
• Increasing literacy and English proficiency through adult literacy and ESOL programs.
• Launching careers in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
• Supporting graduates to remain employed, continue education, and advance in their careers.

2024 Impact Report

OBT's 2024 "Fueling Futures" Impact Report highlights:

• New healthcare and tech credentials.
• Expanded access to pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
• Strategic partnerships that support workforce development in Brooklyn and Queens.

The full impact report is available as a downloadable document on OBT's website.

Vision

Our vision is One OBT: Unified for Impact, Built for Success.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.