Thursday, September 10, 2009

Bunny's Baskets hopping to a town near You







Jean has worked over a decade as a certified nurse's aid and a number of other jobs. None of them made her happy. After years of lifting patients, and tending to their needs, Jean wanted to give her body a rest from daily stressors of being a CNA. She found herself in the uncomfortable position of searching for other employment.
She was referred to JSI, and began the search of a career.

After exploring different options ranging from funeral homes to the local animal shelter, Jean revealed her real passion: making gift baskets. And so from this idea, Bunny's Baskets and Beyond was born. The "Beyond" in the name is where the real beauty lays. Personalizing them is the key here. Whether it's an anniversary basket that features a CD with the couple's song or a 60s basket decked out in hippy flare, Jean works hard to ensure the product is a reflection of what the buyer is looking for. With the support of her techno-savvy husband and her shopping diva mother, Jean is able to make her customers visions a reality. She has a shy nature, but when she talks about her passion, her eyes light up and she hops out of her shell to tell you about it. The excitement of being able to have control of her destiny and to work at a goal that makes her feel good about herself and life, has helped Jean to step into the limelight. She has received several orders from customers and is in negotiations with some businesses in Monongalia and Marion Counties.

Above left: Jean is holding a tea basket before it's been wrapped.
Above right: A wine basket that Jean made for a fundraiser for the Morgantown Poets.
Bottom: A romance basket.
To contact her about her baskets, email Jean at: bunnysbasketsandbeyond@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Working toward a dream

Wayne Moyer has many interests, whether it's guitar playing or maybe one day being mayor of his town. The aspiration that he comes back to the most often is working on a news broadcast as a meteorologist. Currently, he is working toward this goal by taking classes at the community college, making that transition between high school pupil and college student. He is also studying for his driver's permit test, which is an important step toward independence. Wayne is deeply involved in his community such as being an instrumental part of the Farmington Poker Run, which is fundraiser that is shared bween the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Farmington Fire Department. He has also assisted by answering phones and having a little camera time during the MDA telethon on WBOY news in Clarksburg, WV. He is a dynamic young man, who isn't afraid to get in front of a camera or to try something new. In an effort to display his talents and some of his accomplishments, he and his mother made this short video resume below.

Friday, September 4, 2009

JSI’s first micro loan recipient is all smiles

Michael just hauled his first load for Jane Lew Hot Shot Trucking Co., thanks to a micro loan arranged by JSI and a local trucking co. The barrier to employment had been in seeking to have his commercial drivers license reinstated. He had been unemployed over a year and a half after working in the trucking industry for more than 20 years.



Victim of an unscrupulous trucking company, Michael spent all his savings trying to have his former employer resolve his license problems, but to no avail.

". . . companies may promise to ensure that their drivers are always driving legally, within the federal regulations for driving-time limits and allowable load weights. The reality, however, is that unscrupulous companies often set up loads and time limits that cannot be humanly accomplished unless a driver does drive illegally. Furthermore, if you are that unfortunate driver and you get caught, these companies will take no responsibility for making you break the law. In most instances, you can be stuck with huge fines to pay out of your own pocket."

http://www.ehow.com/about_4569478_truck-driving.html

"Nowhere is this more evident than in the trucking industry where unscrupulous companies often take advantage of drivers, forcing them to work beyond what is safe for both the driver and the public.There is a reason that trucks are often called sweatshops on wheels."

http://www.truckinjurylawyerblog.com/2009/04/articles/driver-problems/april-28-workers-memorial-day/

At the same time, the severe downturn of the economy made finding a job in another line of work near impossible. Michael could have applied for disability benefits due to non combat related injuries sustained in military service, and other health issues, but “I just didn’t want all the baggage that comes with having a disability”. This attitude is not uncommon among persons with health barriers to employment.

JSI recognizes that persons seeking employment, or starting a small business, often have an immediate need for funds to help overcome a relatively small obstacle that stands between them and their goal. Hence, a micro loan fund for such purposes was recently established, with Michael being the first recipient who is now back doing the work he loves. Without this loan, he would still be desperately looking for a job.

Keep on trucking, Michael!

Personal Passion becomes Employment Solution



Taking her personal passion and developing it into an income producing business was not what Regina thought would end up being her first paid job, but as she is discovering doing what you love and never thought was possible is one of the most full filling experiences she has had.
Regina has always had an interest in jewelry and pretty things. She also has this ability talk comfortably with everyone she meets especially if she is talking about the jewelry that she makes and sells. Regina is a natural salesperson when it comes to her creations.
Regina has been stringing(making) necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings from beads and semi-precious stones and metals. She has done a few trunk shows by invitation and has/is participating in craft fairs/shows. Regina also does custom orders for individuals and has filled several of those.
Gina's Jewels has received an order from a local art studio, Artworks, that will sell her
creations. The order from Artworks was facilitated through the Active Employer Council, an organization of local business owners/managers that offer their networks as social capital used for job creation.
Regina continues to explore avenues for marketing Gina's Jewels and ways to expand and grow her new business.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

PASS Specialists Come to WV!


PASS Specialists (the social security staff who review and approve Plans to Achieve Self-Support, or PASSes), pictured above with Job Squad staff, recently held an outreach training in Morgantown at the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Topics covered included basics such as: "What is a PASS?'; "Who Benefits from a PASS?"; "What is Self-Support?"; as well as discussions about particulars like Occupational Goals, PASS Milestones, and how PASS can be used to support Self-Employment.

Attendee's were also shown a video about PASS, which can be viewed here.

We also learned that there have been more than 20 PASSes approved so far this year--an increase of about 50% from 2007!