Finding Jobs for Disabled Adults

Adults with disabilities are eager to work, but finding their niche in the employment workforce can be particularly challenging.

That's where CenterForce in Lakewood gets involved.

CenterForce is a private non-profit agency that's served the South Puget Sound area since 1968. It is the largest vocational vendor for disabled people in Pierce County.

CenterForce helps to reduce the number of jobless workers, currently employing about 275 people. Some move on to work independently and others have remained with the agency for decades.

Its headquarters, located near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, serves as a production department. Its facility maintenance program offers businesses quality services with a supervised crew.

in Lakewood is staffed with CenterForce's disabled clients, providing jobs for those like Jemal, a customer service representative.

He's developed his own skill set with CenterForce's support.

"Jemal is very courteous and customer service oriented," said Kari Conlen, Employment Development for CenterForce. "He is always there to hold open the door for someone with a heavy package and provide assistance."

Conlen identifies her clients' job strengths and matches them with an occupation in demand. The biggest challenge, she said, is building trust and conveying to the prosepctive business that they are a good match.

"An issue is making connections with different businesses," she said, adding that many disabled people who want to work have been sheltered through family issues.

About one-quarter of CenterForce's clientele are seeking work, said Linda Barnard, program director. The agency categorizes its training and assistance programs into pre-vocational services, group supported employment and community access.

Some well-known businesses look to CenterForce for assembly and production needs, including Alaska Airlines, Big Al's Tackle, Brown & Haley and Frank Russell. Right now, a group of employees is crafting wooden name blocks for Weyerhaeuser employees.

You'll find CenterForce employees in area restaurants, in barracks kitchens on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and in coffee shops and grocery stores. The work gives them a sense of purpose in the real-world work force. But it's an uphill battle marketing their skills and convincing businesses they are just as qualified, Conlen said.

Seventy-nine percent of disabled people who are unemployed cite discrimination in the workplace and lack of transportation as major factors that prevent them from working, according to Center For Accessible Society. The website also shows that people with disabilities who find jobs earn less than their co-workers, and are less likely to be promoted.

But as long as CenterForce is around, disabled people can count on receiving as much help finding a job that suits their strong points.

Who: CenterForce

Where: 5204 Solberg Dr. S.W., Lakewood WA 98499

Contact: 253-584-1001