NW Works

Welcome to our new followers! If you missed it, here are a few highlights as we wrap up June! This month our garden saw significant growth, and staff and team members benefitted from the knowledge of the Master Gardener's in weekly lessons. We're looking forward to our first large harvest in the next couple weeks, and are hopeful we'll get some much-needed rain! We also spotlighted Robin's success at Martin's this month, and celebrated her decade of growth at NW Works!
Read her spotlight here: https://ow.ly/BBzi50ZbPJK
As a community partner, YOU can have a direct impact on the work we do by simply:
⚫Sharing our content with your friends and coworkers
⚫Inviting your friends to like our page
⚫Referring friends to join our team
⚫Connecting people with disabilities with our services
Enjoy a snapshot of this month's events: progress in the NW Works Garden, rock painting, and Robin's Mission Moment photoshoot!

Today marks the 27th Anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., a landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live and participate fully in their communities.
At NW Works, we're proud to see the people we serve engaging in our community daily, whether through special events or community experiences. The ruling of Olmstead v. L.C. was a turning point for independence, inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities.

This year team members engaged with their community through riding in the Apple Blossom Parade, waving to their neighbors and being included in a valued community celebration. Regularly, team members are engaged in our community whether through community outings and experiences like our trip to La Grange Family Farm or as CAST for Kids participants. Each outing encourages individuals to build skills, confidence, and form relationships with their neighbors.

NW Works is proud to support meaningful employment and empower individuals as they maximize their independence. On this anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C, we honor the progress made and the work still ahead to ensure all people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Read more about Olmstead v L.C. here: https://archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_about.htm

Happy Juneteenth! Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, occurred in Texas in 1865 when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation two years after its passing to free the remaining slaves in Texas.
Today, we celebrate the freedom and liberation of enslaved people, but we also remember that there are still many people who are fighting for freedom and equality. Let's celebrate the strength of the Black community and continue to work towards a society where everyone has equal access to opportunities and respect.

Ways to celebrate:
Support Black-owned businesses
Take a moment to reflect on how you can be a better ally to Black people, with or without disabilities
Support disability-led organizations and initiatives

Today is Autistic Pride Day, and at NW Works we're proud to celebrate the many individuals we know and support that are autistic! Autistic Pride Day focuses on celebrating the identity, abilities, and accomplishments of autistic individuals.

At NW Works we're proud to support many adults with autism through our Supported Employment services, Group Day Support Program and AbilityOne government contracts in an individualized manner. Every day, we see firsthand how people with autism bring focus, creativity, and dedication to their work when given the opportunity and support they deserve.

This Autistic Pride Day, you can celebrate by:
Sharing your story or that of someone you know who is autistic
Learning about autism and its history
Amplifying autistic voices and stories
Practicing acceptance and inclusion
Celebrating yourself! Whether you're autistic or an ally, today is a day to recognize and celebrate your unique qualities and strengths.

For a resource created by and for autistic individuals, visit the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. https://autisticadvocacy.org/

Get to know Danny, an Employment Specialist at NW Works! Danny's point of pride when working with jobseekers is reminding them of the positive aspects of change that come while pursuing and securing a job.

Read Danny's NW Works in Profile piece to learn more about his work with our nonprofit:

NW Works in Profile: Daniel Wadler — NW Works Meet Danny! Danny hails from Maryland, where he previously worked as an Employment Specialist for six years. As a new resident of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, he was attracted to NW Works’ Employment Services after deciding to return to the employment field following a brief stint in residentia...

Learning Disability Awareness Week is here, and this year’s theme builds on last year's “Do you see me?” theme. This theme encourages friends, families, and our wider community to see, hear, and value individuals with learning disabilities. Often times, individuals with learning disabilities, and disabilities in general, are overlooked or underestimated.
At NW Works we're happy to serve and support folks with learning disabilities in the work that we do every day to support adults in our region with disabilities. People with learning disabilities bring talent, dedication, and unique perspectives to the workforce and to our greater services.
Through our services of Supported Employment and our Group Day Support Program, we’re proud to provide customized job training, life skills support and ongoing guidance that help individuals with learning disabilities overcome barriers and thrive in meaningful careers. Everyone deserves to be seen for their strengths, heard for their goals, and valued for their contributions.

Team member, Robin, has been receiving services at NW Works for 10 years. She’s been through a plethora of changes as our organization has evolved, but through the changes Robin’s desire for growth and an increased sense of independence have remained the same. At NW Works, we believe in supporting individuals as they grow, build skills, and develop their independence. Over the last 55 years, our mission has evolved to focus not only on providing access to employment, but on helping individuals maximize their independence and develop the skills that allow them to thrive in the community. We are proud to highlight Robin, whose journey reflects the power of steady growth, perseverance, and meaningful support.

Read Robin's Mission Moment Here👉 https://ow.ly/BBzi50ZbPJK

On May 7, NW Works staff and team members had the privilege of attending the first national CAST for Kids event held specifically for adults with disabilities! Today, our team was honored with the presenting of a plaque that recognized our participation at the event and commitment to creating positive life-long memories at community experiences. NW Works is proud to play a role in creating opportunities for adults with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, but we'd be amiss not to thank Mr. Steven Shafran, the Event Coordinator, and the CAST for Kids Foundation! Steven poured his time, energy, and enthusiasm into the event and thanks to him, our team is still talking about their fishing experience! Thank you, Steven, and the CAST for Kids Foundation for ensuring team members at NW Works are involved in meaningful community activities!

Skill development is always happening at NW Works, often in the everyday moments that bring our team together. In preparation for our annual summer cookout, several team members worked alongside their DSPs to prepare the fruit salad and garden salad. This meal prep activity provided meaningful opportunities for growth and confidence building.

With guidance and encouragement, team members practiced kitchen safety, followed multi-step directions, strengthened fine motor skills, and learned about healthy ingredients. Just as importantly, they collaborated, communicated, and supported one another.

Our cookout may have celebrated the start of summer, but we're just as proud to have the opportunity to celebrate our team members as they build skills, develop confidence, and maximize their independence!

We are hiring! We are looking for dedicated candidates to join our growing team today!
Roles include:
◾A Direct Support Professional who will follow individualized plans to support clients and their goals as the client increases their independence
◾A Custodial Worker who will follow responsibilities and cleaning procedures set forth by the Custodial Supervisor at an AbilityOne government contract site
Visit our website to apply! https://ow.ly/2ZL350Ri8f3
Interested in hearing from current employees? Check out our NW Works in Profile pieces on our website under "news". https://www.nwworks.com/news