Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County

Target demographics: Adults (over 18) who have been diagnosed with a disability.

Geographic areas served: Armstrong and Butler Counties

Programs: Small Group Employment: Trainees enrolled in Small Group Employment have gained the skillset to work in any type of environment. For example, trainees travel to a business’s location and assist with a project that needs additional manpower or can regularly assist an employer with ongoing needs. Trainees have worked in such locations as restaurants, hotels, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, and many more. PWAC also offers commercial cleaning services and commercial and residential lawn services. Individuals who are enrolled in Small Group Employment provide services under the direct supervision of staff at a 1:2-3 ratio and all trainees are paid at least minimum wage for their work. Pre-Vocational Services: Trainees enrolled in Pre-Vocational Services work on varying contracts typically dealing with assembly, packaging, mailings, inspections, and wood-working. Work completed by the trainees is counted through a time study (paid at piece-rate), which ensures they are compensated effectively, and that companies are charged fairly. Based on the work needed by different businesses, trainees have a wide opportunity to learn new skills. Supportive Employment: Trainees who are enrolled in Supportive Employment are aided by PWAC staff in finding jobs in the community. Once employment is secured, supervision is maintained until the trainee and employer are comfortable with the arrangement. Periodical check-ins continue to ensure an agreeable working relationship and environment. Adult Achievement Center: The Adult Achievement Center (AAC) is an adult training program serving individuals looking to be active members of their community. The goal of the AAC is to enable individuals to achieve their optimum level of independence and lead happy and productive lives. The AAC provides a daily combination of the following: • Lessons from a socialization/interpersonal curriculum with hands on experiences to reinforce newly learned skills ; • Group lessons that capture current events that individuals can relate to; • Academic activities (math, reading, letter recognition, writing practice, color recognition, etc.); • Gross and fine motor activities; • Low impact physical activities; • Work experiences as well as volunteer opportunities in the community; • Explore community resources and learn how to access community resources.