Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Dr. Janet M. Williams from Comminityworks, Inc. of Overland Park, Kansas, United States for Tuesday, 29 August 2017 "End Dependence Kansas Update" #enddependencekansas

Dr. Janet M. Williams from Comminityworks, Inc. of Overland Park, Kansas, United States for Tuesday, 29 August 2017 "End Dependence Kansas Update" #enddependencekansas

Program Update!
Our End Dependence Kansas employment program recently expanded! The populations we are serving now include
  • individuals with limited or intermittent work experience (new)
  • individuals transitioning out of high school to employment
  • individuals with a criminal background or who are exiting corrections and
  • individuals receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) on a waiver.
Individuals are a good candidate for our services if they are interested in working more than 20 hours a week and if they would benefit from extensive, long term job coaching or skills training.
  • We use an evidence based employment model to help individuals discover their interests, abilities and skills, and to support their training on the job site.
  • We had a successful visit from the experts from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in July 2017. They reviewed cases, discussed our progress, and shadowed us with clients and employers. We are looking forward to our annual conference in Topeka September 12-13!
The Referral Process
  • At communityworks, someone will always speak to a live person every time they call during business hours. Here is how it works: 
Call any of the following numbers:
• Toll Free: (866) 429-6757
• Overland Park, KS Office: (913) 789-9900
• Callers are greeted by a knowledgeable staff person who will ensure that the caller gets the answers they need to get connected to services.
Two Other Referral Options:
We’d be happy to meet with anyone on an HCBS waiver to discuss the program.
Please forward this email to anyone you think might be interested. If you have any questions, please contact madelineg@communityworksinc.com.
Upcoming Advisory Committee
  • We have been working hard the last few months, assisting dozens of individuals to discover how to turn their passions into careers! If you have input on how we can improve our employment program we would appreciate your input and attendance below!
Date: Tuesday, September 26th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 7819 Conser Place, Overland Park, KS 66204
Click Here to RSVP!
Josh's Success Story
While out one afternoon with his employment specialist, Josh noticed a popular retail spot where he might like to work. After meeting with the employer, they were interested in having him do a situational assessment there. After a successful situational assessment, Josh was offered a position! Now, Josh’s employment specialist meets with him weekly on the job site as he’s getting comfortable and learning the skills for the position, which include stocking, cutting samples, greeting customers, and cleaning. 
About EDK
  • EDK is a 5-year initiative to increase employment of Kansans with disabilities. Five state agencies are collaborating to implement EDK.
  • Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) - LEAD AGENCY
  • Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
  • Kansas Department of Commerce
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
  • Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC)
EDK has issued 15 performance based contracts with entities that are implementing 1 of 3 different evidenced based or promising practice employment models for individuals with disabilities. The models include:
  • Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
  • Individualized Discovery/Customized Employment (ID/CE)
  • Vermont Progressive Employment (VTPE) 
There are five target populations contractors may work with, they include:
  • Youth with disabilities transitioning from high school to employment
  • Individuals interested in employment as an alternative to Social Security or other benefit programs
  • Persons with disabilities exiting Kansas correctional facilities
  • Persons with limited or no work experience
  • Persons being served or pursuing services through Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waivers. 
To be an EDK participant, individuals must be determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.
All participants must be employed a minimum of 90 days of stable employment to be considered successful in the program.
End-Dependence Kansas is funded through Title I - Vocational Rehabilitation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education (CFDA 84.126A). A total of 78.7% of the project funds are federal dollars referenced above. There are no non-government sources of funds.
Copyright © 2017 communityworks, inc., All rights reserved. 
Our mailing address is: 
communityworks, inc.
7819 Conser Place
Kansas City, Kansas 64118, United States
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