Groups unite to show support
STEUBENVILLE — Those serving with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community Services Program will be teaming up with officials from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and those serving with Future Plans — Growing Rural Independence Together Project. Their purpose? To better support those whom they serve.
Cookie West, community navigator for the JCBDD, was joined by Community Employment Specialists Renee Pastre-Hanlin and Elyzabeth Grimm, Linda Macy of OOD and Deb Hill of the nonprofit Future Plans — GRIT Project. The groups discussed a partnership, to improve the ways in which they are able to assist individuals. Members discussed adapting assessments for placing individuals in jobs and providing capacity-building and shadowing opportunities. They mentioned reviewing virtual assessments through the Future Plans — GRIT Project to make recommendations to help students with dyslexia and other challenges. They discussed how to support individuals based on their specific needs.
“We are committed to supporting transition youth students and actively exploring opportunities for collaboration,” West stated. “This initiative unites a diverse array of organizations, creating vibrant opportunities for networking and the exchange of resources. By enhancing our collective support for those we serve, we anticipate improved employment outcomes.”
Macy, vocational rehabilitation counselor for OOD, said she works with junior and senior high students. “Our goal is to prepare them for jobs and help them pursue certification so they can look for work,” she said. “We work with the BDD in contract services when they work with students. This will add more layers of service and offer a different perspective of how to look at each individual and find employment they can stay with for a long time.”
Hill serves as Northeast Ohio regional director for Future Plans — GRIT Project. She explained the program is located in 32 Appalachian counties and promotes the development of sustainable living and building hope within communities.
She stated, “Our assessment provides knowledge of a person’s strengths and interests, and where those fit within the workforce. We provide one-on-one career coaching and a platform for career exploration. We work in schools and the adult population, with challenges from sophomore students to those who are 80 years old.”
“We’re always interested in collaborating and helping to fill gaps and fill capacity,” she said.