helping people work their way through life Transitioning Special Populations IAJVS Conference April 24,

helping people work their way through life Originally funded through ARRA Housed at a State operated residential education center –Permanent residence in Illinois –During the school year live at the school residences –Medically involved receive social work services PT, OT, pet therapy, nursing care –Disability – CP, Spina Bifida, 99% use a wheelchair Serves year old individuals 2 Program Summary The core of ArtFully Gifted is focused on providing training and employment services to persons with severe disabilities…

helping people work their way through life Developed Artfully Gifted store planned and operated by the students Classroom training –Intake/assessment –Customer service, job readiness and store operations Unpaid internships Placement with support Job Coaching 3 Program Summary The core of ArtFully Gifted is focused on providing training and employment services to persons with severe disabilities…

helping people work their way through life Students are involved with…. Designing logo Marketing Procurement – local and international, persons with disabilities Store design/set up Producing some products Otis Spunkmeyer cookie program ArtFully Gifted 4

helping people work their way through life Funding ARRA Funds Cost reimbursed Lost funding earlier than anticipated Coordinate with school superintendent Cooperative Work Agreements Paid per service on voucher Requires to work with each DRS Counselor 5 Participants are referred to JVS by DRS based upon service needs (as determined by DRS)…

helping people work their way through life Within one week….. Financially close out reports Developed strategic plan with JVS and school Contacted DRS Executive Director, Bureau Chiefs, Fiscal Supervisor Followed up on ideas and collaborations Exploring New Funding Opportunities 6

helping people work their way through life Networking Participants 7 Executive Director Acting Executive Director Chief Operating Officer Director of Finance Chief Financial Officer Director Employment Development, Bureau Chief Chief Contracting Officer Chief Development Officer Project Officers Supervisor Supported Employment Assistant Bureau Chief School Superintendent Supervisor Student Success Business Coordinator Business Administrator

helping people work their way through life Outcome Summary OutcomeGoals Actuals (to date) Intakes/Assessments 2321 Training Customer Service Job Readiness Training Store Operations Job Development 236 Placements Program dates operate a school year…September through June

helping people work their way through life Continue to leverage staff resources Develop and utilize standard operating procedures and revise as necessary Separate finances and program operations issues Train staff cultural difference within another organization’s facility Continue developing and maintaining funder relationships, revisiting new funding structure; cost reimbursement, milestone contract or combination Always offer what can you bring to the table Continuous Improvement Plan 9 The continuous improvement plan is focused on achieving the strategic objectives and improving job placement rates…

helping people work their way through life Success Story 10

helping people work their way through life youthAbility Work Development Career Connectors YES - Youth Environmental Services Supported Employment Placement Assistance and Training extra-Learning Project Success Health Careers Training Additional Transition Programs 11

helping people work their way through life Questions 12 Nanette Cohen Director, Employment Development