Helping the Disabled Succeed
WORK SKILLS WORKS!
/// BY KRISTINE COCHRANE
There is an organization located in mid-Michigan that provides support for individuals with disabilities or barriers to reach or return to their personal best. Work Skills Corporation( WSC) delivers an army of assistance to persons seeking to overcome barriers to independence, and they offer the help with loving respect and dignity. After 40 years, the central mission of WSC remains fundamentally unchanged: to optimize a person’ s human potential. Approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Factilities( CARF) and governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees, the vision is a community that offers opportunity for everyone with the desire to succeed.
The Work Skills Foundation( WSF) raises funds to support development and implementation of new and innovative approaches to further the programs and services offered. WSC and the WSF share the same values and goals: to help people overcome difficulties that could keep them from viable employment and self-sufficiency. Founded in 1973, WSC began as a Michigan, private 501( c)( 3) nonprofit corporation serving Southeastern Michigan by working with people to help them develop the skills necessary to find full and lasting employment. Since this time, WSC has expanded to provide services to youth, adults and employers in the following areas: home health care, TBI Residential, non-traditional education, staffing, production, and employment and training.
WSC’ s experience is extensive and their support and educational services are comprehensive and in-depth. Their approach could be compared to a large umbrella; in that fully functioning services are offered to individuals and groups depending on customer identified needs. The departments stand alone, but can also work smoothly together to provide larger needs, such as finding, training and managing a work force for a specific company. Under the extensive umbrella, the following are included:
• Assessment and career exploration
• Training services
• Job placement services
• Supplemented employment
• Youth services
WSC is ready to assist, from helping people polish their resumes to finding work and job-site accommodations for individuals with or without employment barriers, either entering or re-entering the work force. This past fiscal year, WSC placed more than 1,800 individuals into jobs and worked with over 100 local employers. WSC is proud to provide innovative training and placement services and support to customers and businesses alike. WSC serves Livingston, Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties
32
Innovative Health- Winter 2017