Individuals with a disability are often disadvantaged in finding meaningful work. Their disability may require an employer to make workplace accommodations to allow them to work, and quite frankly, that bothers a lot of employers. These employers need to watch their “bottom line,” They may feel that this individual, with limitations of mind and/or body, may be less productive than another applicant. So often, the person with the disability will not receive a second look, which is how things are. That is not to say that employers who think this way are “bad.” But, perhaps, these employers have not had an opportunity to realize the tremendous human resource they are missing.
ProWorks serves many people who are looking for a chance to work. Often the people we serve do not seek employment through the “help wanted” column. The people served by ProWorks may lack some of the skills required to hold the “advertised” jobs; they may be able to acquire some of these skills, but some may be beyond their ability. For many people with disabilities, ProWorks can help them discover what type of work they might like to do or whether they want to work. This discovery process will include assessing their skills and abilities as they relate to a paid work opportunity. We will evaluate whether they will reliably show up for work and whether their “attitude” towards work will be an asset or a deterrent.
Next, we seek businesses interested in working with us to provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. We sometimes make the initial contact with a company to discuss how we may help them, and sometimes the business will make the initial contact – often to inquire about a specific job that we might be able to do for them. When we work with a company, we ensure that the job will be done correctly. It is a genuine “business” relationship. ProWorks is the “mortar” that can benefit bond individuals with disabilities and businesses within their community.
ProWorks offers several avenues to meet our business partners’ “work” needs. We can complete their project at one of our work sites or a company-owned site. Within their company, we can do an individual placement, or if needed, we can develop a “work enclave.” We always seek to serve better those who seek our assistance, whether persons with disabilities or business partners.
If we can help, please give us a call at (320) 593-6257
