Matthew H. is currently employed through the Paid Internship Program (PIP) as a Sales Associate at Industry Horror, a trendy clothing and retail store in Ventura’s Historic Downtown Cultural District. Matthew started working 12 hours a week for the first month of his employment. With successful job coaching services and supports, he quickly learned all job duties within his first 30 days of employment. Utilizing the Spark Program, Matthew also learned various marketing skills to advertise and promote Industry Horror’s clothing line through social media and at Ventura College, where he is a part-time student. His manager reported to our job developer that Matthew is their top Sales Associate. As such, his weekly work hours have increased to 24 hours a week — which has greatly increased Matthew’s self-confidence.

“I’m so much happier today than a year ago, because I’m now a college student busy learning and working at a place where I am appreciated by my manager. I love my job!” – Matthew H.

Matthew H. was provided pre-employment and on-the-job coaching by The Arc of Ventura County, a recipient of The Arc@Work’s Innovative Approaches to Community-Based Employment grant.

Mario was introduced to The Arc of Ventura County upon completion of his education at Fillmore High School. As a student, Mario served as a teacher’s assistant and volunteered at his local Boys & Girls Club. He enjoyed mentoring kids and knew that he wanted to work in a position that would allow him to continue to make a difference with the youth in his community. Through his participation in The Arc’s Internship Program, Mario’s employment goals were identified and he was soon placed in his very first job as a Custodial Assistant at Fillmore Elementary School. Mario enjoys his job and looks forward to going to work every day. He has many responsibilities and a busy schedule to make sure the school grounds are ready to meet the daily needs of its students. His position enables him to interact and establish friendships with everyone. He is greatly appreciated, well-liked, and respected by the students and faculty alike. According to his supervisor, “Mario takes great pride in his work and always has a smile on his face. We love having him here.”

Mario O. was provided pre-employment and on-the-job coaching by The Arc of Ventura County, a recipient of The Arc@Work’s Innovative Approaches to Community-Based Employment grant.

Tommy is a friendly outgoing young man and with a positive attitude and natural leadership skills. He is also a huge fan of sports. Any conversation will show that Tommy has a wealth of knowledge for most sports and statistics and can talk to anyone who is interested. The Arc of Washington County worked with Tommy to identify an ideal job fit and, after some searching, Tommy found a job at the Greencastle Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course located within driving distance of his house. As a sports enthusiast and outgoing person, Tommy has taken very well to his role in customer service at the golf club. When he’s not working, Tommy is leading meetings with his self-advocacy group, Legends, or spending time with his fiancé at home.

Tommy C. was provided pre-employment and on-the-job coaching by The Arc of Washington County, a recipient of The Arc@Work’s Innovative Approaches to Community-Based Employment grant.

At the end of 2016, The Arc@Work helped Baymont Inns and Suites to identify and recruit qualified individuals with I/DD to fill the brand-new Hometown Host position at their franchises across the country. The Hometown Host was a front-of-house role in which an individual would act as a greeter and customer service person for guests as they arrive for their stay. Billy Jake was a young man looking for a job in his hometown of Celebration, Florida but was having trouble finding a job that would fit his interests and skillset. Because of his interest in food, Billy Jake initially applied to a local grocery store but had no luck in getting an interview. Then one day, Billy Jake’s job coach Tre Johnson informed him of The Arc@Work’s partnership with Baymont Inn & Suites. Billy Jake applied and was hired on as a hometown host at his local Baymont Inn and Suites location. During his first few months with the company, Billy Jake admits he “was uncomfortable being around lots of people at my job.” But each time he engaged, he grew a bit more at ease. Billy Jake’s speaking and social skills have improved immensely and he has really grown into the role. Billy Jake now looks forward to waking up every morning and getting ready for work. Serving guests at Baymont Inn and Suites has increased his self-esteem and has given his life new meaning. In his words, “I feel like this job came along at the perfect time. It is working out wonderfully for me, and I am so grateful to my job coach [for helping] me find it.” The collaboration is a win-win for both organizations: helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure a regular job in the community while assisting Baymont hotel owners in finding reliable, passionate employees who can connect with their guests and provide them with a great experience.

“Hiring Billy Jake was the best business decision I have ever made.” – Fred Keen, Director of Hotel Operations, Baymont Inn & Suites, Celebration, FL