What is an Active Employer Council?

The Job Squad Inc. Active Employer Council is a group of business owners and other community members from the Bridgeport and Clarksburg area. The council's purpose is to assist job-seekers in securing community employment and/or self-employment. Job-seekers present resumes or provide other information at monthly meetings in order for council members to learn about their past employment experiences, interests, education, etc... Council members then use their personal and professional connections to provide leads or other useful information to job-seekers and their Career Counselors to follow up on. Two job-seekers who were assisted in obtaining employment are John White and Regina Ford. With the council's assistance, John has secured his first job with Glotfelty Tire in Bridgeport. John is proud to be part of the Glotfelty team and is really enjoying his experience there. Regina has started her own business-"Gina's Jewels" and made her first sale to Artworks, a gallery/gift shop in Bridgeport. This sale was made possible by council member, Lotus MacDowell. You can read more about John and Regina in the Active Employer Council section of this blog. You can also learn more about Active Employer Councils and Customized Employment by clicking on the Griffin-hammis link of our blog.

Anthony Begins Wage Job--Business Start-Up Coming Soon!

Anthony Frye (pictured, above) began a wage job at Sunfire Tanning on November 30th. Anthony was featured in a previous entry , when he received the GED Student of the Year Award for the State of WV.

Anthony, with the support of his family and the owner of Sunfire tanning, is about to submit a Plan To Achieve-Self-Support (PASS) with the goal of starting his own Tanning and Spa business. He is working a small amount, about 6 hours a week, to explore the goodness-of-fit of the work environment.

If approved by the Social Security Administration, the PASS will help Anthony obtain the resources needed during the critical "start-up" period of his business.

More to come!

Our Interns

Two graduate students, Misty Merrifield and Sommer Bland (pictured left) in the WVU Rehabilitation Counseling department interned at JSI for their fall semester. They are expected two graduate next May. Misty's previous intern experience was at the Center for Independent Living. Sommer's intern experience has been with Family Services of Marion and Harrison counties.

Initially Misty's intention was to work in the prison system to help rehabilitate inmates, before their release into society as a way to lessen recidivism. Her work at North Central West Virginia Center for Independent Living opened her eyes to an entire different population of people. She worked as an independent contractor to help people, who experience these barriers to work to be more involved with their community as a whole.

Sommer's experience in this has been more personal. After her grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she wanted to find ways to help people use resources that would make their lives easier.

They will graduate May 2010, and we're happy to have them as an addition to our team!

John's New Gig at Glotfelty Tire

In mid-October, John started his new job at Glotfelty Tire in Bridgeport. John's job was an outcome of the work of the Active Employer Council (AEC), a group of business owners and community members who meet job seekers, then leverage their business and community relationships to assist these job seekers towards gaining employment.

Immediately following the September AEC meeting, Brad Ford, a member of the Council, contacted Joel Davis, manager at the tire center, about John. At the September meeting, Mr. Ford was introduced to John, who told the Council about how he sometimes helps his dad when working on their car.

John, a senior at Liberty High School, says that, so far, the job is a good fit. "I really like my job--I make good money, and its a good thing that I'm working. I like the other guys who work there and I like helping them out. Joel is a good guy and Johnny (pictured above) is a good person and also pretty funny."

Regarding his job duties at Glotfelty, John says, "I take the 'Wet Wall' off the new tires that come in, unload new tires when they arrive, put old tires into the trailer for the recycling service, help load tires on the conveyor belt for storage, sweep the storage area, and put the nuts back on the tires when they are put on the cars."

Congratulations on your first job John!

Roadblocks in the Journey for Success

The Opinion article below is from the Charleston Gazzette. The article is by a dad whose family has been struggling to live in West Virginia. They've lost the battle and are now moving to try to regain a financial equilibrium. They have a son, who has been diagnosed with autism and they've been burying themselves in debt trying to get him services that will help him to lead a fuller life. They've been put on waiting list upon waiting list with ultimate result: their needs ignored. The truly tragic point of this story is that their story is not unique. The hardship, like in this case, often begins early in life and continues well into adulthood. These lack of supports can be a factor in all regards of life, including employment.

These are photos of Scott Finn and his son.

And this is their story: http://www.wvgazette.com/Opinion/OpEdCommentaries/200911210272

Linking Discovery & Job Development by GHA

Griffin-Hammis Associates is offering an upcoming training called "Linking Discovery and Job Development." Click here to read the announcement in a clearer format.

The training will be a unique, experiential job development certification training--Dave Hammis and Cary Griffin will provide the training.

On Thankfulness

The following story was published in the Traverse City Record-Eagle-a Northern Michigan newspaper:


Disability Is Illuminating

Father's blindness makes whole family stronger

BY INGA DIETLINSpecial to the Record-Eagle

'But I will never see her face."

This comment was made in 1991, nine months before my birth.
While the births of my siblings had been joyous occasions, mine was mixed with sorrow. My father has a degenerative eye disease called Retinisa Pigmentosa, or R.P., which was diagnosed at a very young age. This disease slowly stole his eyesight, making him almost completely blind at the time of my arrival. Although his blindness has been a trial in many ways, it has also blessed both him and our entire family with the joy of having guide dogs, viewing other disabled people in a more compassionate manner, and in spiritual growth. When I was 5, Dad received his first guide dog, Mischa. The 1-year-old German Shepherd only had basic training. But with the help of a local dog trainer, he quickly learned how to safely lead my dad around obstacles.
Before we moved to Michigan and had Mischa, my family lived in Chicago, where Dad worked as a piano tuner. Since he maintained a large clientele there, he continued to travel back and forth every other week, while my mom stayed with my siblings and me in Michigan. Mischa aided Dad in traveling on airplanes and navigating through city streets. After Mischa had been working for almost seven years, my dad realized he would need a replacement dog. We soon received an 8-week-old puppy and named him Bartok. Bartok watched Mischa work for two years, which contributed greatly to his excellence in leading. Bartok began to guide Dad when Mischa was about 9 years old. Almost two years later, after Mischa had been sick for many days, I received the news that he had been put down. This was one of the most emotional moments my family and I had ever experienced, and it was very heart-wrenching for Dad to say good-bye. No dog can replace Mischa in our memories, but Bartok is a great helper, keeping Dad safe both in Michigan and Chicago. Although it may seem like my father's trips to Chicago are perfect, he still encounters many rude people unwilling to even help him navigate a busy street, or move from their seat on a crowded bus. It is obvious that my dad has a disability and may need assistance, but most people seem too busy to realize he exists. Through viewing his attempts at obtaining a seat on crowded Chicago Transit Authority buses, the whole family has become aware of people with disabilities, and we strive to help those who may be in need. Many who see another person with a disability such as blindness simply gawk as though the person is contagious. Dad has aided me in realizing that even though the person is disabled, they are just like me. Because of this, I am often one of the few to leave my seat on a bus in favor of letting a disabled person take the chair. The obstacles that Dad encounters through his blindness, whether it is simply steering himself through a throng of people or being denied a seat on the bus, have all been formidable. But he is able to overcome them through his sturdy believe in Jesus Christ. The sorrow that my dad expressed when told I was going to be born was short-lived, but powerful. Although he was thrilled at the idea of having another child, the notion that he would miss seeing me grow into a woman left him somber. His eyesight has slowly degenerated throughout most of his life, but by becoming a Christian at a young age, his faith helped him cope with the impending blindness. After becoming completely blind, it seemed that studying the Bible would be impossible, until he received the treasured gift of a Bible on CD. This has allowed him to continue reading as well as memorizing. Because of this passion for memorizing the Bible, he has inspired my siblings and me to attempt the same feat. His attitude is also a product of his faith. While many people who have disabilities are bitter because of their misfortune, my dad is well-liked by everyone because of his inner joy. Dad's hardships have threatened to dismantle his faith and good attitude, but he is always able to return to his faith and discover the promises held in the Bible.
Disabilities can tear families apart, but my dad's blindness has made our stronger. We connect over the faith that we share, and enjoy the dogs that have made his mobility possible. Throughout my days, I am constantly aware of the impact his blindness has made on my life, whether it be increased awareness of other people or thankfulness for my many blessings. I know that my dad has never had the chance to see me growing up, but I recognize that he has helped me become the woman I am today.

Inga Dietlin is a sophomore at Elk Rapids High School

Welcome to Pizza Hut my name is Michael

This is a picture of Michael Wilson. Michael is a 2009 graduate of Tygart's Valley High School of Mill Creek, WV. He is a very ambitious young man who has autism. Michael enjoys playing video games, reading, watching movies, and comic books.

Michael has no prior work experience but he had a desire to work at his favorite restaurant, Pizza Hut--he wanted to greet and seat the customers. We used his own networking system of "social capital" as a tool for "customized employment". Michael began working on September 16, 2009 with a job coach, Andrea.

Leslie the restaurant manager, his co-workers, and the customers all appreciate his hard work, dedication, and wonderful smile! He gets very excited when he is given tips or what he calls "bonuses".

Michael has also expressed an interest in possibly owning a business that specializes in video games, movies, and comic books; hopefully, Job Squad will assist him with writing a PASS(Plan to Achieve Self-Support) through the Social Security Administration.

Michael is very fortunate to have a supportive family. His mother Sally has always encouraged him to purse his dreams and to excel in life. Sally is very proud of Michael, and has been a strong advocate for his rights. In the beginning stages of his employment she was scared to death of his social differences, but has seen that they can be worked through. She says that some days are harder than others, his capabilities to cope with his environment varies, but Michael is very lucky to have such wonderful working relationship with his job coach Andrea.

Sally also says that Tygart's Valley High Schools was instrumental in preparing him for the work world. She recognized how wonderful the staff and teachers were in accepting Michael.

Amanda is a happy girl! She just got her very first job.

But this isn’t the end of the employment road for her. Actually, it might only be the beginning, thanks to a Plan to Achieve Self-Support.

Living in Calhoun County, WV, Amanda happened to attend a High School in just one of nine counties that participated in the Workforce Youth Advantage Program. There, she received training in janitorial work. While Amanda was completing her education she was able to help the school Janitor as a part time job. Upon graduation she no longer qualified for the program, and started looking for a job. Shortly thereafter, she and her mother moved to Gilmer County. (A side note: the Youth Advantage Program is not available to young people living in Gilmer County.)

http://wvworkforce.org/youth_prog/default.asp

Four years later, Amanda was still looking for a job. Seeing an article in the local Glenville, WV newspaper about Job Squad’s employment services prompted Amanda to make a call. She said: “I really need help getting a job.” We discussed her employment goals, as well as Social Security work incentives. She recently had received a packet from SSA with Ticket to Work program information, but didn’t know how to go about using it. With no internet connection, and limited computer skills, she wasn’t able to get more information online about the program or area Employment Network members.

It turned out to be the ‘right time and right place’ for a cleaning job with the WV DOT’s Division of Highways, in the Gilmer County office. Thanks to the WV-ARF state use program, we were able to assist her in getting just the kind of work she wanted. Within two weeks she had her dream job. Fortunately, it was only eight miles from her rural community of Cox’s Mills. Amanda is unable to drive to and from work. But transportation could be provided by her mother, with whom she lives.

It also deserves mentioning that, if it weren’t for a grant provided by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services to expand Job Squad’s employment services to Gilmer County, Amanda would still be sitting at home dreaming about a job.

We called her after a week to see how things were going. “I like my new job a lot,” she said, “but I am interested in a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support).“ How did Amanda know about Social Security’s PASS plan? At our first meeting with her and her mother we discussed the SSA PASS, which is another work incentive that she qualifies for.

“A Plan for Achieving Self Support, or PASS for short, is a plan for your future. Many people with disabilities want to work, and you may be one of them. Perhaps you need to go back to school before you can get a job. Or, maybe you'd like to start your own business, but you don't have the money. Whatever your work goal may be, a PASS can help you reach it.”

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/pass/

For a variety of reasons, many persons who start working in a sheltered employment program environment never go beyond that. Sub-minimum wages and menial work is often their lot.

According to The Center For An Accessible Society:

“A 1998 national report indicated that sheltered workshop clients earned an average of $65 per week, while rehabilitation clients working in the competitive labor market earned an average $272. Even for people with severe mental retardation, earnings are significantly higher in competitive employment. Workshop clients earned a weekly average of $37, and workers in competitive employment made $110. Supporters often defend sheltered workshops as a "transitional step" to prepare people to enter the competitive work force. Studies have consistently shown that segregated environments do not prepare people to live, work, or participate in integrated environments. A mere 3.5% of people in sheltered workshops move into competitive employment in a given year. This is one reason why the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration ruled in January 2001 that sheltered workshop placement would no longer qualify as an accepted employment outcome.”

http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/economics-employment/shelteredwksps.html

In Amanda’s case, her job is possible due to a West Virginia State Use Program.

The program was created by the legislature in 1984 and strengthened in 1989. The program allows the employment of persons with disabilities through nonprofit Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) to produce commodities and services for various state agencies without the requirement of competitive bidding.

Prices charged for these special commodities and services are established by the Governor-appointed Committee for the Purchase of Commodities and Services from the Handicapped.

All West Virginians benefit when our citizens with disabilities are able to work for a wage. Their need to consume costly social services is drastically reduced when rehabilitation is mixed with business.

In 2005, the program enabled:

· Approximately 891 persons with disabilities to earn a wage

· Person with disabilities to work 765,275 hours

http://www.wvarf.org/stateuse/

While State and Federal noncompetitive employment programs for persons with disabilities are a very useful stepping stone, they may not be a desirable destination.

So for Amanda to use a PASS, she needs to have a job. Having an active PASS plan will help her save for future employment opportunities beyond doing janitorial work. And for every two dollars earned, Amanda won’t lose a dollar of her SSI payments. She can put her paycheck in the bank and save for a better career, while keeping all of her SSI check.

When she is ready, she can start her own business, or use her PASS funds to take advantage of Customized Employment services.

What is Customized Employment? According to the U.S. Department of Labor:

Customized Employment - Practical Solutions for Employment Success

"As we invest in critical job training, we are giving workers the bargaining power they need to custom-design their jobs around their lives—instead of the other way around."

—Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, is committed to improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. To achieve this goal, ODEP established a Customized Employment initiative to build the capacity of workforce systems to serve all customers, including individuals with disabilities. The strategies developed through this initiative can assist all workforce customers who have complex needs and may require more individual assistance to achieve their employment goals. The Customized Employment initiative also focuses on incorporating universal strategies into all aspects of workforce services.

A World In Which People With Disabilities Have Unlimited Employment Opportunities

http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/custom/index.htm

Congratulations Amanda, on getting your first job, and starting down a road with unlimited employment opportunities. You go girl!

Anthony Awarded GED Student of the Year!

On October 28th, at the 13th Annual Adult Education and Family Literacy Conference, Anthony Frye was honored as West Virginia's GED Student of the Year for 2009. Anthony, his family, Linda Jones (his GED teacher), and Dr. Steven L. Paine (State Superintendent of Schools) are pictured above.

When asked if Mrs. Jones had other students who received this award she replied, "No, and I don't expect to have another one for the rest of my career."

In his award speech, Anthony said, "My mom was a great inspiration and I already got a job!" Very loud applause followed.

Congratulations Anthony! Getting the GED involved a ton of commitment and hard-work.

More on the job in a later post.

Kalin Honored at WVDRS 2009 Ability Works Ceremony

On Thursday, October 22nd, Kalin Hanlan was honored as the Ability Works award winner for the Clarksburg District of the West Virginia Division of Rehabilition Services (WVDRS).

Kalin's WVDRS Counselor, Patricia Shingleton, said that Kalin kept in touch daily during her job search. "She's worked really hard." Shingleton said. "She was very motivated when she initially came in to find work."

"I like getting a paycheck," Kalin says about her job. "Just being around people and getting to know the people I work with."

Above are pictures from the event (Featuring Kalin, her family, Patricia, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, WV Department of Education and the Arts Secretary Kay Goodwin, and the Director of WVDRS, Deborah Lovely).

Here's the video that WVDRS produced featuring Kalin:

(Added on 3/18/10) Check out Kalin at WVDRS' website.

Learning From Stan Lee

 In his new book, Manhood For Amateurs, Michael Chabon describes the early days at Marvel Comics:

"In the early sixties, when "Stan's Soapbox"--pages in Marvel Comics through which Stan Lee created and sustained the idea of Marvel Comics fandom in the sixties and early seventies--began to apostrophize Marvel fandom, there was no such thing as Marvel fandom. Marvel was a failing company, crushed, strangled, and bullied in the marketplace by its giant rival, DC. Creating "The Fantastic Four"--the first "new" Marvel title--with Jack Kirby was a last-ditch effort by Lee, a mad flapping of the arms before the barrel sailed over the falls."

"But in the pages of the Marvel comic books, Lee behaved from the start as if a vast, passionate readership awaited each issue that he and his key collaborators, Kirby and Steve Ditko, churned out. And in a fairly short period of time, this chutzpah--as in all those accounts of magical chutzpah so beloved by solitary boys like me--was rewarded. By pretending to have a vast network of fans, former fan Stanley Leiber (Stan Lee) found himself in possession of a vast network of fans."

What does this mean? What can we learn from Stan Lee?

Marvel was bought by Disney in 2009 for $4 Billion.

Jimmy and the Forklift

Jimmy Manno is a 47-year old Grafton, WV native. He had a traumatic brain injury when he was eight years old, but that did not stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. Jimmy enjoys drawing, watching cowboys shows and cheering on the Mountaineers. One thing that was missing in Jimmy's life was a job. He is a hard worker, who enjoys staying busy. He has a high school diploma, but a limited employment history. This made finding work very difficult for him. However, he did have an even bigger asset: his father, Jim Manno.

Jim had worked with one of the owners of Grafton Farm Home Supply and had a strong relationship with the organization. Grafton Farm Home Supply is a family-run farming center. They make feed for livestock, have landscaping necessities during the summer months and fuel during the winter. Jim Manno, and the owners of the supply company, Robin and Bob Sharp had discussed what Jimmy could do there to bring value to the company. Resource ownership was the solution to their financial needs and Jimmy's employment issues.

According to Griffin and Hammis, resource ownership is a mutually beneficial process of acquiring materials, equipment, or skills that, when matched to a job seeker’s interests and customer needs, generates profits for the employer and wages for the employee. Jimmy was able to purchase a forklift, which enabled him to qualify for waiver funding and have his own asset. This asset enabled him to have a career at the supply store.

It has been over a year since Jimmy was hired and given the opportunity for paid employment. Jimmy states that he loves working with the owners and his co-workers at the store. Bob one of the owners commented that it is a good fit for Jimmy, his personality and the job are a good fit. He takes pride in his accomplishments and enjoys working with the public.
Jimmy's daily routine consist of getting up early going to the local gym and then off to work. He enjoys cleaning the floors, rolling the oats, and assisting customers with their purchases. He takes pride in his efforts, and loves being able to talk with neighbors, and friends. When asked if he would like to do anything different he responded "no, this is my job."
Mr.Manno is very pleased with the overall success. He remarked on what an advantage resource ownership was to a small business, but what a huge advantage it has been for his son."Jimmy has had fewer seizures, and appears to be much happier! this experience can be compared to a "perfect marriage", everyone wins and everyone is happy."
This is a picture of Jimmy Manno on his forklift he purchased in March. By using resource ownership as a tool, Jimmy was able to secure employment with Grafton Garden Home Supply. Owning this piece of equipment gave him the power to negotiate employment, where his skills would be utilized for the benefit of the company and himself.

Planning for the flu

It seems that everywhere you turn there is a new report on the Swine Flu. In addition to the usual precautions everyone should take such as washing your hands often and avoiding sick people if at all possible-here is some useful information on employment and special considerations for people with disabilities in regards to the flu. This information is provided by the Job Accomodation Network (JAN):


Considering the Needs of Employees with Disabilities During a Pandemic Flu Outbreak

General Considerations

To ensure that all pandemic-related planning considers the needs of employees with disabilities, it is prudent to involve individuals with disabilities in the planning stage. It is also important not to exclude any individuals with disabilities from employment or employment-related activities because of fears about workplace emergencies. Only when the agency can demonstrate that a person with a disability will pose a “direct threat” can it lawfully exclude the individual from employment or other employment-related activities. For more resources on emergency planning, please go to: www.jan.wvu.edu/topics/emevac.htm

For all employees, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has suggested washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing in order to prevent infection. Ensure that facilities are readily accessible and pathways are clear for individuals with disabilities.

Telework

Telework is a voluntary work arrangement in which an employee regularly performs officially assigned duties at home or at another worksite geographically convenient to his or her residence. If telework is to be used by your office, discuss any additional needs with employees who use workplace accommodations to complete their tasks (e.g., hardware software).In the case of a pandemic outbreak some employees with disabilities may have difficulty getting to the workplace due to the illness of personal assistants, problems with transportation to work, or lack of child care due to school closures. Consider the use of telework or flexible scheduling as a means of addressing these issues.
· If an employee is caring for a family member or individual with pandemic flu, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) encourages the supervisor to allow that person to make use of telework.


Critical Questions


Has the disability coordinator or affinity groups been used to address the specific needs of employees with disabilities during a possible pandemic incident?


Have notification systems been made accessible to all employees so that individuals with disabilities can receive the same pertinent information at the same time as other employees?

Employment Laws: Medical and Disability-Related Leave - ODEP http://http//www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/employ.htm

Emergency Planning- http://www.jan.wvu.edu/topics/emevac.htm

Should there just be one month of awareness?

People with barriers to finding employment whether it's mental, physical, emotional etc...have to adapt everyday to achieve their goals. October may be the month dedicated to looking at these issues, but as illustrated in these articles below and beyond, the lack of people with disabilities in the workforce is a staggering issue. Regardless, I did a search to see what kind of new stories came up about how people were using this opportunity to get some awareness out. If you run across any, please share.




http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/oct2009/ca2009102_029034.htm
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/11064-1
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/30087
http://newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/522989.html?nav=5054
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS155510+23-Oct-2009+PRN20091023
http://www.explorehoward.com/news/66492/cuts-programs-development-disabilities-protested/

Working Towards a Bright Future!

Corrine Cupp is an engaging young lady. She is friendly and has a great sense of humor-the kind of person people are drawn to instantly. Corrine is a Senior at Bridgeport High School and is involved in her community, having participated in productions at In-Step Dance Studio and Challenger League. When she began working with Job Squad Inc. she did not know what type of work she would enjoy or be best suited to. Utilizing techniques of Customized Employment and connecting with people close to Corrine including her family, and teachers at the high school, it was discovered Corrine enjoys interacting with the staff and patients at Bridgeport Physical Therapy and this may be a good environment to gain some "real-world work experience". This led to discussions with the owners and eventual work experience there. Corrine states she really enjoys her time there. She likes being able to do many different types of duties at the office. Through her experience, she learned she really enjoys this type of setting and is considering physical therapy or a similar line of work in which she can help people.

Greg's Pursuit

Ken Ervin and Mike O'Brian introduced Greg (pictured above, at a protest at the Weston State Hospital) to advocacy.

"Ken and Mike showed me that I can do anything that I put my mind to," Greg says. "A lot of people where telling me that I was not capable of doing what other people where doing, like working, having real relationships, and living on my own."

In December, Greg started his advocacy business, Bilonick Advocacy. In the last nine months, Greg has focused on transition work with students and also begun exploring other business opportunities, searching for ways to take a market-based approach towards advocacy. "Finding ways to get paid to do advocacy has been frustrating--most advocates are funded through grants and also by state and federal money," Greg said. "I've created a line of buttons that where a hit at a recent People First Conference. I've also got a few other ideas that I'll pursue in the next few months."

Greg has also decided to pursue a second job. "I'm hoping to explore other opportunities--I'd like to see what I'm capable of doing."

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

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.

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.

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!

Christian's Work and PASS

Christian worked for almost 20 years in a sheltered workshop. After leaving the workshop, his parents and sister connected with Job Squad, asking “Can Christian work?”

Using strategies developed during the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Customized Employment Initiative, and with Technical Assistance (T/A) support from David Hammis, Start-Up USA’s co-director of national Technical Assistance, Christian and his employment staff spent time learning about Christian’s interests, abilities, and needs by exploring his preferences and relationships in the local community. They eventually returned to the first location visited, Valley World’s of Fun, using a family connection as an introduction.

Christian and his staff observed and analyzed the work that occurred there, looking for duties and tasks that interested and “fit” him. Negotiations ensued with the business owner, Mr. Bob Martin (pictured with Christian), focusing on customizing ways that Christian and the business could meet each other’s needs. During these negotiations, the business owner shared his need for a ticket-counter machine that would save the business money. Ultimately, a job was created by reassigning duties (coin removal from arcade games, set up for dinner buffets, removing tickets from a ticket-counter machine, light cleaning tasks, and other duties) and also utilizing resource ownership techniques using a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

Multiple braids of funding were used: Vocational Rehabilitation provided work counseling; Medicaid is funding initial job coaching, which will fade eventually to PASS-funded co-worker supports and then to natural co-worker supports; PASS is also funding the purchase of the equipment and some transportation; a grant from the WV Developmental Disability Council introduced Job Squad, Inc. to the Start-Up USA partner; Job Squad, Inc. will access Ticket to Work funding as an Employment Network; and lastly, the employer provided funding by initially purchasing the resource, with Christian using his PASS buy the equipment from the employer.

Christian is now working 18 hours a week and plans to be working full-time—picking up new duties and learning new skills—by the summer of 2010!

Congratulations Kalin!

Kalin is being recognized by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation (WVDRS) for her successes at work! She has been working at Applebee's as a host for just about a year and a half--initially wanting to work there because a close friend worked as a wait-staff...she greatly appreciates the support of her managers and co-workers.

Kalin will participate in a ceremony at WVDRS' annual gathering on October 22nd, in Charleston.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

APSE Releases White Paper on Establishing a National Employment First Agenda

Employment First means making employment in competitive-wage, integrated, community businesses the priority, or first option, for individuals receiving taxpayer funded services.

Click here to read it.

John Windsor's Plan To Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

John Windsor is using a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) to purchase employment services from Jessica Kuehn (both are pictured above).

PASS gives John the opportunity to set aside resources to use towards a work goal. John's goal is to find a new career--for the next 6 months, he and Jessica will explore Morgantown, spending time at a variety of businesses, gathering enough information for John to choose a career path. John chose Jessica to assist him because she is a life-long resident of Morgantown with extensive community connections.

John would like to find a career that would allow him to substantially contribute to a workplace, allow for the completion of a variety of daily work tasks, and also allow room for career growth.

To Be Continued...(Thanks John and Jessica!)

$178,808,000 (That's $178 Million!) Available Yearly For WV Economic Development

In December 2008, there were 25,544 individuals in West Virginia receiving both SSI and SSDI benefits. These individuals have "Perfect Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Potential", meaning that they could write a PASS today. The average PASS is $7000/year, which equals approximately $179 Million a year that, once approved by the Social Security Administration, goes directly to job seekers for use towards a work goal.

PASSes allow individuals to set aside resources--resources usually means money and this money can be used to buy things that will help individuals work, things like equipment and tools, transportation, clothing, employment supports, or supplies needed to start a business. Click here to see how the Social Security Administration describes the PASS. Click here to listen to Molly Sullivan, of Griffin-Hammis Associates, talk about the PASS.

PASSes have also been discussed as one indicator of self-determination for individuals using service systems.

PASS is a very powerful tool : it is controlled by the job seeker and can be used as a targeted and localized form of economic development, used in much the same manner as a microloan.

WV's VR Policy Related to Self-Employment

I just clicked on the link to . . . WV's VR Policy Related to Self-Employment and was wondering if "the Division" is the West Virginia DRS (Division of Rehabilitative Services)?

The "policy" stated that . . .

"Self employment is a vocational option which may be considered as one of an array of employment choices available to the client and the Rehabilitation Counselor. If self employment is to be the placement of choice, the decision needs to be made as early as possible in the rehabilitation process. Active participation by both the Rehabilitation Counselor and the client are extremely critical in this decision. Self employment is a more viable employment goal today than even a few years ago. Because of the advancements in electronics and computers, new opportunities are available for individuals with disabilities to start a small business in West Virginia. However, owing to the very challenging nature of self employment, both advantages and disadvantages should be carefully considered."

It appears that one of several nuts about to be cracked is broadband access to rural West Virginia residents (or even small community residents). The other is employers, or companies, who are transitioning into telework options for their employees. This would be a huge opportunity for all job seekers in WV.

Satellite broadband and telework may be finally arriving at this time and place.

Could be some very good things are about to happen.

Medical Coding employment at home via telework

Just talked to a friend who has been working at the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) General Hospital since December in patient accounts department. He said that there is a real demand for medical billing and coding specialists. The training is being provided by CAMC for qualified candidates. Entry level positions require no previous experience or certification. Most hospitals and doctor's offices require both. Due to the demand, not only is there the opportunity to start without prior training or experience, but the possibility of future employment at home via telework over the internet.

Stay tuned . . .

Entry Level MEDICAL BILLING and CODING Training Available

United Career Services - Charleston, WV

Are you looking for a meaningful job? Do you like helping others? Do you have an interest in health and medicine? Enjoy the healthcare field but don't like the hands-on clinical aspect Are detail oriented and meticulous when it comes to their work Know the principles of the computer and how to find answers to problems Would you like to enter a career in an expanding field? If you answered 'yes' to five or more of these questions, then billing and coding might be the right career choice for you. Medical billing and coding specialists work for practicing physicians and licensed healthcare practitioners in small to large group practices, dental offices, pharmacies, nursing homes, mdical care facilities and clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations...

Welcome!

Welcome to Job Squad's Blog! Please join the Community Economic Development Program in a dialogue about supporting West Virginians to get what they want out of work. We need your help! Talk with us about our work and your needs.