A job training center in New York, a program that speeds adoption of foster children, and a program that teaches self-sufficiency through automotive skills have each won awards in the eighth annual Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management's innovation program.

The Drucker foundation presented its highest recognition to the Times Square Jobs Training Program managed by Common Ground Community. The program aids supportive-housing clients and homeless people through job-training efforts, counseling and economic development efforts.

Since the program's launch less than three years ago, 123 Common Ground tenants have found permanent jobs, and 78 percent of them remain employed after two years. These jobs average $18,000 a year.

Common Ground received $25,000 and a specially-produced video documentary of their program.

Other awards went to the Diligent Search Center program run by Illinois Action For Children, which expedites adoption of foster-care children, and the Good News Garage, developed by Lutheran Social Services of New England, which promotes self-sufficiency through affordable personal transportation.