Guide to Supported Employment at Cross Plains Community Partner...

Cross Plains Community Partner
"Together... Everything Is Possible"

Guide to Supported Employment

Our Mission:
To be a partner in creating a community where all people have the opportunity for choice, leadership, and employment.

What is Supported Employment?
Supported Employment is a service that allows an individual to be connected to a job of choice in their community. Ongoing job development and coaching is provided by a Cross Plains Community Partner job coach to ensure the person remains successfully employed.

For years businesses in the Dalton, Georgia area have found people supported by Cross Plains to be successful and reliable employees in a variety of positions.

Services We Provide
Pre-Voc Training
Before coming to work for you, the employees-in-waiting have gone through a process of skill enhancement and conduct policy.

Job Matching
Ensuring that, before a person is hired, they are the right fit for the job. We strive to create a win-win situation for the workers and our businesses.

Job Coach Support
After being hired we continue to provide as-needed supports for the workers. Often, this means working alongside of them as they learn and master job duties. As the worker learns the job and creates natural supports, we help on a check-in basis, communicating with managers as needed.

As Needed Services
These consulting or support services can be determined by Cross Plains or the local business at time of need.

National studies have shown, there are many benefits in hiring a person with disabilities. These include:
--Low employee turnover
--Dedicated and reliable employees
--Possible business tax credits and deductions
--Community recognition

A Story of Success: Tony Burress
Several years ago Tony Burress began serving as a volunteer at the Tennessee Aquarium. Along with a group of volunteers and his job coach Tony would water the trees and plants in the horticulture section of the aquarium.

An opportunity then arose for Tony to no longer be a volunteer, but a paid staff member. For over three years now Tony has held a part time job in the aquarium's gift shop warehouse. His job duties there include un-packing, sorting and pricing items.

"We all love Tony" says Sheila Johnson, Tony's supervisor. "His work compliments ours and increases our work flow." Sheila went on to say that Tony's attitude and willingness to do whatever is needed has been a great asset to their business.

Testimonies
"With the help of Cross Plains, I've had the same job for 8 years. I like to stay busy and my job makes me happy. It also lets me spend my money on special things."
--Stacy, Captain D's Employee, Dalton, Georgia

"Michael (a Cross Plains supported employee) has been one of the best workers I've had in 8 years of running this farm. He's dependable. He realizes his limitations and works with me to get around them. I don't know what we'd do without him."
--Debbie, Owner/Operator of Heartland Ranch, Ringgold, Georgia

"Over the years, I have managed many people with a variety of skills and abilities. One of the great things about hiring such a person is you know you've got a long term employee and they are going to be committed to their job."
--David, Director at Hamilton Medical Center, Dalton, Georgia

Please contact us with your questions or to receive more info!
Phone: 706-278-8143
Email: crossplains@optilink.us