Go West Rendezvous 2013

Griffin-Hammis Associates  

Denton, Idaho

 Staff at Job Squad attended the “invitation only” Go West Rendezvous again this year.  An amazing group of folks worked around the clock sharing ideas on leveraging Social Capital, refining Customized Employment, improving job development, understanding financial aspects of self & wage employment, detailing the use of Discovery and Vocational Themes, and finding the metaphors from diverse people and places that help us move to new solutions.  In honor of Dave Hammis, who passed away last year shortly after the 2012 Rendezvous, we lifted our thoughts and cups in his memory. 

 

 

 

"Discovery to Employment"

 

The training covered "Discovery to Employment". Over 30 people attended, where they learned how the discovery process moves to discovering personal genius to developing vocational themed tracts. Pat Cassidy reinforced that we may not be concentrating on a person's dream job, but on a job that makes sense to the person. This training she also shed light on how to approach businesses and develop relationships with individuals and employers. In this field we spend time getting to know the individual, but are we spending enough time getting to know the employer? Are we doing those informational interviews?  (Griffin-Hammis Associates – Facebook).

 

Information on Ethics, Politics and Nuances of Medicaid

 

Dr. Steve Hall, former community agency CEO and state Developmental Disability and Mental Health system director for 2 states, challenged the Rendezvous group regarding the ethics, politics, and nuances of Medicaid and the disability industry Steve's knowledge and commitment to justice are staggering. (Griffin-Hammis Associates – Facebook).

 Finding the metaphors from diverse people and places that help us move to new solutions.

 

This year’s guest speaker was Kate Davis, founder of Raptors of the Rockies.  Kate began early in life with a love of animals, and by her junior year in high school, she was rehabilitating injured and orphaned mammals and raptors with the Cincinnati Zoo Junior Zoologists Club. Right away, she began providing educational programs at the zoo and in the community.  Later, after locating to Missoula, Kate received a degree in Zoology from the University of Montana.  She moved to a ranch outside of Missoula and obtained the required federal rehabilitation, possession, eagle exhibition and falconry permits. Kate currently cares for fifteen species of permanently disabled raptors and falconry birds.  Her “teaching team” consists of eagles, falcons, hawks and owls - making up the Raptors of the Rockies.  Throughout Kate’s life, she has developed her love of animals into various ventures including art - metal sculptures, photography, and has authored several books about raptors.  To find out more information about Kate’s work, visit her website at:  http://www.raptorsoftherockies.org/

 

Connie’s Story Continues…..

The Looking Glass Consignment Shop had to generate additional income in order to hire Connie as their first employee.  They recently opened up the new store in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and needed additional racks, hangers, displays and software for their computer to display and tag the merchandise that was being brought in for consignment. 

Through a service known as Resource Ownership, Job Squad sponsored a grant which was given to Connie, allowing her to purchase the needed equipment for their business.  Connie owns the equipment, which generates additional revenue and, in turn, affords The Looking Glass the opportunity to offer Connie employment, working 25 hours a week to start. 

 

 

We are also negotiating with the business owners for Connie to open her own business within their business.  It will be known as “Connie’s Corner”.  We are in the process of planning for this next adventure with Connie and The Looking Glass.  Through this opportunity, Connie will be able to increase her hours of work per week at the store.

Connie totally enjoys her employment with The Looking Glass.  Not only does she see Shell and Beth Hoskinson, owners of The Looking Glass, at work, but she also sees them at church - all part of social networking. :o)