Customized Employment Archives

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Archive for Customized Employment

Posted by Debra Mendes

· February 16, 2018

Customized Employment Grant Enables Independence

Daily Companions, Inc is a vendor for the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and our Employment Specialist was given the pleasure of working with a unique young man, Matthew, who faced many challenges due to a hearing impairment. As a graduate of Washington High School, he was interested in finding employment in the community.

Matthew had established connections with the Jefferson County Community Ministries where he was able to volunteer. He also worked with the Old Town Ranson Garden harvesting the produce for the Center and assisted in the pantry when needed. While working with Matthew, it was important to establish his work skills and what type of employment he was interested in doing.

The Employment Specialist spent time in the community to observe different types of businesses and employment positions. While speaking with a park ranger at the Harpers Ferry National Park, Matthew was informed that volunteering might assist him in getting a paid position. Matthew established many supports while at the park, meeting numerous personnel, and connecting to other programs that would assist and further his skills. Matthew worked directly with two interns through the volunteer program weeding, mulching, and cultivating the tree beds at the main visitor center. He felt he was part of the team with his hat and tee-shirt.

During this time, the Employment Specialist saw a job opening at Shepherd University for the Student Center, part-time. Matthew applied, was interviewed, and offered the position. DRS provided the interpreter and the Employment Specialist provided job coaching and the use of photos to assist in communication.

Matthew is working Monday through Friday and occasionally will be asked to work for special occasions and events. He has made new friends and has access to other areas of the campus while waiting for his transportation. He feels his world has expanded and he is contributing to his community and his own independence.

Learn more about the Daily Companion Customized Employment program

Categories : Customized Employment, Stories, Supported Employment

Posted by Debra Mendes

· February 8, 2018

How Customized Employment Grant Enabled Full-time Job and Confidence

Christian started with Daily Companions, Inc. in November of 2016. At that time, he was employed. However, Chris was not getting hours at his job due to being hired for “on call” status. He retained this position while trying to find a supplemental job. Since he was not called once to cover for a coworker in a three-month period, his supplemental job search became a search for a new position.

During Christian’s search, many skills and interests were discovered and thus further explored. His “dream” job is to be employed by the Rail Road someday. He loves trains, and his mechanical knowledge of them is impressive. Thus, a job in mechanics was sought. Several months after coming to DCI, Christian was hired at an automotive garage. He was happy to be doing mechanical work. Due to the volume of business, speed required to complete service requests, and strict attention to detail, Christian struggled. He did not have a manager willing to start him out slow or accommodate his skills. It was “get it right and get ‘em out of the gate”. So once again, Christian again found himself searching for a new job. He struggled, but never gave up. One of the biggest struggles for Christian was being able to believe in himself. He had found the job he wanted in mechanics, but it just was not a good fit for him. Chris began searching once again with Daily Companions by his side.

After several attempts to find a job, Christian took a leap of faith and applied for a “Seasonal” position with Fed Ex. Though he was not sure he could handle the speed of the job and was worried about the physicality of the position, he went ahead and applied anyway. In November he was hired. He began a new journey, found a new set of skills, made new friends, and has not looked back. Most importantly, Christian now has coworkers and Supervisors willing to help him succeed. He is no longer a “Seasonal” employee, he is permanent. Christian is proof positive that hard work and patience DOES pay off!

Daily Companions spoke to Christian and his family about his journey. His mother states “the biggest change I have noticed in Christian is he is establishing a strong work ethic, draws strength knowing he is not alone and has become more conscious of his reliance and dependability in the workplace.” She further notes “his supervisors at Fed Ex have been diligent with him, understanding Chris’ special needs in understanding the requirements and goals of their employees. Chris has become dedicated to doing the best job he can.”

Christian’s sister feels “he has become a better role model for me and for others with disabilities.” His father is pleased with Christian’s new-found work ethic. Christian states “the best part of working at Fed Ex is the good pay, especially during “peak time.” He enjoys his positions, his hours, and his coworkers.

When asked how Daily Companions has helped him become employed, Christian responded, “by coming and giving me motivation.” Christian has received additional support by following up with him on the job to address concerns and to motivate him further when he does something well. He feels it helps him do a better job and he really appreciates that. Christian also states he has received additional support through Resume’ evaluation and marketing, interview skills, considering other jobs, and helping him to meet a lot of people.

Finally, Christian was asked “How do you think the services you’ve received through the Customized Employment Grant at Daily Companions Inc. can help others? Christian responded he feels the staff were very helpful, especially if someone doesn’t know where to start. He states he believes DCI “can help anyone get started in a job opportunity, especially if they’re on the Autism Spectrum or something else”. He also states staff can “steer people toward what they may be good at, and also get better educated in the field they are interested in. The staff goes to the place where the interview is, makes sure everything is ok and helps make sure the participant is on time”.

Learn more about the Daily Companion Customized Employment program

Categories : Customized Employment, Stories

A man in overalls standing next to two goats.

Posted by Debra Mendes

· March 10, 2016

A Goat Farm Teaches Discipline Skills Through Customized Employment

Chris has been actively involved with Daily Companions, Inc since 2006. Along with his mother, he has an extended family including cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Along with numerous family ties, Chris is very well known in the community and has many friends. In knowing Chris and observing him in daily activities through DCI, it is obvious that he is very well liked, enjoys helping others, and would pretty much do anything to help out. He needed help with being on time, and focusing on tasks. He did well with working closely with male companions.

During the discovery process, we had the opportunity to explore a locally owned goat farm where they raise goats and process various fine goat cheeses for marketing. Ms. Cloughfeather, CEO of Daily Companions, while being given a tour of the farm discovered for herself how friendly goats are. As we entered the gate, the goats approached us, and one particular goat continued to chase after Ms. C. as she was quickly heading back toward the gate. Although she was trying not to be rude to the host, this shows how the work environment needs to “fit comfortably” for the individual. I have to add that this was quite possibly the quickest I’ve ever seen Ms. C. move.

Chris, during a discovery activity, went to the County Fair to visit some of the goats entered in the fair for judging and met the owner’s older daughter. The business got its start with her one goat that was entered through 4-H years ago. Chris participated in helping out with tending the goats and observed the hand milking process. He was tickled and surprised by their cooperativeness and their social behavior. Chris is a natural with the goats and showed much interest and enthusiasm for all the animals/livestock at the fair. During our time at the fair, he knew so many people and introduced me to many friends and acquaintances. He was interested and curious to learn more about the farm and exploring helping out as a farm support worker.

Through Customized Employment, Chris participated in job exploration and training at the goat farm since August 18, 2014, working on learning and completing tasks as a support staff.

These tasks are broken down into three categories:

Goat Support Work, which includes replenishing their hay in numerous bins, graining, watering, attending and care for the goats. This also includes learning to identify and call them by name.
Milking Set Up – Preparation and milking up to six goats.
Clean Up – Washing/Sanitizing and Recheck Goats water supply

One day is learning about the cheese production and assisting with preparing the cheese for market.

Chris made significant progress in many areas with ihs skills on these tasks and he continues to show interest and desire to improve on being a support staff for the farm. In this supportive environment, working closely with the support staff and owner, this role became a great fit for him and for the business.

Chris was employed for 8 hours a week @ $7.25 an hour. This was an increase in his wage income.

Along with learning new skills, Chris had to adjust to an early schedule as he was required to be at the farm for the 6 am milking. He worked on learning the basic routines along with the out of normal issues/changes that arise for tending and milking the goats.

The owner has plans to increase cheese production and her number of milking goats. She has plans to purchase a cheese press which extracts the whey from the cheese. As she explained and demonstrated, this has been a cumbersome and timely process doing it by hand. We are currently exploring increasing his hours to expand his skills to assist with the cheese processing and marketing. She is encouraged with Chris’s progress and she has also talked to Chris about helping out with spring projects at the farm.

Chris’s previous work experience was through work exploration in high school and working a car wash. He was also previously employed hanging door flyers for a local pizza shop. Now that he is working at the goat farm this is providing him new work experiences and challenges to enhance his work skills, and establish good work ethics. During the training and employment, Chris learned to adapt well to changes in routines. At the goat farm, there is never a dull moment. Again, goats are very social in nature and are very smart. There is one particular goat, Po that is the nuisance goat. He would not leave Chris alone while he was working and sometimes would chase after him. Chris was never mean or insensitive to this goats’ nature, but rather tolerated her and worked on figuring out ways to keep her in a gated area/block her while he filled the bins. It was hilarious how this goat would open up the gate and get out. Also, just after the first couple weeks the milking machine broke down, so he got to learn not only how to start the milking and stripping but do the entire process by hand. This truly was an experience, and he again adapted quite well.

One of Chris’s attributes is his caring nature and attentiveness of the goats. The owner has been impressed with Chris’s attention to issues or concerns that were related to safety or wellness of the goats. Again, goats are very social and smart. They know their names when called. Chris worked hard on recognizing them by their marking, colors, characteristics and their physical response to his interactions. He had six goats that he needed to learn to identify at the beginning so visual aides were created and strategies were devised to help him with this. We also incorporated labeling and task list for the setup and the milking procedures. We also devised simulated hay bale to practice proper lifting and carrying techniques, a milking strainer/lid that has to be correctly inserted, math practice time sheets for recording his time and photos and quizzes for identifying all the goats. As the weather changed, so did the tasks. To help devise shortcuts and problem solving for the getting the grain in a trough that was difficult to fill due to its location in the hay shelter, I attempted to find a way for Chris to fill it. The goats surrounded and blocked me in to get to the feed. One goat just went right through my legs, and I ended up just sitting on the goat while he ate. Chris has never let me forget that episode. Goats will also try and “get your goat” by being at the door to be milked first and respond to other’s names. On this particular day, Chris and I both got the wrong goat three times due to the lighting changes (daylight savings time), their wintry changes and because they “tricked” us. We look forward to sharing more of the goat’s antics and shenanigans and to be involved with helping with the kidding process, welcoming the newborn “kids” that are due in a few weeks. This will also be a new experience and adventure for Chris.

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Categories : Client, Customized Employment, Stories

Tags : customized employment

Posted by dci2admin

· January 30, 2015

Reliable-ity, Sociable-ity, Capable-ity, and overall Possible-ity

Andre is originally from Baltimore, MD. He and his mother moved to the Martinsburg area 6 years ago. He has one brother, Chris, and a loving dog named “Egypt”. Prior to coming to Daily Companions, Inc. Andre would just hang out at home, read books, exercise and occasionally go to the Public Library to look up things on the internet. Finding a job for him was difficult as he has Autism, had not graduated from High School, nor did he have his GED. He also had no transportation. Andre’s family felt he never received the help he needed in the school system. “There were too many students with IEP’s, and not enough teachers to give Andre the guidance he needed to succeed in school, or prepare him after graduation” states his mother, Heather. Andre was referred to Daily Companions, Inc. by Stephen Brady of DHHR for the Customized Employment Grant Program, and in June of 2015, Andre’s journey began.

After his initial meeting with the staff from Daily Companions, Inc. Andre began the “Discovery” process. During this time, Andre and his Customized Employment Specialist discussed his job desires, means of transportation, and any specific accommodations and/or support he felt he needed to succeed in a job setting. Not graduating from High School was an obstacle to many potential employers, as was his never being previously employed as a result. However, once someone met Andre, they saw he was a bright, enthusiastic young man, and encouraged him to apply with them. Andre enjoys the outdoors, and self-taught many of the skills he has through his research at the Library. Having a supportive family helps him with his good social skills in being polite, friendly, and willing to help others-qualities some potential employers recognized immediately in Andre.

Another obstacle was transportation. Andre does not drive, and he has never used public transportation before. Thus, Andre and his Employment Specialist discussed various potential work sites and then mapped out the bus routes to plan how he would get from his home to each work location by bus. With help from the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA), Andre and his Employment Specialist practiced boarding the required bus, transferring as necessary, and riding the complete route. This activity was completed over several days, one route a day, taking note of other potential job opportunities on each route. Andre also took note of where he would need to catch each bus, times each bus ran, how to recognize each bus, where to transfer if need be, and where to get off each bus. The drivers on each route were accommodating and eager to help Andre feel more confident in his ability to ride the bus on his own. They answered many questions and never made Andre feel like he was distracting them. The drivers also informed him of the half-fare program for individuals like himself, in which he would only pay half the normal fee with a designated card issued each month. Other transportation options were explored, however, the bus was the most economical and reliable means for Andre if he needed a ride to work. Fortunately for Andre, he has individuals in his life who are happy to help him get to work when they can.

Once Andre felt confident in his ability to get to work, it was time to put his hard work to the test. Andre began doing “Job Discovery” with his Employment Specialist. This process allowed Andre to get unpaid, yet necessary, job experience in a variety of locations and skills. These jobs tested Andre’s abilities to follow directions, learn and retain new skills, improve social skills, and understand the concepts of work expectations for each location. Like any job, he needed to be there on time, complete assigned tasks and be accountable for his area. Never having worked before, this was difficult in the beginning, and at times, Andre felt it was “too Hard.” But he is a proud young man and continued to try his best. Through these opportunities to gain work experience, Andre was encouraged by site staff to apply at Walmart, Target, Gabe’s, and Food Lion.

During this same time, an opportunity for employment came up at Cracker Barrel in the dish room. Andre had not done this type of work before but was willing to apply and learn. He applied, was interviewed, and on August 31, 2015, was happily hired. Andre did well in orientation. He struggled to complete his online testing of workplace policies, but with accommodation by Cracker Barrel Management to allow guidance and verbal explanation by his Employment Specialist, Andre passed all of his exams. He studied “The Cracker Barrel Mission Statement”, “Safety in the Work Place”, “Fire and First Aid Procedures”, “Understanding Culture & Diverse Populations”, and “Conflict Resolution in the Workplace”, to name a few. Andre then completed his “on the job training”, and was later on his own to apply all he’d learned out on the floor.

Since being hired, Andre has done very well according to his Cracker Barrel Staff. He is reliable, friendly, and adapts to any task given. Andre is willing to help everyone and does all that’s asked of him and more. When the staff was asked what they like most about Andre, his trainer Jessica stated: “He’s adorable, everyone loves him.” One of his managers, Jennifer B., stated: “He’s phenomenal!”. Every visit his Employment Specialist has had with Andre at work has ended with someone saying they like working with Andre. He has already gone from a “Rising Star” to a “Par 1” in Cracker Barrel’s 4 STAR Recognition Program, thus earning his first raise. Andre has become proficient at his job and is proud to have earned his first STAR. He is anxious to learn more in his job so that he can reach the next level-PAR 2. When discussing his job satisfaction today, Andre was asked:

What is the best thing about working at your job?

“They give me the opportunity to work and are all very friendly.”

What is the hardest part of your job? “Scrubbing the pans…you need serious elbow grease.”

“Scrubbing the pans…you need serious elbow grease.”

What is the easiest?

“Doing the takeout and loading the dishes.”

Where do you see yourself a year from now?

“Maybe still washing dishes…hopefully janitoring.”

If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?

“I don’t know…I never thought about changing it”.

Andre has been a shining example putting his disability behind him and show others his Reliable-ity, Sociable-ity, Capable-ity, and overall Possible-ity. He put his mind to being successfully employed and hasn’t looked back. Andre states “Everyone should be able to work if they want to, no matter what they need help doing” and “Everything is possible if you want it bad enough.” Does Andre ever complain? Yes, like the rest of us…when he has to pay taxes. But he says that’s what “Normal” people do.

Learn more about our Employment Programs including Customized Employment

Categories : Client, Customized Employment, Stories