Stinson & Associates, Inc

What is GVRA — and how do their services actually work?

Many individuals have never heard of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), but their services can be life-changing for people with disabilities seeking employment and greater independence.

Here's how the process works:

✅ Apply through GVRA
✅ GVRA determines eligibility
✅ GVRA refers you to an approved provider, like Stinson & Associates
✅ GVRA funds the services

The best part? There is no cost to receive services for individuals who qualify.

As an approved provider, Stinson & Associates partners with GVRA to help individuals develop workplace skills, prepare for employment, and work toward meaningful career goals.

Whether you're exploring employment for the first time or looking for support on your career journey, vocational rehabilitation services may be available to help.

Learn more about GVRA: https://gvs.ga.gov

Find out if you may qualify for services through Stinson & Associates: https://stinsonassociates.com

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and one of the biggest sources of stress many people face is not knowing what comes next in their career journey.

If someone asks, "What kind of work do you want?" and your honest answer is "I don't know," that's okay.

You don't have to have your entire future mapped out.

Instead of focusing on job titles, start with your strengths:

✔ What are you good at?
✔ What tasks do you enjoy?
✔ What work leaves you feeling energized instead of drained?
✔ What environment helps you succeed?

The right career path often starts with understanding yourself first.

At Stinson & Associates, we help individuals explore their strengths, interests, and abilities to identify employment opportunities that fit their goals and needs.

This Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, remember: asking for guidance isn't a weakness—it's a step forward.

Our team helps you figure this out.

Visit stinsonassociates.com to learn more.

🎉 Celebrating Wendy Cloer's 2-Year Anniversary! 🎉

Today, we are proud to recognize Wendy Cloer for two years of dedication, professionalism, and outstanding service with Stinson & Associates, Inc.

As a Pre-ETS Specialist serving Rabun County High School and Lumpkin County High School, Wendy has made a meaningful impact on students as they explore career pathways, develop workplace readiness skills, and prepare for life after graduation.

Her commitment to students, educators, and community partners has helped strengthen our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program year after year. In fact, because of the exceptional work Wendy has done, both schools have invited Stinson & Associates back for a third year of services—a testament to the trust, relationships, and results she has built.

Wendy's passion for empowering students and helping them reach their goals reflects the mission and values of Stinson & Associates every day.

Please join us in congratulating Wendy on this incredible milestone and thanking her for the positive difference she continues to make in the lives of students throughout Northeast Georgia.

💙 Congratulations, Wendy, on 2 amazing years! Here's to many more successes ahead.

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to highlight how overall well-being includes more than physical health. Confidence, purpose, and stability all play a role in a person’s quality of life.

Meet "Jordan."

When Jordan first came to us, he wasn’t confident about where he would fit in the workforce. He had tried before, faced setbacks, and started to feel like maybe employment just wasn’t going to work out for him.

But he didn’t have to figure it out alone.

Our team worked with Jordan to understand his strengths, interests, and the type of environment where he could succeed. From there, we helped connect him to a job that matched what he was capable of—and what he wanted for himself.

The first week came with challenges. New routines. New expectations. New pressure.

But something shifted over time.

Jordan started to feel more comfortable, more capable, and more certain about showing up each day. What once felt overwhelming started turning into something steady.

Today, he’s not just working—he’s building confidence, independence, and a sense of direction he didn’t have before.

At Stinson & Associates, we meet people where they are and walk with them toward their goals.

Your story could start today.

Visit stinsonassociates.com to learn more about supported employment services.

🎉 Employee Anniversary Spotlight 🎉

Today we’re celebrating Keshawn Ballard and their first year with Stinson & Associates!

Over the past year, Keshawn has been a valued member of our team, contributing to our mission of supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and success in their employment journeys.

We appreciate Keshawn’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to making a positive impact every day. Thank you for all you do and for being part of the Stinson & Associates family.

Congratulations on your one-year milestone, Keshawn! We look forward to seeing all that you’ll accomplish in the years ahead.

What does a job coach actually do?

Think of a job coach as an on-the-job teammate.

Through supported employment services, job coaches can help individuals:
✔ Learn job tasks step by step
✔ Build confidence in the workplace
✔ Adjust to a new work environment
✔ Communicate with employers when needed
✔ Grow toward greater independence over time

The goal is support — not permanent supervision. As confidence and comfort increase, support gradually fades so individuals can succeed more independently.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build skills, gain confidence, and succeed at work with the right support system in place.

Want to learn more about supported employment services?
Visit stinsonassociates.com

MYTH: “If I get a job, I’ll lose my benefits.”

This is one of the most common concerns for individuals considering employment while receiving disability-related supports.

The truth is: many people are able to explore work opportunities while still maintaining benefits, depending on their specific situation, income level, and program rules. Employment does not automatically mean losing support.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), it’s important to acknowledge that uncertainty around benefits and employment can create added stress when thinking about change, stability, and independence.

Before making any decisions, vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors through the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) resources can help explain how employment may affect benefits in your specific situation.

You don’t have to figure this out alone—getting accurate information first can help you make informed decisions about your future.

Learn more about GVRA services:
https://gvs.georgia.gov

📝 Practical Tip: 5 Things to Bring to Your First Meeting with a Vocational Counselor

Starting your journey toward employment can feel overwhelming, but your first meeting is simpler than you might think.

Here are 5 helpful things to bring:

1️⃣ A valid photo ID
2️⃣ Information about your current benefits (if applicable)
3️⃣ A basic idea of your work interests
4️⃣ Any questions you have
5️⃣ Yourself and an open mind

That’s it.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need the perfect resume or a complete career plan.

Just show up.

We’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next step toward your goals.

📅 Ready to schedule your first meeting? Visit https://stinsonassociates.com
https://gvs.georgia.gov/

Darius still remembers the feeling of holding his first real paycheck.

For years, life kept getting in the way — setbacks, uncertainty, and moments where giving up felt easier than trying again. But he kept showing up. Step by step, goal by goal.

When Darius joined our program, he didn’t need someone to “fix” his life. He needed support, guidance, and people willing to meet him where he was. Through hard work, consistency, and encouragement, he was able to gain the skills and confidence to move toward stable employment and a brighter future.

That first paycheck wasn’t just about money. It was proof that progress is possible when people are given opportunity, support, and someone who believes in them.

We’re proud to walk alongside participants as they work toward their goals — one step at a time.

*Name and details changed for privacy. Story inspired by real participant experiences.*

MYTH: You have to tell employers about your disability.

The truth? You have a choice.

You are not required to disclose your disability to an employer. What you share, when you share it—or if you share at all—is completely up to you.

That’s where we come in.
We help you understand your rights and make the decision that’s right for you.

We support young adults with disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

Through our partnership with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), services are available at no cost for those who qualify.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Have questions about your rights at work?
Visit stinsonassociates.com