The RAISE Road doesn’t lead to the Wizard of Oz but to the RAISE Wizards and Leadership Team of professionals, which includes local agencies and staff, trained volunteer coaches and specialists who present talks on different subjects, from developing communication skills to preparing for job interviews. Its program is designed to expand the horizon for young adults with special needs, most of whom are unemployed and living at home. Each step of the RAISE program links to the next with no cracks or gaping spaces. Unique in its approach, RAISE is built on a strong foundation-- knowledge of our community, attention to detail, professional experience, and understanding of and compassion for the participants. In 2017, my son, who had faced significant health challenges and had moved back home, was reluctant at first to participate in the RAISE program. However, he signed on at our urging and agreed to attend every weekly meeting. Each step he took on the RAISE path increased his confidence and courage to take THE BIG STEP to find a job in the outside world. Not long after he graduated from RAISE, he secured a position at UCF, working in the rare books division of the university library. RAISE had helped him rewrite his life's script.
Our team at Shalom Austin had the privilege of participating in a two-day training led by Loren and Rachel from Shalom Orlando’s RAISE program, and it was an incredibly enriching experience.
The training was filled with lively discussions and engaging storytelling, which sparked excitement and enthusiasm among our staff. Loren and Rachel shared real-world examples that made the concepts relatable and provided practical strategies for supporting adults with disabilities in the workforce. Their passion for inclusion was evident, making the sessions both inspiring and actionable.
I am especially excited about the Lunch and Learn curriculum, which focuses on teaching program participants social skills essential for workplace success. The opportunity to provide structured, supportive learning in this area is something I can’t wait to implement. Seeing how RAISE empowers individuals through education and job readiness is truly moving, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring this program to our own community in Austin.
I left the training feeling motivated and eager to launch our own RAISE program this year! I highly recommend RAISE from Shalom Orlando to any organization looking to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
First of all, let me start off expressing my gratitude for RAISE becoming a part of my daughter's life and ours. She is a participant on the older age side of this program. We have been a part of many Vocational Rehab programs with many counselors and employment opportunities over the years. Many social skills and her lack of communication has cost her jobs . RAISE is all about inclusion, personal growth and emotional well being. Their commitment to people with different abilities is genuine and rewarding. Parental involvement is a must, and when I attend the assigned events I feel the love from the amazing leadership for all of their attendees. Follow up at home with the skills that they cover on a weekly basis is also important for reinforcement. The next couple of months brings an unknown until we can see her successfully employed in the right situation. Thank you Rachel , Danielle, and the many other supporters for your leadership, vision and the impact this will hopefully help my daughter with in the future.
Judy Callan
RAISE is an exceptional program that offers a unique service to young adults with disabilities who need additional support to obtain employment. The program fills a gap in our community that traditional vocational rehab alone cannot meet. Participants are supported at two work sites twice weekly with a 1:1 job coach who helps them succeed over ~ 9 months. The program staff is outstanding, and the volunteer job coaches are also skilled, patient, and caring. Participants attend weekly social skills learning sessions, and parents are also engaged in additional training. My son is learning the responsibilities of employment, and we are discovering what jobs he can enjoy and be successful at. RAISE is giving him a meaningful opportunity to contribute as a young adult by becoming a productive employee in our community. The program provides the necessary support to many who could not achieve their employment goals without it. It's a difference-maker for everyone involved! Thank you, RAISE, for your vision, leadership, and the priceless impact you are making for young adults with disabilities.
My son Josh is currently involved with Raise. I have found this program to be exceptional. It is very organized offering him job placements with coaches, a weekly lunch and learn session to develop and reinforce social skills in his every day life and the work place. Josh has had jobs, but has lost them due to misunderstandings and/or his inability to handle hard or different things on the job. This program has taught him how to approach anything hard that comes his way in a positive and productive way. He has already advocated for himself in the workplace. In addition his confidence level has substantially improved allowing him to be more social and to take on a leadership role for others in the program. I am so grateful that he was invited to be part of this wonderful nonprofit program!
RAISE offered my son the opportunity to prove to himself that he is not only employable and capable of achievement in a job, but also that he brings value to the workplace. The Lunch and Learn sessions, beginning with basic social skills exercises and expanding on them weekly, have given him a skill set which prepares him for potential workplace scenarios, thereby providing a foundation of self-confidence. In a kind and caring atmosphere, the job coaches and workplace liaisons mentor and support my son's growth. They have challenged his capabilities and have expressed sincere appreciation for his work, fortifying his confidence and self-esteem. All of the staff at RAISE, guided by Rachel's extraordinary ability, are providing an invaluable service to my son and to the community.
My daughter Katherine is currently involved in this amazing program and I can’t say enough how awesome it is. When Katherine graduated from high school and no longer had the support of teachers and mentors I could see how it affected her as a young adult with a disability. She was an adult that had no idea how to navigate the world as expected of her and now and no longer could we help her as parents when it came to the professional world. This program was a Godsend and to say she has blossomed is an understatement. I am forever grateful for this team at RAISE for bringing out the best in Kat and seeing her confident and happy is just amazing!
The Raise program at Shalom Orlando is exceptional! It provides a transformative experience for its participants. For Hiram, it has fostered a profound sense of belonging, giving him something to look forward to each day, especially during his work hours and the enriching Lunch and Learn sessions. This program uplifts its participants and actively engages parents through monthly meetings, creating a supportive community where families can access valuable resources and learn ways to assist their loved ones better. The commitment and passion of team members Rachel, Lauren, Michelle, Jackie, Karen, Danielle, Alyssa, Papa Louie, Jackie, and Brandon are evident in every aspect of the program, making it a beacon of hope and inclusion.
Thank you for creating a meaningful and impactful program that makes a difference!
Linda Munoz
I am very grateful for Rachel, the job coaches and all of RAISE for the job skills, life lessons and guidance they have given my daughter Amanda on this journey. RAISE has given her a sense of accomplishment and her self esteem has grown because of her interactions at work with the RAISE team and her coworkers at the bakery.
It's wonderful to see Amanda apply all that she has learned and experienced in her day to day life. Her outlook for her future is definitely more positive now because of RAISE and the amazing and caring people involved.
My son, Mykle, is part of the RAISE Program. Although he has very limited verbal abilities, he is highly intelligent and physically fit. Through RAISE and the support of his amazing job coaches, he has gained many valuable skills and learned the importance of having a job and earning money.
Not only has he had the opportunity to work and earn his own income, but he has also developed important skills during the Monday Lunch and Learn sessions. Additionally, he has learned to interact with coworkers and build future friendships. This experience has been exceptional for him and has created an extension of family and friends that he will carry with him after graduation.
Being part of the Raise program has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have experienced with my daughter Alanis. Raise's commitment to people with different abilities is genuine, transparent and very rewarding. Feeling and being able to see that everything they do is with their heart in every detail fills me with joy and confidence. The inclusion of parents in this program is essential, which gives you even more confidence that you are undoubtedly in the right place.
I first heard about RAISE from a friend about a year before we contacted them. My friend suggested the RAISE program to me for my son who is on the Autism Spectrum. We finally decided to check the program out and apply. My son had applied and had two interviews. RAISE involves the family at all steps in the process. My was very excited to be accepted into the RAISE program The program teaches job skills, social skills, independent living skills, ways to speak up for yourself, how to be successful in a job and in social situations, and so much more. They care about each individual employee and their family liaison. They have a wonderful Lunch and :earn program for the employees and at least once a month they include the family liaisons in the program.
I cannot recommend this program enough. It is amazing and my son continues to grow and learn from it. WE are so lucky to be a part of the RAISE family.
My son Brandon has thrived at the Raise program . He looks forward to the lunch and learn. He also looks forward to his job sites and interactions with others. He has been more vocal at home and we are so happy with his time at Raise.
I have wanted to volunteer as a Job Coach since inception of Raise, Orlando. However, due to my working, I was unable to volunteer until this fall.
It has been a very rewarding experience, not only for me but also for all of the employee participants and other job coaches with whom I have been able to speak.
The leadership, Lauren and Rachel, are to be commended for the time they put into making this Shalom Orlando Raise program, with employees and their families, employers and their contact liasons, job coaches and Vocational Rehabilitation personnel. Success has been proven by greater than 90 % of employees who have gone through the program are employed, from what I have been told.
I have seen my employee, who I job coach, improve his social skills, interaction with others, his energy, ability to change from one task to another and independence when working in a food pantry.
We are so lucky to have such a program in our area to help special needs adults over 18 years of age, after going through an intensive interview, prepare to enter the work force.
It has been amazing watching the participants in the RAISE program as they develop and grow each year!
The progress most make from beginning to end is quite remarkable!
I have been volunteering at RAISE as a job coach for the last 4 months. RAISE is doing a great job supporting young people with disabilities to develop skills in work readiness. What differentiates RAISE from other volunteer activities I have participated in is the strong support RAISE gives to its volunteers to improve our skills to help the young employees we work with. We meet monthly to share experiences and to receive training from experts. We fill worksite reports after each work session to report on how our employee fared and any problems that arose. These are quickly and carefully reviewed by RAISE supervisors who provide useful feedback and suggestions for improving our abilities and outcomes. We also receive summaries of the skill development sessions that RAISE employees attend. This allows us to reinforce on the job the lessons they are learning in the classroom. The overall beneficiary of these extra efforts are the employees. It is so exciting to see them improve their abilities and confidence in themselves to work effectively!
The RAISE program is wonderful. As a longtime volunteer, I can tell you RAISE makes a huge difference in the lives of individuals with challenges. When a new RAISE employee starts working at a job with RAISE they are usually introverted, shy and unsure. After following the program, they blossom. They have confidence and feel self assured. All of my employees have gone onto to find jobs that they enjoy. This program works.
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This is my second year as a RAISE job coach and I truly wish I had volunteered years earlier. The amount of satisfaction I receive from knowing I am assisting a wonderful well deserving individual find confidence and independence is incredible. The RAISE program prepares their employees not just for employment but helps with all aspects of daily life by improving social, organizational and self-assertion skills.
Lastly, once you are a RAISE participant and/or coach, you become part of their family and are always welcome back at various events. I am very lucky to be a part of the RAISE family.
I have been a volunteer job coach with RAISE for 7 years. These young adults are taught social and work related skills during their weekly jobs and through interactive workshops with the other special employees. Their family and family liaisons are also actively involved providing them with the tools to encourage their children to become productive and independent members of society. Grateful to be a part of this journey. Seeing the pride and confidence these young adults have attained over the course of the program is so rewarding to all of us involved with RAISE.
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As a volunteer job coach with RAISE for the past 4 years, I continue to feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked with 4 young adults with special needs. Through the program, I help to reinforce the social and work related skills that are being taught through weekly sessions, work sites and more recently weekly meetings via Zoom (due to the pandemic).
The progress that occurs within the 6-12 month training is extremely rewarding, knowing that these individuals can progress towards their future with confidence, independence and a sense of pride of what they can accomplish to make a difference in this world.
The prior 3 people that I've worked with were able to seek employment after completion of the RAISE program. The gratification that I personally feel towards them inspires me to believe that each of us can help to make a difference in someone's life.
I’m the parent of a young man with Asperger. He was diagnosed at age 8 we was told it would get better but never go away. I worried about my son because he didn’t have any friends or the desire to be around other people. His conversation is one word answers if he even answers. He’s 22 now and still has the same problem. I was watching the news and saw a clip about raise and decided to give them a call. Best thing I could have ever done. The program is giving my son and my husband and I the tools to help him express his self more among other things. He communicates with us more and comes out of his room to spend time with the family more and we’re so grateful. He’s excited to get up and go to work at the bistro raise assigned him to. He is still in the program. Can’t stress enough how grateful we ar. Thank you raise for all you do.
The Davis family.
As our son finished his high school career, we began to realize that his options were limited. He has special needs and we weren’t aware of any programs out there that would be fitting for him. Fortunately, through resources at UCF CARD, we were introduced to the RAISE Program through Shalom Orlando. This program is unique in this area and specializes in young adults with special needs, helping them to gain social skills, employability, and on-the-job training. We are new to this program, but we have already seen great improvements in our son’s future outlook and his confidence. We are hopeful that the program will prepare him for employment in the future and we are certain that this program will help many families like ours in the future.
RAISE does an amazing job helping adults with disabilities gain the confidence they need to be successful in the workforce. The commitment of their dedicated group of volunteers allows the experience to be personalized to meet the needs of each participant.
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RAISE is a great organization that helps neurodiverse individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the competitive workforce. I am honored to work directly with all RAISE participants and their families. This has been especially meaningful and fulfilling.
Thank you RAISE for helping to build inclusion in Central Florida and beyond.
RAISE has been a wonderful opportunity for my daughter. The volunteers that assist these young adults are wonderful.
Having grown up with a brother that was neurodiverse, I can say this is an amazing program with such compassionate individuals leading the charge.
If you have a loved one who would benefit from the RAISE program, don’t think twice. And if you’re a business owner, and can volunteer some time, it’s well worth it!
Central Florida is full of non profits making meaningful and important work. For me and my family, Shalom Orlando is by far the best. As an agency built on Jewish values their impact is far from exclusively Jewish. From the youngest members of our society, those with special needs, seniors, adults, teens and everyone in between Shalom Orlando is a safe and caring community.
My daughter is participating now in the RAISE program.
RAISE really helped and still helps a lot .
Rachel does an amazing job - both in the meetings and in the follow-up outside the meetings.
Volunteers Shelly and Linda are amazing. Help and support.
Without RAISE my daughter had no one to turn to. They raised her confidence in herself despite all the obstacles.
Thank you so much.
Dorit
Ben, my adult son with Asperger’s participated in the RAISE employment program and for the first time excelled in a work environment. He worked in the dining hall of an assisted living facility and helped set the tables and interact with the elderly residents. The RAISE job coach made sure that Ben was comfortable and successful in performing the required tasks. After just a couple months, the job coach said that Ben was capable to handle the job on his own. He was so proud of himself and I could see his self confidence improve. Ben told me that the residents liked him and that he enjoyed chatting with them during mealtime. He also said that they liked his generous pours of wine!
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My son, who has Aspergers, enrolled in RAISE a few years ago and it was the first time he had success in a job. He was already well into his 20’s and had tried a variety of paid and volunteer jobs, some with coaching. If you’re reading this, you too probably have a unique child who finds it challenging to fit into a workplace. I almost couldn’t believe my son’s success in his job working in the dining room of an independent living facility. His RAISE coach encouraged him and supported his strengths so that not only did he excel at setting the tables but he also interacted positively with the residents. He would come home after his shift and tell me about the conversations he had with the residents and the other staff. I could see his self esteem improve. His RAISE coach soon determined that he was performing his job responsibilities successfully on his own and didn’t need her help anymore. I give credit to the well organized, practical, supportive, and respectful RAISE program that enabled my son to have a positive and successful work experience.
It has been such a meaningful experience to be a RAISE sponsor for many years. Having had a brother with a disability, I am so grateful to RAISE and the work they are doing to build inclusion in Orlando and beyond. The gift I give also brings me joy as I continue to hear about the program and its successful outcomes in preparing adults for employment. The employee success stories are heartwarming and wonderful. Thank you RAISE for making a difference in the lives of others and for allowing me the chance to feel so good about giving. I am incredibly grateful for all the incredible work they do for so many.
To say that RAISE is a great non-profit is an understatement. They literally transform the lives of not only the employee participating in the program, but the employee's family and the volunteers' lives as well. Teaching life skills, social skills and employment skills that are invaluable to us all, and vital to the population RAISE serves, this team has changed our lives.
My role as a job coach within the RAISE program has been one of the most important and rewarding volunteer experiences of my life. RAISE provides a multidimensional program of instruction, mentoring, close guidance, and opportunities for peer interaction to young adults with special needs and disabilities. Working one-on-one with someone to overcome fears, boost confidence, reinforce workplace etiquette, and impart job-oriented problem-solving skills is very gratifying. Nothing can compare to seeing these young adults improve their communication and social skills and move forward into employment opportunities as contributing members of society.
I have been volunteer in RAISE for 6 years and it has been a great experience for me in seeing how the employees have developed self confidence and new skills which help them to get new jobs, RAISE is really a light in our community that shines the lives of the individuals with special needs, which guides them to achieve their goals in being independent, also in being volunteer I have gained new skills in my field as provider of services for people with disabilities.
Thank you RAISE for being a blessing in our community.
RAISE is an amazing organization that benefits the entire community! We would not have been able to have had a successful year if not for the wonderful contributions made by the RASIE employees we were partnered with. We saw tremendous growth in the employees over the course of the year and got to celebrate alongside them and they acquired their next paid position.
Rebecca was accepted to the RAISE program. She was very shy, had difficulty looking and interacting with others. The RAISE program helped her to grow, have more confidence and believe she could do whatever she set her mind to. Yesterday at her graduation from RAISE, as she walked in the room you could really tell the difference in her from when she started. The program taught them how to interact, role play in situations, interviewing and the list goes on. I am so proud of Rebecca and how much she learned from this program. RAISE truly gave her the tools to get a job and the support to speak on her behalf. I am not sure where Rebecca would be right now if it wasn't for the RAISE program. They are a blessing to the community. Thank you Loren London and Rachel Slavkin. Your hard work shows through each person you have helped. RAISE is truly a family that keeps giving. Sheri Fluke, Rebecca's mom.
Anthony learned so much from RAISE. He is now independently working at a gym as a janitor. And with out RAISE I know we weren’t able to make this milestone! I appreciate every minute you guys spend w Anthony during those 9 months and we wish that this organization last for ever and ever!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Recognizing Abilities & Inclusion of Special Employees aka RAISE represents an organization committed to making a difference in a young person’s life for the rest of their lives. RAISE stands for everything I’ve ever believed in for my daughter, which is “Inclusion” for the neurodiverse population. Inclusion is not only important within the school system but also when they transition into adulthood. RAISE promotes respect for the neurodiverse who would otherwise never have an opportunity to show the world their real talents. Their weekly “Lunch & Learn” sessions provide them with the tools they need to not only become employable but also to maintain employment. It teaches them work ethics and on-the-job social skills. In addition they offer workshops for parents as well as endless resources. I applaud the Founder Loren London for starting up this unique program, Rachel Slavkin for going above and beyond her 40 hours, their Advisory Team, UCF Volunteers and Job coaches who volunteered their time to make this program a success. I am honored and grateful to say my daughter is part of the RAISE Family!!
I was part of this program as an employee from 2022-2023 and it has helped me so much. I learned communication skills and job preparation/interviewing skills. I now have much more self-confidence thanks to this program. Anyone who I have worked with throughout the program has been very respectful and helpful to me. Anytime that I didn't understand something they always answered me right away and explained it very well. Thanks to all of the support I have received from RAISE I am now working full time with Amazon. Thank you Lauren for establishing this program, without your vision and creation this would have never been possible. I am proud to be part of this program and will continue to be part of the RAISE family.
I have been fortunate in my career spanning the past 40 years to be involved with developing, supervising and presenting nationally on training programs for persons with disabilities. Since day 1, I have watched the positive impact RAISE has had and will continue to have on job coaches, families, employees and the community. Initially, my plan was to help RAISE get started but once I became involved the desire to continue outweighed other options. Thank you RAISE for the gifts bestowed to so many, including me.
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As the Program Advisor to RAISE I have had the distinct pleasure since its inception of being involved in a unique program addressing a significant void in Orlando’s community. For my entire professional career (35+ years) I had been researching, designing, and implementing job training programs at the middle school, high school, post-secondary levels and for adults with special needs. The purpose of these programs was to develop the necessary work skills essential to promoting successful employment. There are many keys to being successful in a job…and it goes far beyond learning the skills required to perform the tasks assigned. This is one area where RAISE separates itself from other programs. The RAISE Leadership Team has developed a curriculum in collaboration with Social Bridges that includes a weekly social skills class with the employees, where the job coaches reinforce on the job site the skills taught. The #1 reason any employee loses their job is they lack sufficient social skills in the areas of communication, empathy and rapport, interpersonal relationships with others on the job, problem solving and accountability. The social skills curriculum is one of the many components to RAISE which have resulted in an extraordinarily successful program.
RAISE has my unqualified recommendation for its design, implementation, and the flexibility it has demonstrated since its inception to continually reflect and model what I know are best practices in a job training program.
What I am most grateful for are the relationships I have experienced and seen develop amongst everyone associated with the RAISE family. There are many opportunities I have had in my career, but none have been more satisfying on so many levels.
Ken Schneider
former Director of Exceptional Education and Student Services with Orange County Public Schools
I volunteered to be a job coach at Raise after retiring as an adult educator. I've had many students over the years who struggled to succeed in basic employment. This program is ideally suited for people with employment challenges. The Raise support system is fantastic, as it provides employees a safe environment in which to develop skills, build confidence, and practice social interactions. The weekly Lunch and Learn sessions provided basic job skills for the employees and gave me valuable guidance in coaching. It was truly amazing to observe the changes in the young man I coached from October to May. I'm looking forward to another great year with the Raise team.
Our son was accepted in to the RAISE program and was extremely nervous about the experience. He worked with the staff and was quickly placed with a few opportunities. Some of these he enjoyed and others he did not. RAISE staff supported him through the entire process and made sure he was comfortable. In the end, our son had an extremely positive experience and now has a job. Thank you RAISE for the caring support you offer everyday!
I am honored to be associated with the RAISE program. I initially began my association working as a job coach. I found the work personally and professionally rewarding. As the program provided opportunities for exponential growth with our employees and their families, it was extremely rewarding to be part of such an impactful experience. Employees learned viable skills that directly correlated with an increase in their confidence, which eased the transition into the competitive job market. Currently, as a member of the leadership team, I am honored to part of a group that strives to maintain an employee centered approach, seeking a level of excellence that is unprecedented in my opinion.
Amy Weston, LMHC
RAISE is a great organization that cares for its members and wants to help them succeed. Wonderful organization and team.
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Through my work as a job coach with DiscoverABILITY, I have had the privilege to work with RAISE as a community partner. RAISE truly cares about each of its participants and treats them like family, helping them gain the necessary skills to be contributing members of their local community.
Great organization with a great mission helping adults with disabilities gain the knowledge and skills to integrate into the workforce!
I had a great experience during my job training with Raise.
This program opened many doors, and gave me the opportunity to learn new skills.
The things that, I learned when, I was at RAISE is we talked about texting and calling, and emailing our job coaches and our work site liaisons, using our stay clam plans to control our emotions, and using our red light and green light cues at the lunch and learn. While, I was at the JCC Fitness Center, I learned how to sanitize the workout machines and the equipment and cleaning the floors in the JCC Gymnasium and doing the laundry, and folding the towels. Finally, when, I was at Congregation Ohev Shalom, I learned how to set up for the services and the banquets and did office work.
I'm currently a volunteer/intern with RAISE and have been for the past two years. I truly love this organization and have had the privilege of watching it grow and prosper. Not only is everyone involved in this organization so passionate, but they really care about each of the participants and helping them. The weekly lunch and learn sessions have excellent materials that I can see make a huge impact. This is really a great organization that I would recommend to anyone who needed it!!
When I began college as a freshman at the University of Central Florida, a friend of mine told me about RAISE's mission and I was instantly intrigued. I am beyond grateful for the time I had as an intern with RAISE during my undergraduate years. I had the opportunity to work with three different, and amazing, groups of participants and can say that I have first-hand seen the wonderful and tangible benefits that each participant can gain from being a part of the RAISE program. From social skills, to self-advocacy, to interview practice, RAISE gives its participants the education and opportunity to grow week after week. The environment of RAISE is welcoming and supportive, for both the RAISE participants as well as their support systems. The staff at raise are engaging, professional, and extremely hands-on. RAISE is a family, and once you are a part of it, you are a part of it forever.
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When I began college as a freshman at the University of Central Florida, a friend of mine told me about RAISE's mission and I was instantly intrigued. Now, as a senior - almost 4 years later, I could not feel more grateful for my experience with RAISE as an intern during my time in college. I have worked with three different, and amazing, groups of participants and can say that I have first-hand seen the wonderful and tangible benefits that each participant can gain from being a part of the RAISE program. From social skills, to self-advocacy, to interview practice, RAISE gives its participants the education and opportunity to grow week after week. The environment of RAISE is welcoming and supportive, for both the RAISE participants as well as their support systems. RAISE is a family, and once you are a part of it, you are a part of it forever.
RAISE is an incredible organization that fosters growth, learning, and life skills in a community often neglected. To be able to give adults with disabilities the opportunity to not only get a job in the community, but to teach them valuable lessons about workplace environment, resume building, life skills, and then help them find a job after graduating from the RAISE program is remarkable. We are lucky to have RAISE in our community and I hope RAISE expands beyond Orlando, so that everyone has the opportunity to RAISE up their own community.
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About 5 months ago due to the covid virus, RAISE came up with a new format to continue to mentor our special needs employees. Instead of meeting in person once a week for 3 hrs., we now meet via facetime for 15 to 30 minutes.
After a few meetings with Steven (fictious name) I was assigned to work with, I didn't think he was grasping the communication skills we were trying to teach. Not meeting in person was making it more difficult for him. And to make matters worse, the lesson was not an easy one to get. In order to get a job he was going to have to learn this. I was starting to think he couldn't do it. The RAISE Director of Employment and Education encouraged me to keep trying and Steven was really trying hard. So I continued. It took weeks before he started to understand. He just needed a lot more time and a lot more repetition to understand the concepts. He does not always get the answers right and guesses a lot but basically he is doing well. He now grasps most of the information. I do believe he will be able to learn the rest. His mother has been in the background and I do believe she has helped him too. Parents are very important to this program.
I learned a lesson myself. Never give up.
RAISE, for my family, is more than a group of caring, competent adults with a vision for building a more equitable and accessible pathway for young adults with disabilities to find their niche in their environment. RAISE touched our life personally. Their genuine willingness to see each person within their individual matrix made the guidance received personal, relevant and most of all their approach enhances the young adult's ability to trust.
I am the grandmother of a young adult who joined the RAISE family in 2015. I still have conversations in my head when I ponder how I might respond to what is currently happening with my granddaughter, "What would Rachael advise or how would Carol see this?" Their shared wisdom has also made me grow!!
We first learned about the RAISE program through UCF CARD, and are so thankful for this opportunity for our son, Nicolas. This amazing non-profit is the precious fruit of years of tireless commitment to this growing population of awesome people who need this type of service! Everyone that I and my son have encountered are friendly, encouraging, and resourceful. The RAISE program that he has been in since August 2020, during the pandemic, from what I understand, is different from what the program usually entails, for obvious reasons. But, for this organization to be committed to still offer the high-quality programming they do, during a time such as this, is amazing and impressive in itself. The program is well organized, structured, and according to my son, has taught him “important life and job skills in a supportive and friendly environment.” There are many wonderful people in this program, from the individuals that conduct the ZOOM training, as well as the Coach he meets with once a week, via Facetime. We can see how much Nicolas has grown in this short period, as his self-esteem and confidence is greater, as well as his communication skills, overall.
For me, this program has been a great partnership and I have welcomed the support I personally have received as a Family Liaison. Every week, we receive from Rachel Slavin, RAISE Director of Employment Services & Education, a very detailed update on what was covered in the weekly Zoom session so that we, too can continue working on these skills at home. I have also been able to attend the support group, RAISE YOUR VOICE, which is led by Carol Miller, LCSW and Co-founder of Social Bridges, which is always very informative, and comforting to have emotional support as well.
I highly recommend the RAISE program to those individuals with a disability and their families, and it is my hope they bless your family as much as they have blessed ours.
I can not say enough about every single person involved in this program, my son Joseph is a changed person. I will always do what I can to help them, recently I lost my husband, and Joseph lost his Dad, because of this program I feel that Joseph will be able to go into the work place and be successful.
Coral Martinez
I hired a RAISE graduate back in 2017, and she has been an absolute joy to our real estate team. She is friendly, professional, organized and punctual. All skills she acquired with the RAISE program. Kenya's joy is infectious, and will put a smile on anyone's face. We look forward to working with her for many years to come. Keep up the outstanding work you do RAISE!!!
Such amazing work Loren and Rachel. I am so proud of what you and your team have accomplished over the years. It has been nothing short of extraordinary to watch your growth and to see firsthand the lives you have changed. I am sure the list is endless with the many families you have guided and nurtured, both students and volunteers. RAISE is a gift to all of those people as well as our entire community. Thank you for your continued passion and commitment.
Sharon White
3-10-21
Raise program was so beneficial for my son with disabilities. He learned so many skills and most importantly he gained confidence that he could work at a job and have a purpose. My son Nicholas achieved the necessary skills to be able to get a job and he is currently working independently at a retirement community for almost 2 years. He learned coping strategies that have helped him in all areas of his life. He also enjoyed developing friendships and being connected to a community that supported him. We are so thankful for Raise program and how it has blessed our lives.
What an amazing program! The materials presented and practiced in RAISE each week not only will be extremely helpful to our son's employment success, but to his life success as well. Every Monday, as we listen to the instructors interact with our son and the other students, our hearts are truly warmed by their compassion and patience, and so very impressed with their professionalism and technique, and the proficiency with which the classes are taught. We are so grateful our son has been able to take part in RAISE.
My son was part of the RAISE program in 2019 and it helped him so much. This wonderful program gave him a chance to get his first job. They build up the employees self esteem, teach them how to behave at their job site and to learn work ethics; they give them an opportunity to become more independent and a productive member of society. The whole staff was very loving, caring and patient with my son. Overall it was an amazing opportunity that helped him mature and I am forever thankful. I would recommend it to anyone that has a special needs person in their life. Vera Mendonca
We found out late Bradley was in the spectrum. We found RAISE and through this program he was able to socially cope and ultimately get a job at Publix. We are grateful beyond words!
Inspired Generations is very proud to be a corporate sponsor of RAISE for the past seven years. We've watched RAISE's devoted team create thoughtful & successful programming that provides life-changing opportunities for so many deserving young adults with disabilities within the community. The success of the program is measured in many ways; but we see lots of smiles and happy hearts and know that RAISE is just the kind of programming we love to support.
I have been blown away by the impact that RAISE has on its community of participants. It is incredible to watch this organization give people skills that empower them to lead more independent lives. The organization teaches us to recognize the distinct value that each individual brings to those around them.
As a donor, we are so happy to support RAISE each year since we continue to see the impact it has had on our entire community. Before the pandemic closed the doors of the Dick and Dottie's Place, a cafe in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center in Maitland, we were particularly touched to see RAISE employees working in the cafe and helping customers. RAISE is the first program for adults with special needs in our Jewish community that pays their participants to work at partnering agencies! The fact that RAISE continues to prepare adults with special needs for competitive employment makes it even more valuable now as we make our way to the other side of this pandemic.
It was a great experience, learned a lot of job etiquette and had wonderful job coaches/liaisons. The lunch and learns were also great. It was nice to see the other employees and hear from guest speakers. Overall, wonderful experience!
My son participated in the RAISE program that helped to improve his Social Skills . It gave him more confidence and helped his self advocacy.
The program works closely with families as well. It is a wonderful program.
As a Job Coach with the RAISE program I have been privileged to work with and learn from
the leaders and professionals of the RAISE Team. I have learned from my students and their families, and from the staff at the agencies we are affiliated with.
What have I learned and experienced? A greater respect for everyone’s amazing potential, the value of patience, and the value of persistence.
I have been awed by the growth of my employees. They are like buds that blossom. I have shared in the amazement of their families as they watch their growth. And I have felt satisfied that by participating in RAISE I have been part of a worthwhile and meaningful effort.
My son is 22 yrs old and graduated from high school in May 2020. He began attending the "virtual" RAISE Your Skills program during the Covid quarantine shutdown. I have been so impressed by the leadership and guidance of the staff as they teach important social skills for future work environments, the creativity and positive learning style is to be commended. My son looks forward to attending weekly and is gaining confidence practicing the new skills into his daily interactions with family and friends. The RAISE program provides a valuable service to individuals, the community, and their families by preparing these young adults for future work environments.
Years ago, I met and explored the concept of RAISE with Loren London, founder and Director of RAISE, when it was an evolving concept for supporting adults with special needs in the workplace. As the Director of Social Bridges, over the years, it has been my privilege to be involved with RAISE as a Community Partner and to serve on the Leadership Team. Watching RAISE grow under the guidance of experienced professionals and amazing volunteers continues to be an incredibly fulfilling experience. I especially appreciate the program's ability to recognize the needs of our participants and their families and create new ways of supporting the program - wide "RAISE family." For example, when we recognized that additional connection and support between the family liaisons (parents or family members of RAISE or RAISE Your Skills participants) could be helpful, we created RAISE Your Voice. When the pandemic hit, we pivoted to offer virtual services. I am proud of the wonderful ways RAISE continues to stretch and grow to support our participants, employees and their families within our community.
This program is amazing and human too.. My son Marc Davenport feels happy and safe..
He is more open to other people in the real life( talking more)...
Thank you again for the extraordinary job with my lovely son.
Raise has helped guide my son, it’s a real life practice! They learn how to advocate for themselves and to know how to do an interview! The team is awesome and the communication is great! Thank you Raise for your guidance and support!
RAISE is an amazing organization in which to partner. They do a wonderful job of preparing their employees and ensure they set everyone up for success. It was a huge added value to our preschool. We love our RAISE employees!
The Team at RAISE is fantastic! We are so grateful to have participated in this program. My daughter, Isabelle, learned so much during her time at RAISE: responsibility, social skills, professional skills, and self-advocacy. Everyone, both at RAISE and the JCC, was kind, patient, and a valuable source of information and feedback. The wonderful thing about this program is that everyone is involved as a unit. During the pandemic, RAISE found ways to keep everyone engaged and developed new ways to advance skills. In addition, they recognized that the pandemic would increase anxiety among our kids so new sessions were introduced to help our kids cope with and address those issues. RAISE reached out to those of us who had already gone through the program. Without a doubt, the RAISE program is an invaluable program for the whole community. I can't thank them enough for all that they did and continue doing for my daughter.
The RAISE program helped me find a job that I really loved. (Because of COVID, I have since left this job.). The program taught me skills that I learned when I worked there. The teachers and job coaches are really friendly and helpful. I have made a lot of new friends, learned so much and I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to find their dream job.
Caitlin C.
RAISE is a phenomenal organization. With a firm foundation built on kindness and expertise, young adults with disabilities are able not only able to access meaningful employment opportunities, but to have on-site coaching and off-site education to facilitate successful outcomes. My daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, had an amazing experience with RAISE and absolutely loved it. Add to that the resources and expertise provided to parents/caregivers to help them navigate through the often complicated world of supporting/raising a young adult with disabilities and we have nothing but praise and gratitude for this wonderful organization.
I began my association with the RAISE Program as a Job Coach. Now, as a member of the Leadership Team, I am proud to play a role in helping the RAISE Employees grow in self confidence and become more independent. It has been so rewarding to see the RAISE Employees become more self-sufficient, self-assertive and successful in entering the work force.
Bill Yahner, M.Ed.
Special Education Instructor, Retired
It has been my pleasure to work with a young adult and to help him become more prepared to enter the workforce. Raise is providing an invaluable service for special needs adults by giving them the tools they need to succeed in a competitive world.
My daughter, Kenya Matthews is a graduate of the RAISE Program. She was born mentally challenged and she is currently 46 years old. She is a High School graduate and has one year of college. Kenya is an only child and I am a single parent, being independent is important to us. Kenya worked as a Teacher's Assistant for eleven years until she was laid off. She was unemployed for six years until we found out about the RAISE Program where she improved her work and social skills. Kenya is currently employed as an Office Assistant and we are grateful to the RAISE Program for the opportunity.
My daughter, was part of the RAISE program 2016-2017. Being on the Autism Spectrum made social and school life very challenging for her. It was difficult to consider work opportunities for her, knowing her struggles.
RAISE made a huge difference for her! Volunteers helped to train and guide her in work skills and appropriate work behavior. She also benefited from social skills training. Today she is employed as a preschool assistant teacher. She is very patient with her children and is an asset for the preschool. The RAISE program allowed my daughter to develop the skills she needed to be able to work and grow in her abilities. We are truly grateful for this program!
As a supervisor to RAISE employees for over two years. I can say that watching these employees progress and add community to our organization benefits us a great deal. The level of support from RAISE, as well as the great work-ethic from employees is simply amazing. This program is important for the Orlando community and the interaction gained really brought light into our community center. I highly recommend RAISE to community partners.
For the past seven years I have volunteered as a job coach with RAISE. This has been an extension of my professional life as an educator. Through the years I have guided our participants in a variety of jobs: stocking the food pantry, sanitizing exercise equipment, working in a library, serving and cleaning up in a dining room, assisting in a school art room, and doing housekeeping in an apartment building. In each case, my personal gratification has come as our participants gain confidence and recognize their strengths.
I've been part of RAISE since its inception and realize the important role the organization is playing in the lives of a "forgotten" group. Three times a week our participants have someplace to go and something to do. They have to interact with others. They are learning job skills and also social skills. They have to follow directions and fill out time sheets. Ultimately they become productive members in the community and find more fulfillment in their own lives.
As an employee of the RAISE Program, I feel honored. It was a wonderful experience. It give me building blocks for self-esteem, self advocacy, and self-determination. I learned social expectations in a workplace, the importance of following directions at a workplace, phone etiquette, and peer-relationships. Through their help and encouragement and all that I have learned in the RAISE program, I was able to obtain employment. It is a blessing that I have been in the RAISE Program and continue to be in the RAISE family.
The RAISE program has been a wonderful experience for my daughter Regina. She attended the RAISE program in 2017. Regina gained skills for successful peer relations, team building, self-advocacy and skills in writing resumes and interviewing for employment. The RAISE program consistently gives encouragement, emotional support and guidance. Regina has been working for the school system and is considered a model employee. As a parent, I am forever grateful for the RAISE program and how beneficial it has been for Regina.
It is an honor to continue to be a part of the RAISE family and they will be forever in our hearts.
My son participated in this program in 2018. Through the skills taught at the lunch and learns and the help he received from his job coaches and the counselors he has been able to go out and seek employment at an assisted living facility here in town. With the help of RAISE and their volunteers I have seen not only his confidence grow, but also his self esteem as he no longer feels that he is "less than". Not only did they give him the tools, but also the courage, to use his voice instead of me needing to use mine. I recommend this program to friends and co-workers every chance I get.
The level of support that Raise provides its program participants goes above and beyond what can be found elsewhere in the community. As an Employment Specialist with community partner DiscoverAbility, my job is to help place Raise participants in jobs as they approach completion of their work experiences with Raise. The countless hours of training and coaching they have received from Raise supervisors, job coaches, and support staff in both hard skills and soft skills fully prepares them for their transition into independent employment!
Our son was very fortunate to be a RAISE employee in 2016. To this day, the amazing facilitators keep us within their extended family’s embrace. He gained many skills through the program that helped him in his work-life. AND he has been living on his own now for several years! We credit these huge strides to the confidence he gained through this truly remarkable program.