CEL’s Employment Program Chips Away at Daunting 85% Unemployment Rate for People with Developmental Disabilities

Last fall, Scott started volunteering at the Center for Enriched Living, a social, recreational and educational center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteering with members in the REACH Adult Day Program, Scott was able to use his experience as a janitor to help guide CEL members through the daily tasks in Janitorial Training.

Scott had been a janitor for many years so this seemed like a perfect match. But what Scott really wanted was a full-time job. As many who have been unemployed for some time, Scott looked to volunteering to fill his days. With the unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities hovering above 85%, finding a job was difficult for Scott.

When CEL started its Employment Opportunities Program, we looked to Scott. We started the conversation by asking what he was looking for in his job and went from there. Working with David Zimmerman, CEL's Employment Opportunities Manager, Scott was hired at Mariano’s in June.

“CEL’s Employment Opportunities Program was started so that all individuals who are seeking employment will have jobs that match their career choices, where they are compensated fairly, and they are satisfied,” Zimmerman says. “When we started this initiative, our goal was to start chipping away at the daunting unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities.”

CEL recognizes the ability in everyone and we knew that the high unemployment rate wasn’t because of a lack of desire, but because of a lack of opportunities. CEL will continue chipping away and showcasing that people with developmental disabilities just need the opportunity to show what they can do.

Scott enjoys his job as a full-time custodian and likes the people he works with. Through his job, he has found purpose and recognition. And three months into his job, Scott was named employee of the month in September for his hard work!

If you know of any employers who would be interested in learning more about our Employment Program, log on to https://www.centerforenrichedliving.org/employment-opportunities-program or contact David at David@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org or 847.315.9912

About the Center for Enriched Living

The Center for Enriched Living exists to enhance and enrich the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – from youth through adulthood. CEL’s programs provide social, recreational and educational opportunities for our members in our newly renovated Universally Designed building in Riverwoods. Watch our video to see CEL programs in action! More information available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.