Catch of glimpse of “Employment First” success stories from your local area. Learn from stakeholders how they are engaging employers and persons with disabilities in today’s workforce.
Meet Patricia!
One of the forefront missions of Work Opportunities Unlimited is to help individuals find and maintain meaningful employment. This can include all aspects of job preparation, on-site supports to identify and address barriers, and coaching to meet employers’ expectations.
Although having on-site job support in your new role is great, securing your first full-time job comes with many new opportunities that you need to navigate outside of the workplace as well.
Meet Patricia who started Supported Employment services with WOU in November of 2024 after being referred by the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Patricia had only one brief employment experience before connecting with her Career Resource Specialist, Emma. With Patricia’s incredible motivation and buy-in to finding work, Patricia and Emma found a job at ASC Engineering Solutions in only a few short weeks. Following her interview, Patricia was hired on the spot as a Production Associate.
Patricia had reached her goal of finding work, but had her hopes set on accomplishing even more. Patricia wanted to obtain her license, get her own place, and get set up with private insurance. CRS Emma and Patricia discussed these goals and got to work! They would consistently meet weekly outside of ASC Engineering Solutions at a local library to take steps in the right direction.
Emma supported Patricia to create a monthly budget, ensuring her bills were paid and that there was surplus to save towards a car. They also worked together to study the PA driver’s manual so Patricia could confidently take next steps towards obtaining her license.
Emma helped Patricia navigate the process of electing benefits for the first time by teaching her the meaning of terms like deductibles, downloading the correct app to make claims, and discussing what a 401K is and how to elect.
Patricia is currently loving her job, cross-training in several departments, volunteering for overtime, and working hard to save towards a new car and apartment. Patricia has stated several times that WOU has helped to “change her life” and that she now has money to live by her own terms and dreams.
Patricia serves as an example of what motivation can do to propel one’s life into a new and independent direction.
Do you have a success story to share? Let us know!
Other PA Success Stories
Julius K Employment Success Story
Hannah S Employment Success Story
Camryn L Employment Success Story
Zach P Employment Success Story
Rydell S Employment Success Story
Adam K Employment Success Story
Creations by Evan Employment Success Story
Video stories the PaRC Social Media and Outreach Committee, in partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR):