New Year, New Career?
With the fresh start of a new calendar year, many of us evaluate our lives and plan for the future, particularly surrounding our vocation. At JF&CS, we offer Career Services and Supported Employment as part of our mission to transform lives. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up this year that may help you or someone you know to meet their goals.
Supported Employment:
Our Supported Employment program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) will be hosting a luncheon for business owners on February 26. The event will raise awareness about the advantages of hiring and collaborating with individuals who have IDD, and forge new connections with potential employers.
“For a business owner, it’s beneficial to hire a reliable individual who will contribute to your business like any other person,” said Lillian Gibson, Director of Supported Employment. “It allows people with disabilities to integrate into the organization and feel like part of the community.
Hank is an IDD client who works for Hand, Hoof and Heart, an equine-therapy program in Acworth. His manager calls him a “dependable and diligent worker, who takes pride in his work and has a strong passion for animals.”
The employment is beneficial for Hank, too. “I like to work on the farm in the mornings, taking care of the animals,” he said. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Many businesses already partner with Supported Employment, including Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, Kroger, Publix, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Jewish Home Life, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, and The Epstein School cafeteria. Lillian hopes to add more in 2024.
“We are hosting this luncheon for business owners to learn more about the benefits of hiring adults with disabilities,” she said. “Our current partners will be sharing their testimonies, and answer questions for potential partners.”
Supported Employment client Jalissa says working at Advance Auto Parts gives her “a sense of worth.” She is glad for her job, saying “I like working, picking up new abilities, and contributing to the team.”
“Jalissa is a team member,” says her Manager. “She takes delight in her work, and lends a hand whenever needed!”
The Supported Employment Luncheon takes place Monday, February 26th from 11am-12:30 pm, and is made possible thanks to a grant from Jewish Abilities Atlanta. If you are a local business owner and would like more information about this educational luncheon, or more information about our Supported Employment program, please email supportedemployement@jfcsatl.org
Career Services:
Our Career Services department offers all sorts of help and support to job seekers throughout the year, but coming up January 22nd we’re focusing on the emotional side of the job hunt. Under the Work Intervention Network (WIN) through Boston College, we be facilitating a free, virtual support group, open to anyone in an active job search.
“Being in a group with people in a similar situation to help motivate you and be with people who understand is so helpful,” said Amy Albertson, Career Services Manager. “We had our last cohort last year, and we received feedback that it was successful and very helpful.”
Our Job Seeker Support Group will take place weekly, from January 22 – February 26 from 1-2:30 PM. Topics will include Deepening and Sustaining Relationships, Fostering Social Awareness and Reducing Self-Blame, Building Emotional Resilience and Self-Care, and Planning, Exploring and Engaging in the Job Search. While the group is of no cost, registration is required. To register, please email Career Services at careers@jfcsatl.org
Keep up with Career Services for upcoming programs focusing on finding remote work, using A.I. in the job search, and more.