Retrieved from http://expressfranchising.com
At my final rotation at Greenhouse Ministries, I encountered clients every day that feel as if they have been neglected or misunderstood by the system. One of my clients was diagnosed with autism and PTSD. She was in our Pathways to Success program, because she was looking for a job that will be a better fit for her, as well as provide more hours and better pay. In the past, organizations have tried to connect her with companies in the community that offer work to individuals with special needs. The client stated that they usually think she is incapable or working a job that required her to do more complex tasks, so they place her in what are considered "easy" positions, like a greeter for the local Wal-Mart. However, communication is not her strong suite due to her diagnosis of autism, so being a greeter was actually one of the worst positions for her. By working with us at Greenhouse and communicating her needs to someone who understands autism, we were able to explore job positions that would be more fitting to her. She stated that she loves to work on computers, and in her free time she studies computer coding. By taking this information and utilizing the community mental health model, we were able to partner with Express Employment and find a data-entry position for her. Through this process, I have had to be an advocate for my client by meeting with Express and explaining the specific needs my client has, and how we could make that work with the job position. My client will soon be going on an interview with the company that is interested in hiring her, and I hope to hear a positive outcome in the near future!
employmentcommunityfirstchoices.pdf | |
File Size: | 90 kb |
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Attached above is an application to the CHOICES program through TN Care. At Greenhouse, I was able work through this application with one of my clients who has a developmental disability. By being accepted into this program, she will have new housing opportunities in Murfreesboro, which will provide her with a more stable living environment. She is currently living in her car and in a women's homeless shelter. This process has been a challenge, as it is extremely difficult to get in contact with TN Care and to speak with the right person who can help the process go more quickly, but I have enjoyed being an advocate for my client so she does not get lost in the system.
References
TennCare. (2017). Employment and community first CHOICES. Retrieved from https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/employment-and-community-first-choices/self-referral-form.html.