Neil has run a hobby lawn care and general labor business for most of his adult life, helping neighbors by mowing their lawns, assisting with preparation for moves and garage sales, and shoveling snow (see above). Growing up on a farm prepared him well for jobs involving hard work and persistence. He also is pretty good with a table saw and sander (also above)!
By spending a bit of time with Neil and his support, Job Squad learned about Neil's work with his neighbors. One neighbor described Neil as the very first person she met upon moving to her new home. She also said that Neil shoveled her walkway during a big snowstorm this past December--he asked her if she wanted him to shovel because he "didn't have anything else to do."
Another neighbor has worked on several projects with Neil and has paid him to mow the lawns of his daughter, niece, and nephew. Additionally, one of Neil's support staff is a partner in a local lawn care business.
Another neighbor has worked on several projects with Neil and has paid him to mow the lawns of his daughter, niece, and nephew. Additionally, one of Neil's support staff is a partner in a local lawn care business.
When first meeting job seekers, Job Squad describes possible employment outcomes: wage employment, self-employment, or both wage and self-employment. As Dave Hammis says, (paraphrasing here on what I think I've heard): "Everywhere, everyone is working and working hard...especially in rural areas. Many people have just not found a way to get paid for their work." That's the trick and the point of Job Squad's work--to assist individuals to explore and maximize their interests, skills, and talents for use in income producing activity, resulting in paid work.
In Neil's case, why not try to support Neil to take his hobby business and, by using existing supports and relationships, step by step, turn it into a "proper" business?
How?
More to come!
BRAVO!!!
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