Job Path Inc

Programs: Supported livingjob path's supported living program provides individualized supports to enable people to establish their own homes. The program is designed to provide an alternative to the group home model, particularly for people with more complex support needs who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live in their own homes. Established in the early 1990s, today the program supports 44 people who are living in their own apartments throughout new york city. This number has grown steadily over the years, though slowly, because we work one person at a time to find the right housing and service configuration to ensure that each individual thrives.

employmentestablished in 1978, job path was a pioneer in the development of strategies to help people with developmental disabilities find stable, satisfying employment. While today we operate a range of efforts designed to help people contribute to community life, employment remains at the heart of our work. Our employment programs support more than 300 people, and we partner with scores of businesses across new york city. Customized employment techniques provide the foundation for our work. This approach provides strategies for pinpointing the specific skills and talents people can bring to the workforce and for working with businesses to create jobs that meet the needs of both the job seeker and the employer. Within the scope of our employment department, we operate a number of specialized projects including a series of efforts working with young people in special education and our consortium for customized employment, a network of 10 service providers and more than 40 businesses that work together to increase employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Our newest effort is project next step, which is focused helping people who are working to advance in their careers and earn more money.

day supports (community supports/life coaching)job path's day programs are equally individualized. The programs support 91 people, but each one has her own schedule of activities: volunteer work, classes and/or college, a fitness routine and other community involvements. Our day services are not intended as an alternative to employment. Almost half of our enrollees split their week between part-time paid employment and other community activities. Many of those who aren't now working are seeking employment with the help of our employment program. A special component of our day services (life coaching) is designed for people with autism, many of whom do not have intellectual disabilities, but need significant support around socialization and communication. In addition to helping these individuals become involved in their communities, about ten people are attending college with the support of life coaching mentors. Several individuals have obtained degrees--and employment--over the past few years.

other programsjob path's medicaid service coordinators help individuals put in place the support services they need to lead their lives. In addition, the mscs help people and their families navigate complex systems like social security, medicaid and food stamps, so that they have the stable benefits these programs provide. The department supports 161 people. We have several arts programs: art anonymous for visual artists, the outside voices theater company and poets of course. Finally, job path's harlem-based urban innovations effort supports residents of that community as they contribute to a range of local efforts with community gardens, arts organizations and other civic groups.