Business Partnerships    What are STRIVE partnerships with business? STRIVE networks with the business community to provide training and employment opportunities for students with learning disabilities Students participate in apprenticeships and employment in all occupational areas Businesses provide career awareness experiences (i.e., job shadowing, informational interviews, etc.) Community-based partnerships reinforce positive work related behaviors (i.e. following directions, completing assigned tasks, punctuality, dress for success, grooming) Students receive an incrementally based approach to a career and job skills training How does the program work? Through an employer - trainee relationship STRIVE provides: Meetings with the employer and STRIVE staff to identify the company's needs and determine requirements of specific jobs. Specific job requirements are matched with the specific skills and abilities of STRIVE students. Coordination of the placements, training and job supports of STRIVE trainees in the work place. Job coaching and supported employment to STRIVE trainees, employers, and co-workers throughout the placement. Follow-up services. What do employers provide? On-site class visits Job description/duties Job shadowing Informational interviews Job interviews Work opportunities On-the-job training Job mentoring Situational Assessments Why hire or train an individual from STRIVE, Inc.? Employers receive the following benefits: Individuals who are qualified, motivated, well trained workers Employees who have been pre-screened as to abilities Personalized matching of job requirements to qualified workers Regular supportive assistance and follow-up for co-workers, supervisors and trainees by STRIVE staff Immediate crisis - Consultation and Intervention to prevent employee-related problems Positive public relations Free on-the-job training by STRIVE, Inc. job coach Financial incentives when available through the Targeted Job Tax Credit provision American with Disabilities Act (ADA) information available upon request Job Accommodations Assistance Disability issues training for Employer and co-workers What are some of the businesses, community resources and training sites that STRIVE students have been placed in? U.S. Customs - Dulles Airport - Argenbright Security Fairfax County Government Center Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) White House Correspondence Department U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Historical Map Archives Cellular One Telecommunications Northern Virginia Community College Facilities Planning and Support Services, Library, Bookstore Fairfax County Park Authority, Wakefield Recreation Center VA Hospital, Washington, D.C. American Red Cross Sunrise Assisted Living Northern Virginia Training Center Lend-A-Paw Channel 10, Public TV Hechingers Home Depot National Gallery of Art First Virginia Bank Kelly Services Wal-Mart STRIVE has made job placements in the following areas: College bookstore, library, facilities planning and support services assistant Retail stocking, dressing room attendant, receiving and shipping, cashier, sales associate Supermarkets courtesy clerks, parcel pick-up, baggers, carts, bakery, stocking, register clerks, porters, produce and bakery clerks Restaurants food preparation, bus people, maintenance, buffet servers, dishwashers, hostess Manufacturing and Business mail room, invoicing, filing, recycling, maintenance, machine operation, data entry, other secretarial duties Hospital, American Red Cross, Nursing Homes, Airport data entry, patient transport, certified nursing assistant, therapeutic recreation aide, geriatric aide, security guards, transport assistant Additional Placements childcare assistant, library associates, data entry, animal care assistant, drivers, gas station attendant, receptionist, car phone installation, blacksmithing, public TV assistant, accountant, banking Benefits to STRIVE participants: the ability to work increases self-esteem development of marketable job skills link to non-paid and paid employment personalized match of skills to demands of the labor market increased independence and community involvement improved quality of life acquisition of skills for self-determination, independent living, education, and employment What is Community Service Learning? STRIVE students work as community volunteers in meaningful community service opportunities and projects, helping others and learning from those they serve. They develop job-related skills, behaviors, attitudes, interests, and insights that can be translated to future careers. STRIVE students roll up their sleeves, volunteering, working: To make a contribution to the community To serve others in need To find opportunities for positive community involvement To make a difference What are the benefits STRIVE students gain from Community Service Learning? Helps students redefine their lives by focusing on strengths to help other people Opportunity to view themselves as caregivers rather then care recipients Volunteering improves self-esteem Empowering LD students to help others through care, commitment and service Recognition for positive behavior for helping others is a cornerstone of service learning Those who see themselves as having nothing to contribute find that others value the simple gift of their time Give something back to the community Learn by serving others Where can STRIVE students volunteer for Community Service Learning activities? STRIVE's course Accessing Recreational, Cultural and Community Service Opportunities Homeless shelters, hospitals, schools, recreation centers, college Co-curricular college programs at NVCC College or in STD 100 (one credit course) Volunteer Center of Fairfax County Alexandria Volunteer Bureau Arlington Volunteer Bureau Who do I contact to find out more about the STRIVE partnerships with business? Contact: Cathy Corcoran corks2@aol.com or Dr. Jean Robinson 10903 Indian Head Hwy. Suite 201 Ft. Washington, MD 20744 (301) 292-7600 Fax: (301) 292-7602 All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble. - William S. Halsey