Success Stories

Callooh, Callay, we'll live today, like cabbages and kings! ------ Lewis Carroll from Alice in Wonderland

2009-03-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Whenever we receive visitors at JVS, the conversation will inevitably lead to community placements. Perhaps, this is because we at JVS pride ourselves on our placements. Frequently, people will ask, "how do you match your consumers with jobs?" Well, glad you asked! Let's look at JVS's king of cabbages, we'll call him Bill!

Bill had been a VIPer with JVS for a number of years while in Work Adjustment. One thing we know about Bill---he works hard! Bill quickly got a reputation for being a diligent and versatile worker. He also kept physically fit (when JVS was on Sternblock Lane, it was not uncommon for Bill to ride his bicycle to and from work), so he was able to do more strenuous, non-sedentary jobs. Eventually, Bill got to the point where he had mastered all the challenges in Work Adjustment, and he began expressing interest in a community job.

The biggest barrier to Bill getting a community job was that he wasn't sure what kind of job he wanted. Getting someone into placement without an idea of a career goal usually doesn't amount to a hill of beans. So, Bill's JVS Case Manager, Jerry Kuck, helped Bill by hooking him up with the JVS Community Specialist, who assisted Bill with vocational exploration. This also, in the spirit of person-centered planning, meant getting to know Bill---his hobbies, interests, etc. Bill was lukewarm to a number of job sites he toured, but the Community Specialist discovered this key bit of information---Bill loves vegetables.

At home, Bill really enjoys cooking and preparing vegetables. He slices, he dices--he does all kinds of preparation on vegetables. He has expert knowledge of all the different types of vegetables. While on grocery store tours, Bill could expertly identify all the various kinds of vegetables without looking at the signs. To use an old expression borrowed from my grandfather, Bjill really knows his onions. After some exploration in the field of vegetables, Bill arrived at his goal of working in a warehouse/store that specialized in vegetables.

In short order, Bill started Job Development looking for his job within the vegetable industry. Job Developers would pepper him with questions in mock interviews, and he flawlessly answered them, cool as a cucumber. A match was made with Queensgate Food Service, and Bill transitioned into community employment. Job Coaching did an excellent job of assisting Bill with learning the social routines and helping him fit in the environment.

Bill's job at Queensgate has mushroomed into a great career. After six years of service, Bill's supervisor recently remarked on what an asset Bill is to the company. Bill still comes by JVS Rossplain to participate in VIP outings and such, and is able to tell all the other participants about how much he likes his job. Bill is very appreciative of the support the Jewish Federation has given him throughout the process.

Happy at Work

2009-03-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jeff had worked in a sheltered work center, sponsored through a county board of MRDD for many years. He tried community employment for short periods in the past but was unable to retain employment over time. Jeff participated in a Community Work Assessment to determine if Dishwashing was a realistic job goal. He was provided job placement support to find a job in dishwashing. Because of some of the struggles Jeff had had in previous jobs, finding the right job match was crucial for his long term success. So the job developer worked hard to find a supportive environment that provided key elements for Jeff's success. After three months of job development Jeff was offered a job with Kroger working in their restaurant at the new Kenwood store location. Jeff was given a set schedule of daytime hours. Jeff has been employed in his position for over three months and receives follow along/ retention services to help him maintain this position. Jeff reports to his follow along case manager that he loves his job and would never think of leaving. This level of satisfaction is shared by his manager who states repeatedly that he needs more workers like Jeff.

Sometimes it Takes Persistence

2009-03-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Brett participated in job placement after doing a community based work assessment in dietary. He wanted to find a job in this area at a nursing home. Brett worked with a job developer for five months who helped him with his job search. He had numerous interviews and presented himself very professionally but because of cognitive limitations and processing difficulties he struggled with answering interview questions. The developer worked hard presenting Brett’s strengths to employers and focused on his work experience during the CBWA. Then an employer took a chance. Brett was offered a job with Cottingham Retirement Center. When he began his employment he was provided job coaching to help him learn tasks and adjust to his responsibilities. He also receives follow along services on a monthly basis to promote long term job retention. Brett’s employer expresses a high level of satisfaction with the services/ support Brett receives from JVS and states that he is one of their best workers. They recently contacted JVS for other potential candidates like Brett which lead to another employee being placed at this facility in 2008.