1. National Service Programs: Pathway to Employment or Post Secondary Education Sheila Fesko Institute for Community Inclusion

2. www.serviceandinclusion.org Toll-free hotline: 888-491-0326 (voice/TTY)

5. National Service Programs: Pathway to Employment or Post Secondary Education Sheila Fesko Institute for Community Inclusion

6. Gentle Reminders… Use your phone’s “mute” button or *6 to mute your phone. Please do not use your “hold” button. Press *7 to un-mute your phone. Please ask questions, share ideas, and comments: Don’t be shy, please speak up “Raise hand” icon Chat window on the right There will be a survey at the end The session will be recorded.

7. Agenda NextSTEP Member Story Value of Service Experience Building Connections between Service and Disability

8. – Identify effective practices that support national service leading to employment for individuals with disabilities – Develop training and TA materials to promote employment opportunities through service Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) providers Disability organizations/agencies Individuals with disabilities/family members Employers

9. NextSTEP activities Service Demonstration – National Organization on Disability – Center for Training and Technical Assistance—Denver Options Policy Demonstration – Developmental Disability Agencies –in conjunction with the State Employment Leadership Network – Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies Employer Outreach – US Business Leadership Network

10. Alex Freeman

11. Building Character Emotional Intelligence Emotional Health Clarity and self-awareness Builds self-esteem and self-confidence Self-directed decision making

12. Building Career Interpersonal skills – Teamwork – Communication – Conflict resolution Hands on experience – Workplace attitudes, expectations – Sustaining work routines Hard Skills

13. Building Community Increases personal and professional network Exploration and Discovery – Define career interests – Diversity of experiences, people – Expanded sense of possibilities – Exposure to new issues, cultures, communities

14. How Service can Contribute to Future Goals Transition – Use service days/ job shadowing opportunities to expose students to option of service program Work Experience – Service commitment in area of interest or with program that offers varied experiences Return to Work and/or Veterans – Allows exposure to new type of work – Gradual transition into work

15. It is not the responsibility of the program to get someone a job. Instead programs need to remind members that they are equipped with skills to get a job for themselves Alumni Interview

16. Supporting Members while in Service Support transitioning into service – Culture/environment match – Address support needs Encouraging reflection/journaling that includes documenting tasks completed, contacts made Include strategies on disclosure, resume development and community resources in member development

17. How to Support Alumni in Using the Service Experience to Transition to Employment/ Post-Secondary Education Partner with employment related services for assistance in referrals to service and then as resources for members’ transition to life after services – Vocational Rehabilitation – Developmental Disability Agencies – One-Stop Career Centers

18. How Disability Entities can Connect with National Service Refer individuals with disabilities to service opportunities Support service alumni in their transition to employment Sponsor an AmeriCorps or VISTA volunteer at your organization Participate in state inclusion team –Typically hosted by the state commission Connect with the state disability coordinator – http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=coor dinatorslist

19. Resources Corporation for National and Community Service – www.nationalservice.gov www.nationalservice.gov National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) www.serviceandinclusion.org 1-888-491-0326 www.serviceandinclusion.org Sheila Fesko, NextSTEP – 617-287-4365 – Sheila.fesko@umb.edu

20. NextSTEP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (Cooperative agreement #09TAHMA001) and is a project of the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. The National Service to Employment Project (NextSTEP) is a collaboration of the – Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMass Boston; – Center for Training and Technical Assistance at Denver Options; – the Start on Success program at the National Organization on Disabilities; – the State Employment Leadership Network of the National Association – US Business Leadership Network.