SKILLS, Inc. announces two new programs: community membership and career planning

SKILLS, Inc. has expanded its Community-based Services offerings to include Community Membership and its Employment Services line to include Career Planning. These two new services will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism explore their talents and interests, become actively involved in the community, and reach their full potential. SKILLS is now accepting referrals for both programs.

Community Membership services provide support for people to go out into their chosen community with the goal of becoming part of the community rather than living among it. People supported learn about volunteer and job opportunities, organizations they may want to join, classes they may want to take, or places where they would like to spend more time. Support is provided one-on-one or one-on-two so that the experience can truly be tailored to an individual’s interests and skills. SKILLS employees are certified Direct Support Professionals and have completed additional training on building relationships and community inclusion in order to offer the Community Membership service.

Career Planning helps people with the exploratory phases of job seeking such as visiting businesses and learning about skills required for different jobs. The Career Planning program operates on a flexible schedule and lasts 60 hours over a six-month timeframe. It culminates with a written Career Plan that includes a person’s skills, interests, and other factors that lead to success and which assist in finding a meaningful job. SKILLS’ Career Planning Program graduates are assisted with application completion and submission to Vocational Rehabilitation and in learning about potential work incentives.

SKILLS is a nonprofit organization in Maine helping people with intellectual disabilities and other challenges achieve their goals. The organization has administrative offices in St. Albans and offers services in communities throughout central Maine. For more information, visit www.skillsinc.net.