Some local organizations are helping business owners meet the demand for workers by providing work readiness services and employee placement services to those who may need a helping hand.
Goodwill North Central Texas, through its “Earn and Learn” summer program, works with students with disabilities in an interactive and realistic environment, allowing them to introduce themselves to the workforce and receive paid work experience.
The program is a partnership between Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.
Participants in the program have found employment in Tarrant County with Walgreens, the Cities of Keller, Fort Worth, Watauga, and Arlington, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Movie Tavern, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, UTA Dining, Mr. Jim’s Pizza, Baylor Scott and White, and other employers.
Since 2017, over 600 students have gone through the “Earn and Learn” program. Currently, 93 students are enrolled for the 2022 season.
Participants in the program build skills and identify future career goals. Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan are eligible.
Contact Rosla Hocker at 817-436-4127 or the Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation counselor assigned to your institution for more information.
Another local organization that helps individuals with disabilities to develop work experience is U&I. Formerly called Achieve DFW, the nonprofit works with children and adults.
The mission statement of U&I is “to empower individuals and those with disabilities to work to achieve their highest level of employment and independence.”
Their programs include employee placement, veteran placement, and vocational adjustment training (VAT).
“About 90% of our clients who start with us come to us with a household income equal to or less than the poverty level,” U&I CEO Hugh Breland told The Dallas Express. “We’re alleviating poverty and breaking the cycle of poverty while offering them an opportunity.”