STARability Vocational Network Newsletter - Fall/Winter 2023

FALL/WINTER 2023

Network Newsletter

VOCATIONAL SERVICES Building a more inclusive community through employment and vocational opportunities

A LOOK INSIDE October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Celebrate the many and varied contributions of

THE IMPACT OF INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT A SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PARTNERS

individuals with intellectual and development disabilities

EMPLOYER BENEFITS

Setting the Example Thank you to STARability Foundation’s vocational partners.

You have created pathways for our STARs to access the world of work at various points along their career path. Through vocational training with the Trailblazer Academy, industry tours, competitive integrated employment, and more, our STARs are contributing their strengths and abilities, and fulfilling the needs of local businesses.

You have set the example for inclusive employment in our community. We encourage new and potential partners to follow your lead and consider all the ways you can engage with our STARs. We will continue to strengthen and tap into our network of vocational partners, together transforming the lives of our participants.

Halley Kretschmer

Vocational Services Manager STARability Foundation

THE NETWORK’S IMPACT*

16

92%

112

NEW JOBS FILLED

OF NEW, LONG-

PARTICIPANTS

BY STARABILITY

TERM PLACEMENT

REACHED

PARTICIPANTS

REACHED 90 DAYS

THROUGH VS

67

64%

70

ORGANIZATIONS IN VOCATIONAL NETWORK

OF NETWORK ENGAGED

PARTICIPANTS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

*Numbers are from FY2023

Partner Spotlight

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) Since 2021, STARability and CMON have partnered in several ways, including vocational training through the Trailblazer Academy and selling participant-made candles, bracelets and ornaments, in CMON’s store from the STAR Studio, STARability’s social enterprise.

In July 2022, CMON hired STAR participant and Trailblazer, Allison O., to fill the role of Guest Services Specialist.

Alison is responsible for engaging with visitors throughout the Museum to ensure a quality visitor experience for children and adults.

STARability initially provided a job coach to assist Allison and CMON throughout her training and first few months of hire. Allison now works independently with continued support services from STARability Vocational Services.

In May 2022, CMON joined the honorable list of STAR Award recipients. The award recognizes local businesses that employ STARability participants and vocational partners who provide job training, work readiness, and career exploration opportunities. Other recipients include Driftwood Garden Center, Pampered Pet Resorts, Publix Supermarket, Outback Steakhouse, Air Bar Blowouts & Extensions, Stofft Cooney Architects, BCB Homes, and Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria.

“We are grateful to have Allison as part of our team. She does great work for us and is an inspiration for every kid to know that it’s their right to play, learn and dream. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what your abilities are, we have a place for you at CMON.” - Jonathan Foerster, CEO of CMON

TRAILBLAZER ACADEMY JOB SITE Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza

Mister O1 has served as a vocational training site for our Trailblazer Academy since 2021. Participants practice skills necessary for working in a restaurant setting.

Tasks include setting up the dining area, folding pizza boxes, cleaning tables, and wiping menus. Mister O1 has also hosted fundraisers for STARability where a portion of their proceeds benefited our programs and services.

Employer Benefits Higher retention rates. People with disabilities tend to seek stable and reliable work when searching for jobs.

Matt M., Office Assistant, presenting the STAR Award to John Cooney, Partner at Stofft Cooney Achitects

Untapped potential. Workers with disabilities possess skills and experiences that can offer employers a competitive edge.

Improved workplace culture.

Inclusion can also have a big impact on how employees feel about their workplace.

Qualify for financial incentives.

Ryan S., Intern, fulfilling candle orders with Cayla Childs, Director of Social Enterprise at our STAR Store & Studio

Companies that employ people with disabilities may be eligible for certain federal and state tax

Our Vocational Services offers additional benefits to inclusive employers through resources, education and training.

deductions and financial incentives.

Sourced from Forbes, “Seven Reasons Why Hiring People With Disabilities Is Good For Business” by Karen Herson

Disability Inclusion Training

We are in the process of developing a formal training experience for employers and their teams to better understand the various abilities that exist among the workforce and to learn best practices of inclusive employment for all.

THE ROLE OF A JOB COACH Job seekers assisted by STARability have access to a wide range of services and opportunities to help them prepare for and find successful employment. Once employment is obtained, some participants require the support of a job coach to help them learn and perform their responsibilities.

Our team of dedicated and experienced job coaches strive to support not only the individual, but the employer and their team.

The job coach can help you identify appropriate tasks, determine accommodations, adapt training materials, foster workplace relationships, and establish opportunities for growth.

Daniella G. at Germain Toyota of Naples

WAYS TO ENGAGE Not in the position to hire a STAR? Take a look at the other opportunities to engage with our job seekers! Email halley@STARability.org to get started.

Give an industry tour. A critical component of career exploration is learning about the variety of fields and jobs available.

Provide interview practice. Job seekers participate in a series of interview prep classes, including mock interviews with actual employers.

Host an intern. Short-term training opportunities are helpful for participants to build skills, develop preferences, and experience work environments first-hand.

720 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N. Suite 400 Naples, FL 34102

Join us this October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

Scan the code below to take the pledge!

Stay Connected! @STARabilityFdn