Causes: Job Training, Vocational Rehabilitation

Mission: Creative work systems empowers people with disabilities to live, work and be a part of their community. Through comprehensive vocational, developmental, and residential programs tailored to each person's needs, cws expands opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their potential and be treated with dignity, appreciation andrespect. Creative work systems envisions a world without barriers. We understand that all people have a valuable contribution to make to each other and to society. By combining this understanding with a standard of excellence throughout all creative work systems programs, we can make a positive and significant difference both for individuals and for the community.

Programs: Residential services provide support for individuals with disabilities in the individuals' homes or in cws residences, and range from 24-hour support to just a few hours each week. Residential services assist with social skills, community access, health and safety, household maintenance, self-advocacy, and many other needs in order to provide the most comprehensive and therapeutic support possible.

community day services enable people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in community life and to increase their self-reliance through activities that are enriching, meaningful and goal oriented. Day services are designed to maximize an individual's ability to manage everyday life activities in communities rich with resources. A variety of skill-building options are offered, in addition to readiness skills, volunteer opportunities, and means of artistic expression, all based upon individual needs.

independent living services are designed to maximize independence by providing support in an individual's home that is tailored to meet their needs. Services include assistance with household skills, personal care, and planning daily life activities. Highly trained direct service providers can help individuals connect with the community, build relationships, improve budgeting, access public transportation, and plan meals, among an array of other everyday tasks, based entirely upon an individual's needs.

the cws shared living program provides an option for individuals not yet ready for the challenges of independent living, yet who are seeking a less intensive environment than 24-hour residential service program. In the shared living model, a host provider opens his or her home to an individual program participant, offering a safe, compassionate environment in which the participant can experience community interaction within the security of familial support. The program provides an effective support system that offers an individual the opportunity to enhance essential life skills and increase self-esteem while also promoting social interaction and access to local resources. The cws acquired brain injury program provides the residential support necessary for people with abi to regain life skills. In addition, cws certified brain injury care coordinators are fully prepared to respond to immediate and long-term care needs, monitoring the health, welfareand safety of the individual and provide centralized resources for information and referrals. Cws employment services offers people with disabilities access to jobs in industries that meet their skills and interests. Cws helps job seekers focus their goals and prepare for their job search by providing assistance with career planning, career exploration, job readiness training, resume development and interview practice. Cws is one of first organizations in the country to develop an innovative social enterprise model that provides adults with intellectual disabilities valuable training and competitive employment. Yes art works, cultivation works, maine woodworks and culinary works are unique programs that help individuals develop skills, accrue valuable experience and earn much-needed income, increasing their independence, self-esteem and well-being, while enhancing their participation in the community.