State Farm Grants $5,000 to The Arc NCR

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s (The Arc NCR) Vocational Services program was awarded $5,000 in grant funding this year from State Farm Insurance. The grant is for Job Readiness Training for people with differing abilities from the State Farm Public Affairs Community Outreach Grant and local State Farm Agent, Kyle Tomlinson. Thanks to these funds, supported employment services at The Arc NCR is now able to incorporate a variety of new options to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace.

The goal of supported employment is to provide equal job opportunities for individuals with differing abilities in the community, and to increase independence. The State Farm grant has allowed The Arc NCR to utilize a program called “SNAP” – Specific Natural Activity Program. This program focuses on personal safety, communication, emotions, hygiene, employment and adult daily living skills. Additional purchased tools include employee development DVDs to increase workplace communication skills and job readiness, and Samsung Galaxy tablets. The tablets are an important assistive technology device, and provide the opportunity for mobile training and to assist with communication barriers.

“The State Farm grant helped propel The Arc NCR’s employment services into a more person-centered, focused program,” says Director of Vocational Services, Nicole Hazel. “We are a community-based program, and this money allows us to provide innovative support. It is an amazing opportunity.”

An employment partnership with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region provides businesses with pre-screened and well-qualified job candidates, on the job training assistance, dedicated and dependable workers, innovative approaches to employment and recruitment issues and transportation planning. Tax credits and other incentives may be available. Ask a job placement professional at The Arc NCR for additional information. To learn more, contact The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region at 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build better lives by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.