Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by shining a light on our Supported Employment program, which helps adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) find meaningful work in their communities.

Through this program, we walk alongside clients at every stage of their job search, from building a resume and preparing for interviews, to on-site coaching and ongoing collaboration with employers. It's not just about finding work,; it’s about finding the right role that fits a person's strengths, interests, and personality, and then providing the support that helps that work continue.

The results speak for themselves: more than 85% of our Supported Employment clients are currently part of the workforce. Here are two of those stories.

Tyler: "They Are Like Family to Me"

For five years now, Tyler has been a fixture at his local Ace Hardware store. When he first came to the Supported Employment program, he was nervous and unsure whether he'd find a job that felt like the right fit. He wanted more than just a paycheck,; he wanted a workplace that would embrace his outgoing personality and give him room to grow.

With guidance from the Supported Employment team, Tyler found exactly that. Over the past five years, he's built real relationships with his colleagues and has become a valued part of the Ace Hardware team.

"I love my job, and they are like family to me," Tyler says.

He credits the steady encouragement from his coworkers and Job Coach for helping him stay confident and successful, proof that the right match, paired with ongoing support, can lead to lasting connection.

Imani: Finding Her Voice

Imani has spent the last five years working in the cafeteria at Jewish HomeLife, where she especially treasures the time she gets to spend with residents. But when she first entered the program, she was shy and had a hard time expressing herself or engaging with the people around her.

Through weekly coaching and JF&CS's monthly workshops, designed to build confidence, communication, and workplace skills, Imani began to open up. Over time, she grew more vocal, more comfortable, and more engaged, both on the job and beyond it.

"I love the workshops and enjoy attending them. They help me become more confident," Imani shares. "I am thankful for the support I receive from the Supported Employment Team."

Today, Imani is thriving, a reminder that meaningful employment is about so much more than a job title. It's about growth, belonging, and the chance to be seen for who you are.

Why Employers Partner with Us

Tyler's and Imani's stories aren't unusual. They're what happens when thoughtful matching meets real, ongoing support. That's why local businesses across metro Atlanta, including Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Salesforce, Sprouts Farmer's Market, and dozens more, have partnered with JF&CS to build more inclusive workplaces.

We work closely with every employer partner to:

• Match clients intentionally, based on skills and interests

• Provide on-site job coaching for clients

• Stay connected through consistent communication, not just a one-time hire

• Offer disability awareness training and education for staff

• Create opportunities for meaningful community engagement

Inclusive workplaces don't just do good, they perform well, too. Companies that embrace disability inclusion often see higher employee satisfaction and stronger retention across their teams.

Get Involved

If you or someone you know could benefit from Supported Employment services, reach out to Allana Thompson, Supported Employment Specialist/DDP, at athompson@jfcsatl.org or 770.677.9362.

If you're an employer interested in partnering with us, contact Lillian Gibson, M.R.C., Director of Supported Employment, at lgibson@jfcsatl.org or 770.677.9359.