Helping to Give Individuals a Sense of PurposeThough we have evolved now provide employment services to all job seekers wanting to get back to work, one main focus still remains serving people with disabilities. We recognize that a steady job not only gives individuals a sense of purpose, but for people with disabilities, it also often plays an important role in helping to maintain good mental health and a sense of normality. In addition, the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was 15.0 percent in 2011, well above the figure of 8.7 percent for those with no disability. (Source: U.S. Dept of Labor Statistics) This disproportionately high rate of unemployment contributes greatly to the national cost of individual entitlements in the form of disability benefits and unemployment payments.Crossroads provides a full-range of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and job placement services for people with disabilities.  Through individualized services, our clients are able to successfully secure and maintain employment. Many of Crossroads’ facility services employees began first as Crossroads clients – struggling with a disability but yet having that desire to work and become more self-sufficient. With Crossroads’ help, they became employees of the organization; some have been with us for more than 30 years!The categories of services which we provide our clients with disabilities include:Create a PlanPrepare for WorkFind Your Job and Stay EmployedCreate a PlanEvery individual’s path in life is different – whether you are meant for a job in front of a computer or behind a lawn mower – having a sound plan is the first step towards success. At Crossroads, we will first conduct a vocational assessment with you – the first step to help you create a plan based on your interest, your skills, and your strengths. We will also consider any barriers you may have to finding a job, and help you outline the steps necessary to achieve your goals.If you are ready to create a job search plan, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Prepare for WorkWhether you are looking for a job for the very first time or want to retrain to make yourself more marketable in an increasingly competitive job market, Crossroads can help you prepare for this next step. Depending on your level of experience, your ability and capacity to work, you may need a variety of services so that you are best positioned for a successful job search. Crossroads can provide these services.From fundamental skills like filling out a job application and answering standard interview questions to acquiring specific technical skills like vocational training, Crossroads can provide comprehensive supportive services that individuals need to entering or re-entering the labor force.Services that Crossroads can provide to people with disabilities include:Filling out an applicationSoft skills trainingResume writingInterview prepJob retention strategiesIf you want to figure out what you need to be prepared for your first or your next job, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Find Your Job and Stay EmployedOnline job postings, word of mouth, “help wanted” signs on the windows of local retailers…there are so many different ways to find job opportunities. But how do you find the one that is right for you? For people with disabilities or other barriers, this task can be especially daunting.At Crossroads, we have nearly 35 years of experience in helping job seekers with special needs find appropriate employment. We seek and build relationships with local businesses that share our philosophy that hiring people with disabilities not only enriches our community, but also contributes to their bottom line.Crossroads has helped place quality job seekers with businesses like Safeway, Subway, Home Depot, JimBoys Tacos and other small and large local businesses. Depending on your needs and your eligibility, Crossroads may be able to provide additional services that will help you stay employed once you find your job, such as follow-along services to help coordinate employer accommodations. You may also qualify for transportation assistance, in which case Crossroads can provide public transportation vouchers.If you want to know if you qualify for job placement and ongoing support services, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Crossroads also a proud partner of Ticket to Work – an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket-to-Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999–legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain

Source: People with Disabilities – Crossroads Diversified