This transformation began in 2015 with a grant from DHS which allowed us to hire additional employment staff and obtain technical assistance so we could learn best practices in supported employment.  Now we use small group employment, including our Serendipity Ice Cream Shop as a stepping stone for learning and focusing on true employment experiences. More and more people are now getting real jobs for real pay!  Men and women who were once overlooked are being recognized for their skills and abilities and the added value they bring to the workplace. Melisa Parrish from Human Resources at Ushio says that “Hiring employees though MVA has been a great success for Ushio America.  MVA has a great staff that helps us find the right employee for the job we have,  with their continued support it helps these employees and Ushio to thrive.”

This transformation has brought national recognition to MV Advancements for its successes in supported employment. Members of the management team were interviewed by the National Council on Disabilities and were quoted in a report to the President. But even with so much success, there is still much work to do.

Currently, we have more than 50 people actively searching for a job.  We encourage you to be part of the excitement and join us in supporting people with disabilities to find work. We have many employers that are thrilled to have been connected with MV Advancements and to find job seekers who genuinely want to work and contribute to their businesses. Join us in 2019 and help support us in making our community a place where individuals with disabilities have opportunities to find meaning and fulfillment in their own career paths!