More Than Just a Job: How Supported Employment Transforms Lives

Each Monday, we share stories that reflect our commitment to providing hope and opportunity to individuals and families across our communities.  This post is written by Akshita Arora, a communications intern at Barber National Institute who is exploring how storytelling can connect people to our mission. 

At the heart of empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives is the opportunity for meaningful engagement and contribution. At Barber National Institute, we put this principle into action with our Supported Employment Program. 

The Power of Finding the Right Fit 

What exactly does Supported Employment do? We assist individuals in securing job placements, but it's so much more than just finding an open position. It's about deeply understanding each person's unique strengths and aspirations, then connecting them with employers who are a good fit. Our program provides the tools and resources necessary for success, including a supportive job coach. From mock interviews and resume building to ongoing guidance, we are with individuals every step of the way. 

Barber National Institute Employment Specialist Gale Williams, who has dedicated nearly nine years to this work, emphasized, "We always start by asking, 'What are you interested in?' It’s crucial to understand their passions, not just match them to an open slot."  

For those uncertain of their vocational path, our team facilitates a process of exploration through trial and error until individuals find a job that resonates with them. Gale highlighted the flexibility in our method, stating, "Sometimes a job just isn't the right fit, and that's perfectly okay. Our goal is always to find that place where individuals thrive and feel a sense of belonging." 

Chuck's Story 

A highlight of our program's successes is an individual named Chuck, who has been a valued employee at Lowe's for almost 19 years through our Supported Employment Program. Chuck's love for his role is clear. His responsibilities include trash and cleaning duties, which he executes with remarkable diligence and a strong work ethic. It's apparent that he possesses deep knowledge of the store, from every aisle to every item, and maintains connections with nearly everyone within its walls.  

Chuck's job coach, Byron shared his favorite part of the job: "Watching Chuck interact with the community and how the community interacts with him. Whenever they see him, they always say ‘hi’ and shake hands.” Byron further emphasized his practice of affording Chuck the necessary space for independent work, intervening only when essential. This approach supports agency, a core principle of our program. 

The receptiveness of employers and coworkers to our program and the individuals it supports is consistently evident. Through Supported Employment, participants are successfully securing fulfilling roles across diverse workplaces, ranging from Wawa and Lowe's and even positions within the federal government. 

The Ultimate Reward 

Gale Williams' reflection of her favorite part of her job captures the impact of our work: "When individuals get a job, they get so excited. You should see their faces. And when they get a paycheck." 

Our Supported Employment Program is a testament to our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work and experience the pride of self-sufficiency. We are truly inspired by how our program consistently builds fulfilling and inclusive futures, one placement at a time.