Access to Good Jobs for ALL!
That’s the theme of this year’s NDEAM-related efforts and initiatives. It is also a goal UCP has been working toward since we first began offering supported employment services in 2015.
Each October we take the opportunity to recognize UCP’s supported employees as well as the employers who hire them and who understand the value these individuals bring to the workplace day in and day out. We also want to give a shout out to UCP Employment Specialists (otherwise known as “Job Coaches”) who connect prospective employees with potential employers.
The role of the Employment Specialist is to support individuals who have the desire and ability to work… from job searching through on-site coaching and ongoing support. These Specialists help individuals identify their interests, research potential employers, and schedule and prepare for interviews. Once the individual has secured employment, the Specialist then works side by side with him or her for as long as needed to make sure the relationship is a good fit for both parties.
Employment is the expectation. Empowerment is the goal.
Individuals who become gainfully employed—no matter the position or the industry—gain far more than just a paycheck. They experience a sense of purpose, and the feeling of pride that comes from being a contributing member of society. Here is just a handful of examples of the folks we’ve helped become part of the working world:
Keenan is one of our original success stories. He first came to us in 2016 with a strong desire to be competitively employed and a contributing, tax-paying member of his community. We worked with him to find employment that was conveniently located and met his stated desire for social interaction: he was hired as a dining room greeter and attendant at McDonald’s in Lemoyne. Initially UCP provided transportation and hands-on job coaching. Over time, Keenan was in need of less and less employment supports, to the point where after 8 years he no longer requires our services. Today, he remains an independent employee of McDonald’s.
Tanner is another long-timer; he’s been reliably working as a stocker for Weis Markets in Burnham for 7 years.
Kayla is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season since she especially enjoys her job as greeter when she’s surrounded by the festive seasonal decor and displays featured at HomeGoods in Harrisburg.
Stacey is thankful for her steady job as Hostess at Cracker Barrel in Harrisburg; the money she earned came in handy as she was making arrangements for her wedding.
Drew is a valued team member at Original Italian Pizza in Burnham where he’s been working in the kitchen for two years.
Alesia and her job coach worked with Arby’s in Lewistown to create a new “lobby attendant” position, resulting in employment for her while meeting a need that Arby’s had.
Kevin gets paid to feed his passion for roller skating as a skating attendant at Olympic Skating Center in Enola for three years.
F
requently, after having some success on the job, individuals become more open to exploring some of the other opportunities that come their way. For example, Kenyay recently experienced the thrill of being photographed with the winning Hershey Bears 2024 Calder Cup when it was on display at his employer Houlihan’s of Hershey.
UCP is also an active member of the Capital Area Employment 1st Coalition, a collaboration of stakeholders that includes local counties, service providers, employers, and other interested community members. All are committed to the following key premise: employment–based upon ability–is the preferred outcome for all individuals. These key groups work together to help individuals with disabilities make a successful transition from school days to pay days.
If you or someone you know could benefit from UCP Employment Services, contact:
Chris Hartman
Manager, Employment Services
Christopher.Hartman@ucpcentralpa.org
717-737-3477, x144
To learn more about the Employment 1st Coalition or support their efforts, visit:
https://Capitalareaemp1st.org
