Gain & Sustain Employment

To be financially stable, people must have steady jobs and sufficient income to support themselves and their families. This sentiment was echoed by the respondents to the UWMC Basic Needs survey in which 100% of those who participated noted employment and income as the barrier for their clients in achieving self-sufficiency. Employment was also noted by 76.3% of respondents to the UWMC Community Leaders Survey as either a very serious or somewhat serious issue for people with disabilities. The US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy also recognizes the advantages of employment for people with disabilities and mental illness through supported employment programs citing the benefits of social interaction and integration, increased self-esteem, consumer empowerment, quality of life and independence. Through focusing on programs that overcome the different obstacles people face to gain employment, we can enable individuals to gain or strengthen the skills necessary to obtain and maintain a job, to advance at their current workplace or to secure a better job elsewhere.